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Volume 210, No. 47
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, November 29, 2018
COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND
COUNTY REPS, SUPERVISORS MAY BENEFIT
Newsstand Price $1
Pay Hikes Considered By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN
W Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal
Joseph Hempstead, Springfield Center, is off on the Turkey Trot 5K run Thanksgiving Day in Oneonta, in 15-degree weather.
Carbon Monoxide Blamed For Death Of Bassett Guard
I
n its four-year fight to block a natural gas line through southern Herkimer County, Otsego 2000 Monday, Nov. 26, took its case to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, a step short of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Cooperstown-based environmental group is challenging FERC’s mid-summer decision to allow Dominion Transmission’s New Market Project to proceed. For details and Otsego 2000’s brief, visit
AllOTSEGO.com
www.
IN THE RACE: MacGuire Benton, former chair of the Otsego County Young Democrats, said he plans to run for Cooperstown Village Board next March. Trustees Bruce Maxson, Richard Sternberg and Jeanne Dewey are up for reelection.
►EDITORIAL: County needs “best practices”; Gentile plan is “best practices”/SEE A5 similar Upstate counties. “M&C” stands for “management and confidential,” and includes
B
LESSED
department heads. The proposed 2019 county budget also includes almost $3,000 raises for each of the 14 county representatives, from $10,500 to $13,400. The last county-rep raise, $259 a year, was approved in 2007 for the Please See RAISES, A7
SEASON
Patients Recall Wade Bostwick Fondly
Otsego 2000 Goes To D.C. In Gas Fight COOPERSTOWN
ith a calm public hearing behind it, the Otsego County Board of Repre-
sentatives appears to have an open field to approve sweeping pay hikes that, while costing $1/2 million, would raise its 104 “M&C” employees only to the average level of similar employees in 16
By LIBBY CUDMORE MILFORD
W
hen Kerry Hall took her son, J.T., then 10, into Bassett Hospital, it was a struggle to get him to communicate with his doctors. “He was scared, Visitors to Bassett he wouldn’t let the doctors near him,” she recall Wade Bostwick manning said. “He was just sitting front door of Field- in a corner.” stone Building. But Wade Bostwick, veteran Bassett security guard, knew what to do. “He came in and sat on the floor with him and asked him about what he liked,” the mother said. “He brought him a stuffed animal and a Pepsi, and they chatted about video games and fishing. After Wade was able to bring him out of his shell, he Please See BOSTWICK, A3
T
Village Clears Title, Muddied Since 1813, On ‘Phinney’s Field’ By PATRICK WAGER
ICE DUE: The perimeter COOPERSTOWN boards are up and the Badger Park rink is expected to be he ghost of Elihu ready for the skating public Phinney – or at at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. least his estate – may finally be put MORE ON TREES: The to rest. Davey Resource Group will The Village Board at discuss Cooperstown’s trees its monthly meeting on at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, in a venue the 26th bought a 12-foot to be announced. strip of land that splits the driveway leading from Elm Street into Doubleday Field; 30-foot
T
long, the strip extends into left field. According to Village Attorney Phinney Martin Tillapaugh, Doubleday Field – formerly Phinney’s cow pasture – was assembled in the 1930s from 39 different deed holders. Please See LAND, A7
Libby Cudmore/The Freeman’s Journal
hough the weather outside was frightful – minus 10 degrees! – crowds lined Cooperstown’s Main Street for a parade to help welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, top photo, as they returned to their Pioneer Park home on Friday, Nov. 23. Santa will be in residence at his cottage every weekend through Dec. 24, hearing the Christmas wishes of good girls and boys like Charlie Ellsworth, 4½, Cooperstown, at left, who took a peek through the window of the cottage to see what wonders awaited him.
OTSEGO HILLS TOUGHENED DEWEY, RUSSELL
Cooperstown Pals Win One Of 10 Boston Marathon Wheelchair Spots By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN
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he Boston Marathon’s infamous “Heartbreak Hill” – a half-mile stretch just over the 20 mile mark – doesn’t worry Jacob Russell and Patrick Dewey one bit.
“Coming from Cooperstown, every hill is Heartbreak Hill,” said Russell. “We’ve done the Coop Loop and the Race The Lake half-marathon. We’re used to hills.” Russell, a senior at Harvard, and Dewey, a senior at Edinboro University, qualified for the 2019 Boston Marathon as a wheelchairracing team. “They have 10 spots for Please See PALS, A7
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
LOCALS Church Group To Assist Texas Asylum Seekers
Sign Of Season: Garden Clubs Decorate Fenimore’s Galleries
Veterans Honored At Centers With Special Ceremony, Flag
COOPERSTOWN
J
eannine Webster joined 10 other Cooperstown residents as part of a trip to Dilley, Tx, where they will volunteer with and for the Dilley Pro Bono Project. They will spent 12 hours a day, Monday - Friday, Nov. 26-30 at the the South Texas Detention Center, serving as support to the legal teams representing the detained mothers and children seeking asylum. With her are Annie Halvorsen, Andy Hurysz, Dwynn Golden, Van Ramsey, Robert Nelson, Kristen Jastremski, Margaret McGown, Barbara Luhmann, Susan Weil and Katharine Muir. Additionally, Faith Gay, a lawyer, has offered her “services, advice and reassurance” to the group by phone and email.
As is the Christmas tradition, Cooperstown’s Lake & Valley Garden Club – including, from left, Meg Tillapaugh, Mickie Richtsmeier, Suzanne Kingsley and Lorraine Ackerman – Monday, Nov. 26, decorated The Fenimore Museum’s galleries for the season. They were assisted by the Oxford, Greene and Norwich garden clubs. Starting the 27th, the decorations will be on view for the public through Dec. 30.
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Mark Pettengill shakes hands with Army Col. (ret.) Dave Sanford, Cooperstown, during a LEAF RAKE: Tessa Griger, Veterans Day ceremony at Cooperstown Center. Cooperstown, particpated in Twenty veterans and 23 staff attended the certhe 13th annual community emony, where each veteran was thanked with a salute and handshake plus given a Certificate of Leaf Rake at SUNY New Merit. The ceremony also included a US Flag that Paltz. flew over the Capitol in Washington DC that was inserted into a cherry-wood display case, along with a veterans-wide certificate, given by Senator Kirstin Gillibrand. Finally a “Wall of Honor” was unveiled, that will include the flag display case and photos of each veteran.
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Carbon Dioxide Leak Blamed In Death BOSTWICK, A3 allowed himself to be treated. Wade was a lifesaver. “We need more people like that,� she said. Bostwick, 50, was found deceased Saturday, Nov. 24, in the living room of
his Center Street home in Milford after his son Andy called 911. “We received a call about a man not breathing,� said Milford Fire Chief Don Eckler, “When we arrived, we found smoke in the
house and a small fire in the basement.� According to Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., who was also called to the scene, the fire started in the hotwater heater. An autopsy at Lourdes’
Hospital in Binghamton determined that the cause of Bostwick’s death was carbon-monoxide poisoning, likely from a malfunction the hot-water heater. Devlin said the investigation is still ongoing. “We don’t respond to carbon-monoxide calls every day,� said Eckler.
“That’s what makes this so shocking.� Anthony Gentile, county Code Enforcement Office director, said what happened underscored the importance of a carbonmonoxide detector, which he said is as important as a smoke detector. “Carbon monoxide is
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odorless and tasteless,� he said. Such detectors are required for new homes and expansion projects, said Eckler, but many homes in the county, including Bostwick’s, don’t have them. They should be placed outside of every bedroom, said Gentile, and many smoke alarms now include them. “All homes should have them,� Devlin agreed. “They’re an early warning sign.� He also said that all fuelburning appliances should always be involved by a professional, as malfunctions can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. “When a fuel-burning appliance is properly vented, there’s no build-up of carbon monoxide,� said Gentile. “But if it’s old or defective, you won’t know that it’s building up.� According to county 911 Director Rob O’Brien, his office has received 45 calls this year about carbon monoxide, although several of those were because of low batteries or bad sensors. “All alarms should be taken seriously,� he said. “Occupants should contact 911 and evacuate the structure.� He also stressed that occupants should not ventilate the structure, prior to evacuating, and should keep all windows and doors closed, prior to the arrival of responders. Wade was born Oct. 14, 1968, in Oneonta and lived in various places before returning to Milford with his son Andy in 2008. He is survived by his son, Andrew; father, Charles and Wanda; sisters, Gina and Heather; stepchildren, Christina, Nikka and David and their families; two nephews, Christopher and Adam; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Private services will be held at a later date. “It’s a tragic incident,� said Devlin. “Our office worked with Wade, and he was a hard worker. It’s always difficult when it’s someone you know.� “He was so sweet,� said Hall. “I was so sorry to hear of his passing.�
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Perspectives
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
EDITORIALS
KEEP REFORMING UNTIL SYSTEM IS FIXED
Ruffles Takes First Step Against Whack-A-Mole
F
or years now, Otsego County’s annual auction of foreclosed-on tax-delinquent properties has eaten up a lot of oxygen at the county Board of Representatives’ monthly meetings. It’s the Whack-A-Mole of county government, which suggests: There are unresolved issues. So a take-charge presentation by the new county treasurer, Allen Ruffles, at the November meeting was welcome, if partial. First, he declared, having studied the issue, giving delinquent taxpayers four years to pay back bills is counterproductive. In the fourth year, the fees and interest that accrue just make it all that more likely property owners won’t be able to catch up. Three years is the standard among New York State counties, and Ruffles
Maria Ajello makes her monthly plea: Give me my house back.
– as he can within his treasurer’s duties – has implemented it, effective 2022. Second, he encouraged the county board, as a companion measure, to pass a law enabling property owners to “buy back” their own homes.
Himself a former banker, Ruffles said most delinquent properties aren’t mortgaged and contain more-than-sufficient equity to qualify for bank loans to cover what’s owed. The county board should promptly pass the enabling legislation. While Ruffles didn’t need the county reps’ blessing, Rep. Danny Lapin, D-Oneonta, made a motion of support and it was approved, although three county reps – Kathy Clark, Michele Farwell and Andrew Stammel – abstained, uncertain about some of the particulars. • Ruffles’ presentation spurred a debate – of course, the Whack-A-Mole The Freeman’s Journal – on a related issue: Should county At this month’s county board meeting, Allen employees be allowed to bid at the Ruffles, the freshman county treasurer, announces Please See EDITORIAL, A5 steps he’s taking to streamline foreclosures and tax sales. At right is chairman David Bliss.
LETTERS
Photos Demonstrated Need For New Shelter
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gloves, and suture materials. These surgeries are limited to young, healthy shelter animals, and we have had great success with minimal to nil complications. SSPCA owes much to the guidance and skill of our colleague Dr. Joan Puritz in instituting and keeping this spay-and-neuter program going. Also, part of my work at the shelter is volunteer, but a good percentage of it is as a paid professional, compensated at about half what I would be earning in a busy private practice. My goal is to treat what we can at the shelter, and work with area veterinary clinics as needed. It is very satisfying work and I am grateful for the opportunity to be of service. Lastly, I want to acknowledge my veterinary colleagues who have been so supportive of the shelter, past and present. My hope is that those who can, will donate to this much needed new shelter facility. Thanks so much to all who do! JULIE HUNTSMAN, DVM Fly Creek
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To the Editor: Thank you for the Thanksgiving week coverage highlighting the needs of the Susquehanna SPCA (SSPCA) and the capital campaign to build a muchneeded new facility on higher ground. One of my two SSPCA rescue kitties survived a flood a few years ago at the shelter (thanks to good care at Cooperstown Veterinary Associates), but unfortunately her kittens did not survive that disaster. Shelter Director Stacie Haynes has pointed out many reasons for a new facility, and getting out of that flood plain is certainly one of them. I also want to clarify a detail or two about surgeries performed at the shelter, and my role there, in case there is any confusion. In your photo showing our makeshift surgery room, I am actually neutering a male cat, not spaying a female. The feline neuter procedure is quickly done, under general anesthesia, using sterile instruments. Our spays, and dog neuters, are performed under general anesthesia using sterile packs,
For 210 Years
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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher
Tara Barnwell
Plaxall, a plastics company, proposed a rezoning of 15 acres in Long Island City last year in anticipating Amazon might pick that site, which it did in an announcement earlier this month.
To the Editor: Otsego County wants jobs: New York City likewise. Recently Amazon chose NYC and Northern Virginia for its new headquarters’ sites, each employing 25,000 people with an average salary of $150,000. Nice work if you can get it, and 238 localities went for it. Assuming the search wasn’t rigged, what were the criteria for selection? Adjusted for scale and to specifics related to the nature and culture of Big
Tech, Amazon’s selection criteria was similar to those assessed by Otsego Now. Logistically, both note the importance of proximity to airports, rail, and Interstates. Both stress “shovel readiness,” i.e., access roads, utilities, and zoning ready to go on Day One.
Money talks. Amazon and Otsego Now both acknowledge incentives are needed in closing the deal: $5.5 billion in city and state money to Amazon in NYC, a more modest PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to firms relocating in Otsego County. Otsego is a good place to live and work. Want a bagel with schmear? You got it! A church supper with the neighbors. Bring a dish to pass! From a belly flop in a winter lake to a summer opera at Glimmerglass, Otsego
has it all. Amazon calls this criteria “Diverse Culture” and tells us that’s what their employees want. Under another broad criteria, “Community,” Amazon found its employees wanted to further their educations and have access to music and the arts. Amazon chose accordingly. More than most rural counties. Otsego has these amenities. Under the criteria “Labor Force,” Amazon chose catchment areas of at least Please See DOWNEY, A6
Advertising Director & General Manager ON THE RECORD
Libby Cudmore
Managing Editor
Amanda E. Willsey Business Manager Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant
Larissa Ryan Office Manager/Circulation Ian Austin Photographer
Kathleen Peters • Graphics & Production
Amazon, What About Schenevus?
Judith Bartow Billing
Tom Heitz 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.
Mayors To State: Help Burdened Cities Editor’s Note: Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig distributed this Legislative Agenda of the state Conference of Mayors after meeting with 50 colleagues Monday, Nov. 19, in Albany. ►Creation of a Municipal Investment Initiative A proposed $100 million MII would be distributed based on population, poverty level, types of services provided, and the amount of tax-exempt property. Communities would be required to develop a multi-year plan. ►Increase State Funding for Infrastructure
O
ur large number of tax exempt properties, combined with an aging infrastructure, create real challenges for our future economic development and quality of life. GARY HERZIG Mayor of Oneonta
While the primary role of a local government is to provide vital services to its residents, cities and villages must also maintain roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. Future economic development can only be built upon a foundation of a strong infrastructure. ►Allow Municipalities to be Compensated for the Cost of Providing Services to Large Tax-Exempt Properties Local governments must be given the ability to recoup at least a portion of the expenses they incur servicing tax-exempt properties, particularly since such properties often place the greatest strain on municipal services.
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THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
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
Cooperstown – Convictions at the County Court. At a Court of General Sessions, holden at the Court House in this village last week, Caleb E. Brooks was indicted for grand Larceny, charged with stealing a horse, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to confinement in the State Prison, at hard labor for five years. Amaziah Blackmore, an old man about 65 years of age, was also indicted for an assault and battery, with an attempt to commit a rape, on a little girl, about ten years of age in the Town of Unadilla – found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison, at hard labor for four years. These offenders will shortly be removed to the State Prison at Auburn, agreeably to a law of the last session of our Legislature, to labor on the public works there under the direction of the inspectors and agent of said prisons. December 7, 1818
175 YEARS AGO
Gerrymandering in Michigan – There is no parallel to any State in the Union to the results of the election in Michigan for the last three years. In 1840, the Whigs had a majority in both branches in the state legislature, as well as the Governor, and, in order to secure themselves in power, they gerrymandered the state, in making the new apportionment of Senators and Representatives which devolved upon them, so as to secure in their own opinion, a permanent majority in the Legislature, but more particularly in the Senate. And, now we see the result! They have not elected one single Senator since, a period of three years, nor over five, that is one and ten, Representatives. What a severe popular rebuke is this, and what marked lesson to politicians that honesty is the best policy. December 4, 1843
150 YEARS AGO
The Poor – They are always with us
25 YEARS AGO
are many hard-working, temperate, worthy poor people who will not seek relief from that source, who should have it. Report such cases to the Overseer of the Poor. December 4, 1868
125 YEARS AGO
Local – Thomas Caravaglio, our Italian merchant, and the only naturalized man of that nationality in Cooperstown, reports himself the happy father of a child weighing 11 pounds – the only drawback being that it belongs to the sex which under our present State constitution cannot vote, and Thomas is a very decided Democrat. In looking for a Christmas present to an absent friend, it may occur to some that the most acceptable one will be The Freeman’s Journal for the coming year. December 7, 1893
100 YEARS AGO
Mrs. E.M. O’Dell of Toddsville received from the War Department last Thursday, the sad news of the death “over there” from the influenza and pleuro-pneumonia of her son Harry J. Andrews. Private Andrews was twenty-five years of age and a cook in a field kitchen attached to Company “M” 107th Infantry. He enlisted with the Mohawk Company of the old First Regiment December 1993 and was in training for over a year at Camp Wadsworth before going overseas. He was – as few here, perhaps, as in almost every employed before entering the service of his place of its size – some very worthy and country by William Remy at Toddsville and deserving poor – and during the winter was a faithful worker. Besides the mother season especially they need assistance. he has a brother Stanley, who is in a hospiGood people of Cooperstown, of comforttal in England and another brother Hubert able homes and means beyond your wants, who resides at home. do not let them suffer. Seek them out and December 4, 1918 quietly relieve their wants. Open the hand of Christian charity and evince your love to God by showing love to his needy children. The annual celebration of Old English Churches should as a general rule take care Christmas Revel will be held at the Knox of their own poor. They have officers whose School on Saturday evening, December 11, business it is to look after the wants of the at 8:30 p.m. The foyer of the school will be needy of their own membership. The Board transformed into the banquet hall of Keof Supervisors levied $1,000 on this town nilworth Castle on Christmas Eve during the for the temporary relief of the poor. There
75 YEARS AGO
reign of Queen Elizabeth. The Revel is under the direction of Miss Suzanne Taft and her assistant, Miss Paula Thebaud. The entire student body will take part in the celebration. Miss E. Russell Houghton extends a cordial invitation to any friends of the school who wish to attend. On Sunday morning, December 12, at 8 p.m. the Knox School Glee Club under the direction of Miss Constance Cody King will present its annual Christmas Vesper program at the Knox School. On Tuesday, December 14, at 3 p.m. the Lower Knox School students will give their annual Christmas party for Cooperstown children. The Junior High School department will present “Why the Chimes Rang,” an adaptation of the story by the same name. December 8, 1943
50 YEARS AGO
David J. Kidd, principal at Central Technical High School in Syracuse, N.Y. cancelled mid-morning classes on Monday after 300 chanting white teenagers gathered in a park across from the school and refused to attend classes until they were protected from what they claimed were repeated assaults by Negro classmates. Officials said they believed the demonstrations had been brewing for some time and had been touched off by a scuffle at dismissal time Wednesday between whites and blacks. Principal Kidd met with seven white and seven Negro pupils Monday and Tuesday in an effort to resolve issues and classes resumed Tuesday. Kidd said a corridor control program proposed by the 14 pupils would consist of one white and one Negro pupil and one or two faculty members who would tour the school throughout the day, preventing outsiders from entering the building and making sure students were in classes or study halls. John Gethers, a 17-year-old Negro, said “the black and white students have taken a great step forward.” “We are trying to do it together and we can do it,” he said. Thomas Lawrence, 16, called the tension a misunderstanding. December 4, 1968
Democrats Can Rebuild Around Climate Change, Economic Justice
N
ow that the Democrats have made a comeback by capturing the House of Representatives, they are faced with how to use their new power. Up to now, they have been obsessed with Trump, and split on how to address the problems of the day. We’ll get to Trump in a moment. But first, let’s look at what the Democrats have to say ADRIAN about the big issues of KUZMINSKI the day. These boil down to two superproblems: runaway climate change for all and increasing economic insecurity for many. It’s hard to think of any major issue which isn’t entangled in one or both of these, or that wouldn’t be greatly alleviated by progress on either of them. Status quo Democrats (the Clinton-Obama tradition) have become the party’s conservatives. They’ve
been running the show for a generation, and have failed to rein in either climate change or economic insecurity. There’s less and less reason to think they can deal with these mounting problems. • Progressive Democrats, by contrast, are largely defined by the Bernie Sanders movement, which, revealingly, calls itself “Our Revolution.” They are also influenced by the Green party, particularly by its call for a Green New Deal, recently endorsed by Bill McKibben. The Green New Deal is remarkable in its focus on the twin problems of climate change and economic justice. So far, it’s the only alternative this writer has seen to business as usual (just Google “Green New Deal”). The Green New Deal calls for closing overseas military bases and using the savings to help
finance domestic renewal. It demands an end to subsidies and tax breaks for fossil-fuel related industries. It insists on an immediate transition to 100 percent renewables. It identifies the financial system, led by too-big-to-fail private banks, as the main obstacle to economic restructuring. It proposes an alternative public banking system to fund infrastructure, guarantee employment, transition to renewables, offer free education through college, and provide single-payer, comprehensive Medicare for all. • Revolutions are risky business. Can revolutionary excesses be avoided? Climate change and economic insecurity are increasingly catastrophic. Is a Green New Deal
what we need to cope? Is it practical? Can it gain broad support? Can it hope to overcome its formidable opponents? Can its goals be achieved without chaos and abuse of power? A lot will depend on the answers to these questions. But, like it or not, the Green New Deal takes seriously our most intractable problems, and gives us a sense of what it will take to deal with them. If we’re going to have a revolution, this is the one the left envisions. Progress on big issues is unlikely, however, unless Democrats (and Republicans) learn to deal with Trump. We all know his faults. He has also become the voice of social grievances his critics have mostly, to their peril,
ignored. Perhaps most important, he denies climate change and takes extremes of wealth for granted. • Whatever collusions and financial ripoffs might be pinned on Trump, even if illegal, blend all too easily with what many corporations and governments do routinely these days. In these ways, he’s as American as apple pie. He should be impeached if impeachable offenses can be established. But for impeachment to stick, to avoid the appearance of political vengeance, it has to be part of a larger sense of renewed justice that speaks to the revolutionary changes which seem to be increasingly in the air. That means getting serious about climate change and economic insecurity – two items not on Trump’s agenda. Adrian Kuzminski, a retired Hartwick College philosophy professor and moderator of Sustainable Otsego, lives in Fly Creek.
EDITORIALS
Repeated Debate Means Reform Needed EDITORIAL/From A4 annual delinquent-property auction. There was general agreement that employees in the Treasurer’s and the County Attorney’s offices, who are elbows deep in preparing the annual tax sale, should be prohibited from bidding – elected officials, too – but beyond that there were divergences. County Rep. Ed Frazier, R-Unadilla, objected to any restrictions, even on himself and the other reps, saying anyone who thinks a property is worth more could bid against him. The board vice chair, Gary Koutnik, D-Oneonta, called a ban “100-percent optics.” Iffy. . Farwell, the freshman Democrat from Morris, had a more textured view: “We’re the government, and government has lost the people’s trust. I think if you take an extra step to ensure the public’s trust in government, there’s a payoff there worth more than the opportunity for any employee in the county to bid.” She summed up: “If you are an employee of McDonald’s, you cannot participate in those sweepstakes.” • Readers, ask yourself and fellow
employees: In 10, 20 or 30 years on the job, has buying property at public auction ever come up in office conversation? Most of you would say, not at all; not once. It’s just beyond most people’s consideration. The problem here is county employees swim in a sea where delinquent property-tax sales are dissolved oxygen. Everybody breathes that air. It’s conversation in coffee breaks, where the treasurer’s and county attorney’s employees are sipping and sharing in the conversation. There’s simply too much of an opportunity for inside knowledge to be acquired; for county employees, if you will, to prey on the rest of us. Of course, it’s hard to listen to any discussion about tax sales without putting it in the context of the August 2014 auction, where Maria Ajello lost her Town of Richfield home to a neighbor who happened to be a county employee. Another wrinkle: under a then-new policy, Ajello and a Town of Butternuts property owner, Bob Force, were denied the right to buy back their properties on the day of the sale.
They still feel that injustice, and anyone who hears Maria’s monthly plea for mercy feels it too. Injustice left alone festers, with unintended consequences: Fearful, the county board feels it must have a deputy sheriff on duty at all its monthly meetings. • To sum up, Treasurer Ruffles has taken a business-like step in shortening foreclosure from four years to three. Any business owner knows: If you let a bill go unpaid for even a year, the chances of getting paid are miniscule. But he and the county board, hand in hand, should continue to pursue not a best practice or two, but all THE best practices: • One, pass the buy-back legislation, so captured value can be freed and people can stay in their homes. • Two, ban every county employee from bidding on delinquent properties. Steady work, plus good health benefits and a secure retirement are recompense enough. • Three, begin negotiations to make Maria Ajello and Bob Force whole – the properties they lost were worth many multiples of the taxes they owed.
As Citizens, We Either Want Best Practices, Or We Don’t
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aises for public officials can be a hot potato. The raises for county department heads and representatives in the proposed 2019 Otsego County budget are substantial, totalling 20 percent. The 104 people affected would see their salaries, in total, go up about $500,000 – from $2.5 million to $2.99 million. That’s a lot. But let’s look at it another way: County taxpayers have been getting a real bargain. We’re adults. It’s time to step up and meet our responsibilities. Plus, it’s a good time to catch up. Even with the raises, the county tax-rate increase is under the state tax cap. And as county Treasurer Allen Ruffles likes to remind people, we have the lowest county tax rate in the state (thanks to salesand bed-tax revenues from the tourist trade.)
In addition to fairness, there’s a practical reason to support the move. County board Chairman Dave Bliss reported that, once trained and experienced, supervisors depart for counties as close as Delaware, where some jobs pay $10,000 more -- and more. It’s a waste. Finally, Otsego County should be following best practices in everything it does. And what the county board Vice Chairman Gary Koutnik did – he also credits former rep Jim Powers – is indeed best practice. The proposed raises come after a two-year study of 16 equivalent counties. Max-min levels were compiled and adjusted for special situations to come up with an average for the 104 people covered.\ That’s the right way to do it; and doing it the right way is what all of us should want.
THURSDAY-Friday, november 29-30, 2018
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA LETTERS
Leaks Make Gas Expensive, Dangerous
Buying Antiques, estAtes, ArtifActs
All OTSEGO. opportunities Seeking The Following Full-Time, Part Time, Per Diem Positions:
Pathfinder Village is a residential community for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Due to expansion and growth, we are currently accepting applications for the following positions: Special Education Teacher: Responsibilities include providing direct instructional, evaluative, and supervisory services to all students, to ensure the quality of classroom programs at the Pathfinder School. This is a full-time weekday position. Familiarity with current instructional and assessment practices, a Master’s Degree in Special Education and NYS certification as a Special Educator, and a valid NY State driver’s license are required. House Manager: Responsibilities include being responsible for the daily operation of a residential home, provide ongoing support of staff, ensure resident well-being, implement and monitor support plans, and manage budget and medication administration. Sign on Bonus. Direct Support Professionals: Duties include providing supervision and care, implementing and documenting support plans, assisting with personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication administration (overnight shifts receive a shift differential). Training provided. Adult Day Services Specialists: Responsibilities include providing formal and informal training on all habilitation and vocational activities to individuals served. ADS must maintain positive community relationships at all community/activity sites. 7:30am – 3:30pm Monday-Friday. Adult Day Services Program Coordinator: Adult Day Services Program Coordinators are responsible for developing and monitoring the delivery of habilitative and/or vocational activities to individuals served by Pathfinder Village Day Services. A valid NY State driver’s license are required. Hours will be 7:30am – 3:30pm Monday-Friday. Direct Support Professional for Otsego Academy: Duties include supporting informed choice during daily activities, facilitating independence, and providing supervision in and access to a variety of community settings. Applicants must hold a high school or equivalency diploma, valid NYS driver’s license with at least 3 years’ experience. Pathfinder Village offers a competitive salary with excellent benefit package. You may apply online at www.pathfindervillage. org, email your resume to tfallon@pathfindervillage.org, or mail your resume to: Human Resources, Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Rd., Edmeston, NY 13335.
JOIN THE FAMILY OUR COOPERSTOWN STORE is SEEKING STORE ASSOCIATES
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FAMILY #1 Boy, age 9, size 16H: Board games, LEgOs, Pokemon.
FAMILY #6 Boy, age 11, size 12: Music, video games, snow stuff.
Boy, age 13, size 12H (cerebral palsy): Doodle pads, learning toys.
Boy, age 10, size 12: Puzzles, model cars, winter stuff. girl, age 8, size 12: Make-up, hair stuff, baby dolls, winter stuff.
2 FAMILY #2 Boy, age 4, size 5T: Tractors, LEgOs, tool set, keys. Needs winter coat. girl, age 7, size 8/10: Barbies, earrings, comforter set. Needs snow pants.
7 FAMILY #7 Boy, age 12, size 12/14: Animal books, board games, LEgOs. Boy, age 10, size 12/14: Chapter books, LEgOs, board games.
girl, age 2, size 3T: Musical toys, phone, keys. Needs sneakers toddler 7.
girl, age 7, size 8: LOLs, Pikmi Pops, Junie B. Jones books, Barbies.
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FAMILY #2A Boy, age 10: Baseball bat, LEgOs. Needs thermal gloves.
FAMILY #9 Boy, age 8, size XLg: Science kits, LEgOs. Needs coat size 8.
girl, age 14, size 2T: Dolls, dolly diapers, learning toys. Needs diapers size 4.
girl, age 6, size Lg: LOL Toys, Polly Pocket. Needs coat size Lg. girl, age 2, size 3T: PlayDoh kits, baby dolls. Needs coat size 3T.
3 FAMILY #3 girl, age 3, size 5T: My Little Pony, Shopkins, Minnie Mouse. Needs winter coat size 5.
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Boy, age 8, size 10/12: Video games, LEgO games, Nerf gun, LEgO characters.
FAMILY #11 Boy, age 8, size 10: 24" red bike, LEgOs, archery.
Gifts should be both new and unwrapped (price tags removed please), and received no later than December 7 (to allow the elves time for wrapping and loading). Gifts may be dropped off at the offices of The Freeman’s Journal, 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, or at the Salvation Army Chapel, 25 River Street, Oneonta. Questions? Call Santa’s elf Larissa at 607-547-6103, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail ads@allotsego.com.
HOMETOWN
ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
Otsego County’s Newspaper
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DOWNEY/From A4 one million people with followup projections of the number tech-savvy potential employees. Both NYC and Northern Virginia had 250,000 possible hires, approximately 20-percent recent grads with tech degrees. Obviously, Otsego County wouldn’t have met Amazon’s specific needs, but our labor force is ample and educated. Otsego County would also have fared poorly under the criteria of “Connectivity.” Amazon rated each geographical applicant on their fiber and cell-service capacity. Can you hear me now, Otsego? “Sustainability,” a virtue-signaling concept in the Facebook/ Amazon/ Netflicks/Google (FANG) world, was another criteria. Amazon’s methods to attain this goal aren’t clear. Don’t expect 600-foot windmills lining the East River. Rooftop solar is unlikely to power the product of 25,000 workers. Indian Point, Con Ed and Brooklyn Union Gas will still provide. Wisely, Otsego wasn’t among the 238 applicants for Amazon’s headquarters expansion. However, in spite of New York’s high taxes and excessive regulation, the county does have most of the “right stuff” – the logistics, a civic willingness to get things done (including PILOTS), a labor force, a culture and community able to attract people from far and wide. We fail on fiber and cell-phone connectivity. We also fail on utility infrastructure. We need the availability of affordable energy. That means gas. Case in point. Recently a company met with Otsego officials to discuss a distribution center site being prepared in Schenevus. First question: Is gas available? The pipeline situation was explained and possible alternatives were presented. As one of the participants said, “The air went out of the room.” The meeting continued but it was over. With the key incentive off the table, we’ll never know how many jobs Otsego lost. The numbers tell it all. Virginia’s electric-utility regulator recently listed the costs of wholesale electricity by source. Offshore wind costs 13.1 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Onshore wind costs 9.4 cents per kWh. It costs 5.6 cents for new solar. Gas clocks in at 3 cents wholesale. The use of gas for heat presents similar comparative savings. If we want to jump-start job growth in Upstate New York, we’ll need the availability of gas. It’s that simple. Nice work, if we can get it, but not likely anytime soon. DICK DOWNEY Otego
The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta are joining with The Salvation Army to make a joyful Christmas for area families through the Angel Tree Program. This tradition dates back to 1921 with the creation of The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund by Editor & Publisher, Rowan D. Spraker Sr., as a way for neighbors to help others enjoy a happy holiday. This is the 97th year of this community tradition. The Salvation Army has gathered the Christmas wish lists, grouped by family. Help Santa, be an angel!
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resulting in injury, death, or significant direct economic damage – averaged 11 fatalities, 56 injuries, and an average cost of over $300 million per year from 2017-1017. Pipeline incidents averaged 313 per year from 2015-1017. There have been 262 such incidents to date in 2018. Data source: the continually updated statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration division: NY PHMSA Pipeline Data Mart. An adverse event related to natural gas occurs on a daily basis in this country. Ongoing pollution of soil and water and air may not generally result from discrete, recordable incidents, but should not be omitted in reckoning the true costs of the production, transportation, and use of natural gas. This year, 48 miles of defective pipeline in the Merrimack Valley resulted in the evacuation of thousands of persons, losses to small and large businesses, 80 fires and the total loss of 40 homes, three serious injuries and one death. That got recorded. By all means let’s locate a compressor station in Oneonta. Or perhaps in Davenport, next door to Mr. Zagata. MARY ANNE WHELAN Cooperstown
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Buying Antiques, estAtes, ArtifActs
to cite facts: like Mr. Trump, Zagata apparently says whatever pops into his head at the moment. His own statement is utterly without arithmetical, statistical or even plausible inferential foundation of any kind. If he would like to deal in facts, here are some he might like to address. 1) According to the EPA, the amount of gas lost annually due to leaks and flaring represents an economic loss of $1.4 billion dollars, at 2015 prices. This does not include leaks from compressors or loss from explosions. The Aliso Canyon gas leak of 2015-1016 alone lost over 97,000 metric tons of natural gas over four months. The monetary figure does not include economic losses due to accidents, health consequences, local environmental damages, or the more far-reaching effects of climate change: natural gas released into the atmosphere is many times more potent than C02 as a greenhouse gas. Data source: EPA, as cited in the MIT Technology review, February 2016. 2) With regard to the direct human hazards of production, accidents during oil and gas drilling average approximately 100 per year. Accidents related to gas production are the highest of any source of fuel production, including oil, nuclear energy and renewable energy sources.. Data source: Forbes Magazine, Jan. 2018. 3) In New York State, significant incidents – those
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To the Editor: In the Nov. 22-23 issues of your newspapers, Mr. Zagata criticized an elected official for her stance on natural gas and, by inference, opposition to the proposed compressor station in Oneonta and the pipeline to supply it. He went on to say, “If methane leaks erased all the environmental benefits from burning natural gas, then the amount leaked would have to equal the amount burned.” It seems to me that Zagata is in absolutely no position to criticize anyone for failing
For 210 Years
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-7
THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
2019 County Budget Includes $½ Million In Raises For Supervisors RAISES/From A1 2008 year. Overall, the total proposed 2019 budget rises from $110 million to $116 million, a 5.5 percent increase. Total revenues rise from $99 million to $104 million, 5 percent. And the tax levy – the amount raised by local taxes – rises from $11.4 million to $11.7 million, 2.6 percent. The budget could be approved as soon at Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the county board’s monthly meeting. In addition for the county rep raises, the headline is the proposed M&C pay hikes, which grew out of two years of county board deliberations and a year-long study by the four-person county Personnel Office, plus interns, led by Personnel Director Penny Gentile. The process was launched by the county board’s Performance Review & Goal Setting Committee, chaired by board Vice Chair Gary Koutnik, D-Oneonta, who also gave credit to county Rep. Jim Powers, R-Butternuts, who retired at the end of 2017. “I did a lot of research at the beginning and was appalled by what we found in terms of how far behind Otsego County was,”
said Koutnik in an the county as Treainterview. “I think surer Dan Crowell’s that understanding deputy. is slowly becoming That year and the norm” among the next, the county his colleagues. board was frustrated The commitby the failure to tee chair said he recruit a qualified learned some consultant to fulfill Democratic County Rep. the scope of the M&C employees hadn’t gotten Gary Koutnik, left, and study at a reasonable raises in years and his former Republican price. That promptcolleague Jim Powers were being paid ed the reps to put the in the less than some of collaborated project in Gentile’s review of M&C salaries. the people they suhands. pervised. For this Gentile’s group, reason, when a department head Ruffles said, identified the 16 Upstate counties similar to Otsego, retired or resigned, sometimes none of the unionized members in looking at similar M&C positions their department would step up to – in terms of title, duties, salaries, fill the management role, he said. benefits, hours – seeking to even Added board Chair David out the differences and establish Bliss, R-Cooperstown/Town of a maximum average, a minimum Middlefield, “We end up being a average, then an average of the training place. We spend the time max and mins. and money, then they (department Ruffles used the position of heads) go and leave. It ends up Chemung County treasurer as an costing us more in the long run.” example. The salary is $90,000, He also said possible “inefbut that treasurer must pay 20 ficiencies of service because we percent of health insurance and have inexperienced people” are a perform more duties than the Otsego treasurer. “That salary’s concern. According to County Treasurer an outlier,” he said. Allen Ruffles, the study was being The resulting recommendations considered in 2016 when he joined included in the proposed budget
There was also a question whether, as with the state Legislature, it is forbidden for sitting legislators to give themselves raises. However, County Attorney Ellen Coccoma researched the matter, and found that county board can give themselves raises if they do so by county law, which requires a public hearing. As recently as the morning of Tuesday the 27th, Ruffles said, “I’m not sure whether it’s going to happen or not.” That evening, however, the annual budget hearing was held in cavernous Courtroom #1 of the county courthouse in Cooperstown, and no one attended but two reporters and county Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr., (as well as Gentile, Ruffles, his deputy Andrew Crisman, and Coccoma.) The only person to speak was county Rep. Michele Farwell: “People don’t realize that in 2015 the people of Otsego County paid the lowest tax per capita in the state, $213 per person. Our taxes are very low.” Ruffles concurred, adding that the county tax levy – the amount paid by local taxes – is less than that of the Cooperstown Central School District.
Elihu Phinney’s Estate Finally Settled
Cooperstown Pals Head To Marathon knock Dewey around PALS/From A1 in his chair. “I can wheelchair teams prepare him for them, – six spots for but sometimes, you people who qualify can’t avoid them,” outright and four he said. for charity teams,” While Russell is said Russell. running and pushing, The Boston Dewey acts as moMarathon is Montivation. “We talk day, April 15. about the course The pair tried beforehand, so if I last year, but didn’t remember something make the cut, so is coming up, I’ll sing this year, they a classic rock riff began researching we both like – Deep charities in bePurple, Led Zepplin tween races. “We – that’s encouraging. picked the Double And I’ve thought H Ranch, part of about making a runthe Hole in the Wall ning playlist!” Gang,” said Dewey. “He always re“It’s a camp for members what to say kids with disabiliwhen I’m struggling,” ties or life-threatensaid Russell. “Mile ing illness.” 20 is always really Dewey, who difficult for me, but has cerebral palsy, Patrick always keeps attended the camp Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal me positive.” from the ages of Hardened by training in the Otsego Russell recently 7 to 21. “It’s quite hills, Patrick Dewey and Jacob Rusthe special place,” sell have qualified to compete in next purchased a weighted vest to help him train. he said. “There’s a April’s Boston Marathon. “There’s no way to pool, fishing, a high and the wheels were shaky! simulate pushing someone, ropes course. It was amazWe’ve since upgraded.” but running with Patrick ing and we want to bring These days, Patrick uses helps me run better,” he that inclusive summer camp said. “And we run better experience to more people.” a chair especially designed for duo racing. “The chair is because we’re a team.” Russell and Dewey are also more comfortable for “We know what’s difficult hoping to raise $10,000 Patrick because it stretches for each other and encourage through a crowd-funding out his legs,” said Russell. each other,” said Dewey. effort at www.crowdrise. “He’s raised up higher than And though they both com (search “The Hole in with the regular wheelchair, graduate this spring, they’re the Wall Gang Camp 2019 which makes it easier for me hoping to do one last race Boston Marathon”) to hear him when he gives together before heading off In addition to finding a encouragement.” to careers, grad school and charity to run for, they also Russell ran the Boston beyond. “I don’t want this had to run a marathon beMarathon alone last year, to be our last marathon, so tween September 2017 and so he has some sense of the we’re going to try and do October 2018. Though they course. But just because the Race the Lake,” said had run the Race the Lake they’ve done a few runs Russell. “See how we fare in June 2017, they ran the on real hills.” Poughkeepsie Marathon this before doesn’t mean this one will be easy. Bumps can past September. “It was our best race ever,” said Russell. Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing! LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM “Our time was 3:44:08, and www.leatherstockingmortgage.com we came in 64th.” 607-547-5007 (Office) “Everyone was so sup800-547-7948 (Toll Free) portive,” said Dewey. The pair, friends since New Purchases and refinances • Debt Consolidation kindergarten, has been racFree Pre-Qualification • Fast Approvals • Low Rates ing since the 2012 Coop Loop, when they were in Registered Mortgage Broker Matt Schuermann NYS Banking Dept. middle school. “That first Loans arranged by a 3rd party lender. time, we used Patrick’s old 31 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown push wheelchair,” said Rus(directly next door to Stagecoach Coffee) sell. “It didn’t have brakes, specially challenging for can
are the “average,” Ruffles said. Even then, the 104 are earning a total of $2.5 million; the proposed budget raises that to $2.99 million. The package was approved by the county board’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the Administration (Ways & Means) Committee before going to a “mandatory” meeting of the reps Monday the 27th, attended by nine of the 14. By that meeeting, Koutnik and Ruffles said, there was general agreement on the M&C package, but the reps were split on their own salaries. County Rep. Keith McCarty, R-East Springfield, was the most outspoken for the raises, they said. A veteran rep, he’d said he’d never gotten a raise; and if he were to retire, he questioned whether anyone qualified could be found to succeed him. County Rep. Andrew Marietta, D-Cooperstown/Town of Otsego, was unable to attend. In an interview, he said he had been surprised to learn rep salaries were even included in the study. “I think there’s a general discomfort with the idea of people on the county legislature giving themselves an increase,” he said.
LAND/From A1 He compared assembling Doubleday Field to putting together a jigsaw puzzle. In 2008, when the idea of a third-base reconstruction project gained steam, the village had the entire footprint surveyed, and couldn’t identify any owner of that particular strip of land. A great deal of research, Tillapaugh said, traced the title back to Elihu Phinney himself, the editor from Canaan in Columbia County whom William Cooper recruited to found Cooperstown’s first newspaper, the Otsego Herald. After Phinney died in 1813 – he and Cooperstown’s founder had a falling out in 1808, and Cooper started what became The Freeman’s Journal – his holdings, including the strip, went to his heirs. By the 1930s, Tillapaugh said, there were at least 40 different Phinney heirs; the current heirs would probably number many more than that. After discovering the strip, the village began paying the county $60 a year in property taxes.
To settle the matter, it was decided not to pay the taxes, let the county foreclose, then settle the ownership by paying $800 in back taxes, the lawyer said. Also Monday night, village trustees completed SEQRA, the state Environmental Quality Review Act process, clearing the way for replacing the third-base bleachers with modern bleachers and a building that includes offices, restrooms and a public space suitable for wedding receptions. Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch said HPARB, the village’s Historic Preservation & Architectural Review Board, this month gave preliminary approval to the project, pending review of final plans. With the help of a $1 million grant through the office of state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, and another million from the Empire State Development Corp., work may begin in the spring of 2019, the centennial of Doubleday’s creation as a ballfield. Although now debunked, Doubleday Field was considered the “Birthplace of Baseball” for almost a century.
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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
MLS#117549 $289,500 Why not let the income from the studio apartment help pay your mortgage! 3-BR, 3-bath, pristine home nestled in rural Cooperstown, minutes to downtown. Call Donna Schulz @ 607-267-6330
MLS#118224 $675,000 Owner Financing Possible! Custom log home. Spectacular fireplace in great room. Waterfalls, stream, bridge, pond, deck. Nearly 53 private acres. Call David K. Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)
MLS#117521 $80,000 Charming 3-BR, 2-bath, 2-story home w/large yard for family and garden. Close to school and park. Call Nicole Posey @ 518-598-7919
MLS#104145 $185,000 See Otsego Lake from Here! Walk to Main Street, Cooperstown and Bassett Hospital. Good location! Call Donna Schulz@ 607-267-6330 (cell)
MLS#117614 $349,000 Fabulous 3-story Colonial 3+ BRs, 3½ baths, full semi-finished basement, 2-car attached garage, large fenced backyard on 6.27 wooded acres. Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#112950 $699,000 Superior Lake View and Lakefront! 22 acres, 100' waterfront. Open kitchen/DR/LR, FP, manicured lawn, pool, patio, recreation room, 3 garages. Call George (ROD) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#116028 $189,000 Excellent Hunting Property – Low Taxes! Only 3 miles to the village of Cooperstown. Almost 90 acres w/septic, well and electric. Call Carol Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (Cell)
MLS#116837 $87,500 Turn-of-the-Century Farmhouse 4 BRs, 1 bath, on 5 acres w/fabulous view. Located close to Oneonta and Cooperstown. Don’t wait ! Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#115419 $239,900 Secluded Home on 2.3 Acres! Granite countertops, kitchen isle, 2 porches, radiant heat, hot water on-demand, Hardie Board siding. 3 BRs, 2 baths. Call George (ROD) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#118994 $425,000 Magnificent Log Home on 90 Acres ! 4 BRs, 2 full baths, 2 kitchens, large pond, indoor pool! Great hunting and hiking! Near Cooperstown and Oneonta. Call David K. Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)
MLS#107047 $449,000 Thistle Brook Farm Unique converted 1860s barn is near Cooperstown. Family retreat, B&B, or high-end rental investment all on 5.7 acres. Approx 8,900 sq ft. Call Kristi Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#118088 $99,000 Owner Financing Possible! 3 prime, adjacent land parcels less than 10 minutes to Cooperstown! Over 24 gorgeous and secluded acres. Call David K. Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)
MLS#118481 $ 524,900 Custom-built 5,200 sq ft log home w/breathtaking mountain views on just under 27 acres w/stream. Zoned radiant heat, 3,350 sq ft, finished basement. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)
MLS#118014 $649,900 Cooperstown estate on 55+ acres. Formal DR, open LR, kitchen and family room. All glass towards view. 2 FPs, 5 BRs, 4 baths, 3 decks, 2 garages. Master BR. Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
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MLS#118464 $190,000 Restored Farmhouse Money-making income property. 3-BR, 1½-bath historic house restored to offer modern comforts. Creek nearby, sunroom. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)
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THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
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New Price! Don’t Delay! Make an appointment to view this home which features exposed staircase entry w/natural woodwork, spacious LR and DR, updated oak kitchen, private backyard, roomy garden shed w/electric! Oversized 1-car garage features overhead storage area, attached carport! West End Oneonta location offers safe access to local elementary school, town pool, tennis courts (free), ballfields. Walkable amenities include bank, pharmacy, grocery, several restaurant choices! Ticks off many wants/needs on your home wish list…solid cedar-stamped metal roof on house and porches, newer electric service, hardwood floors under carpets. Roll up your sleeves and apply some paint, paper, redecoration for instant equity in this gem! MLS#117925 $109,000
fax 607.432.7580 www.oneontarealty.com
Priced to Sell! Great investment property. This 2-family home could be super profitable. This home features wood floors, large rooms, huge yard, aboveground pool, deck, large shed and a beautiful classic front porch. Would be an awesome owner-occupy or purchase for investment! Close to Cobleskill College, 30 minutes to Albany and Oneonta. Come take a look today and start making some money!
Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
MLS#119128 $79,900
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
ASHLEY
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com
29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-4045 Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
Paradise Found
Lakefront Home
(8226) 4-BR, 2-bath Colonial offers Canadarago Lake setting, 80' lakefront. Modern eat-in kitchen, dining area, ceramic tile baths, mud room, large LR w/fireplace. Includes a small cottage on the water. Do not let this lovely charmer get away! Richfield Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$290,000
Country Living
(8451) Your private refuge on 23.10 acres. Secluded 4-BR, 3+bath, hills-view custom home w/widespan country views. Formal DR, great room, woodstove, home office, cheery sun room, family room. Fantastic flooring throughout. Modern kitchen w/quartz countertop, oak cabinets. 2-car garage, patio, back porch. Fruit trees. CV-S Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive. $389,000
(8540) 3-BR, 3-bath hills-view ranch on 16.37 acres offers eat-in kitchen w/oak cabinets, den w/fireplace, spacious LR, main-level master BR. Laundry, central vac, attached 2-car garage. Back porch, large barn w/workshop. Milford Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$279,000
John Mitchell Real Estate
INSURANCE MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS.
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216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com
Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405
Laura Coleman 607-437-4881
Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183
Madeline K. Woerner Jane McCoy 607-434-3697 607-232-3442
Kristen Bellois 607-282-2251
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Every week someone decides to sell a house. Every week someone decides to buy a house.
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Your “HOMETOWN” Insurance Agency 209 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall 607-263-5170 in Morris www.bieritzinsurance.com
Celebrating our
Ben Novellano
th 27 YEAR! 1990-2017
Lake Street Colonial – Move-in condition 1845 Colonial is across from the Otesaga and Otsego Lake. 2015 kitchen w/lots of cupboards, soapstone counters, wood-topped bar, farm sink, SS appliances, wide pine floors. Sunny dining area is adjacent. Original butler’s pantry. Front parlor has fireplace w/gas insert, built-ins. Adjacent family room is open. Half-bath w/laundry, mudroom. Upstairs hallway has built-ins, closet, 2 BRs, Jack and Jill bath, full bath, master w/private bath, 4th BR, wood floors, walk-up attic. Front and side porches. New slate patio w/stone walls, 2-car garage w/upper level. Large yard w/perennials and room to play. Lots of upgrades. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $549,000 Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com
For Appointment: Patricia Bensen-Ashley, Broker/Owner, 607-437-1149 Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 607-547-5304 • Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-287-4113 Chris Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175
Real estate agents in the know advertise in THE REgION’S lARgEST NEWSpApER REAl ESTATE SECTION. Call 607-547-6103 NOW!
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Hardwood Laminate Carpet VinyL · tiLe
OTSEGO.life
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30, 2018
FOR THE LOVE OF
Michael Tracy holds up a feast in the “tasting nook” of Elena’s Michael Catering, which he founded to honor his partner Elena Doyle’s local legacy as a famed chef – that’s her jacket on the left.
E
TOWNE FLOORING
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For the best selec tion of flooring in You need to go to the Tri-Counties… Towne!
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LENA
HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO
THINGS TO DO
AllOTSEGO.life
Jim Kevlin/
Santa waves to all the good children of Oneonta as Seth Finch drives him into the city at the conclusion of the annual parade, to be held this Saturday.
Santa and Sweets, Ugliest Sweaters And Carol Singing
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Michael Tracy’s Catering Celebrates His Beloved’s Talents By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
A
s a football coach at Hartwick College, Michael Tracy would sometimes find himself with a player who had lost a parent. “They always asked, ‘Coach, what do I do now?’” he said. “And I’d always tell them, ‘You know what to do – they taught you.’” In April, following the death of his partner, Elena Doyle, he visited her grave in East Meredith every day. “I sat there and I asked, ‘Honey, what do I do?’” he said. “And then I realized, I do this.” In September, Tracy opened Elena’s Michael Catering in the Hearths A’Fire plaza In 2008, Michael Tracy walked into Elena’s Sweet Indulgence to sell her on Route 23 east of Southside Oneonta. “I an ad. He never left. Here, the couple never studied culinary,” he said. “I’m the grills salmon.
‘W
ith Elena, it was always about the love and passion. I could never duplicate that. This is about honoring her.”
MICHAEL TRACY Her sweetheart and successor
coach who cooks!” He brought in the fridge and ovens from their East Meredith home, and tested his recipes at the Delaware County Fair. “There were 17 women there, and in comes this big guy with all these appetizers,” he said. “I took home two blue ribbons and two red ribbons.” Locally, many were introduced to his offering at the annual Taste of Foothills at the end of October. The couple met in 2008, when Tracy, Please See ELENA, B3
His Belgians Drive Santa’s Sleigh To Pioneer Park Given A Shetland Pony, Greg Hall Just Took It From There deer this time of year!” said Santa. “Although this year might have been an exception – it was MINUS-10!” COOPERSTOWN But rain, snow or fog, warm or cold, Greg Hall and here rose a his faithful team of dilemma. horses have been Santa and escorting Santa Mrs. Claus needed into the village for to get to Pioneer nearly 30 years. Park to greet the “I know Santa good children of very well,” said Cooperstown. But Hall. “Even before I how? had the horses! He “Cooperstown is Please See Greg Hall’s looks the part of too warm for rein- Santa’s chauffeur. BELGIANS, B4 By LIBBY CUDMORE
T AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Monty and Andy, led by Greg Hall, have driven Santa and Mrs. Claus to Cooperstown for years.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA
I
t’s a whole day of Christmas cheer as Santa Claus arrives in downtown Oneonta! First, enjoy the parade down Main Street that welcomes St. Nick to the city, then tour the beautiful gingerbread houses on display at Foothills and swap cookies with your neighbors. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m, Saturday, Dec. 1, Main Street and Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Info (607) 432-2941. • Ugly is in the eye of the beholder in Cooperstown LIBBY as the annual Rockin’ CUDMORE Around Cooperstown Ugly Sweater Run celebrates this festive favorite. Take a jog and enjoy a beverage from Stagecoach or Ommegang at the finish line. Proceeds benefit Catskill Area Hospice. Noon, Saturday, Dec. 1, Santa’s House, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. Info (607) 547-2800. • Artisans and bakers unite under one roof for the annual Cookies & Crafts sale. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Info (607) 432-3491. • ‘Tis the season for Christmas music as the Catskill Choral Society presents “NOEL! A Celebration of Carols Past and Present” featuring Messe de minuit pour Noel, more with artistic director/ conductor Dr. G. Roberts Kolb. Tickets $22/adult at-door. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, Auditorium, Cooperstown High School. 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info (607) 4316060. • Local businesses and organizations got into the holiday spirit to decorate for the Edmeston Museum’s Festival of Trees. Free admission, enjoy refreshments. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 1 North St., Edmeston. (607) 547-6564.
AllOTSEGO.com, WHERE OTSEGO COUNTY GOES FOR BREAKING NEWS
VISIT www.
B-2
AllOTSEGO.life Friday, November 30
GARDEN CLUB – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Holiday Greens Sale & Luncheon featuring wreaths, fresh arrangements, bake sale. Proceeds to beautify downtown Oneonta. St. James Episcopal Church, 300 Main St., Oneonta. E-mail millerwillis3@gmail.com. VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m. Visit, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. 607-547-9983.
THURSDAY-Friday, november 29-30, 2018 GINGERBREAD DROP-OFF – 3 - 6 p.m. Enter creations in Gingerbread Jubilee. Atrium, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080. OPENING RECEPTION – 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. “The Return of the Taj Garage: Finery & More From Nepal & India.” Find items from travels of Steve Clorfeine. Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. 607-547-5327. PAINT & SIP – 6:30 - 9 p.m. Paint Santa inspired creation with local artist Kathy Knox. Registration required.
Cost, $35/person for materials, instruction, drinks. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego. 607-988-6661. FILM SCREENING – 6:30 & 9 p.m. “Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichman.” Cost, $3. Red Dragon Theater, SUNY Oneonta. FLOAT NIGHT – 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy fun in pool, movie. Guests must be accompanied by member. Oneonta YMCA, 20-26 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432-0010. PLANETARIUM – 7 p.m.
All OTSEGO. dining & entertainment
Learn about Supernovae, role in stellar “circle of life” followed by night sky viewing at SUNY O College Camp. AJ Read Science Discovery Center, SUNY Oneonta. 607436-2011. CONCERT – 7:30 p.m. Catskill Choral Society presents “NOEL! A Celebration of Carols Past and Present” featuring Messe de Minuit pour Noel, more. Tickets $22/ adult at-door. Auditorium, Cooperstown High School. 607-431-6060.
Saturday, December 1
OPEN STUDIO – 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday showroom featuring overrun fabrics, scarves, shawls, based on historical fabrics. Great gifts, refreshments, holiday cheer. Meet fashion designer Gary Graham 4:305:30. Thistle Hill Weavers, 143 Baxter Road, Cherry Valley. 518 284-2729. HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR – 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find unique, quality, handmade gifts by local, regional crafters. Ballroom, Hunt College Union, SUNY Oneonta. BARN HOLIDAY – 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Find seasonal goodies, simple wares, antiques, hot
OTSEGO COUNTY
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHAT’S FUN AROUND HERE send calendar items to info@all
otsego.com
cider, gingerbread cookies, more from another century. Butternut Barn, 1186 Allen Lake Road, Richfield Springs. 315-858-0964. FESTIVAL OPENING – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Opening reception of festival of trees. View holiday trees decorated by local businesses/organizations displayed throughout museum. Light refreshments included. Free admission. On view Wednesdays through 12/19. The Edmeston Museum, 1 North St., Edmeston. 607-547-6564. HOLIDAY DISPLAY – 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. “The Return of the Taj Garage: Finery & More From Nepal & India” from travels of Steve Clorfeine and featuring artisanal crafts. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown.
607-547-5327. COOKIES & CRAFTS – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Holiday cookies, amazing crafts, corn chowder. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432-3491. DECORATING CONTEST – 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Families compete to create best decorated gingerbread house. Kits, candy provided. Prizes will be awarded at holiday parade 12/8. Earlville Opera House, 18 E. Main St., Earlville. 315-691-3550. HOLIDAY FUN – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Begin with Home for the Holidays Parade down Main St., followed by 3rd annual Gingerbread Jubilee, 2nd annual Festival of Trees, Community Cookie Swap, photo opportunity with Anna & Elsa of Arendelle. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-432-2941. OPEN HOUSE – 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Display of children’s games, artwork, coloring books, textile arts, more. Kids can decorate premade Gingerbread houses Noon-1:30 p.m. Springfield Historical Society, CR-29A, Springfield Center. 607 2643375.
Saturday, December 1
UGLY SWEATER RUN – Noon. Run through Cooperstown rocking out in your ugliest holiday sweater. Followed by free beverages from Stagecoach Café, Brewery Ommegang. Proceeds benefit Catskill Area Hospice. Begins at Santa’s House, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. 607-547-2800. AVAILABLE – Noon. Youths may pick up applications to 4-H Earn-an-Animal Program, an opportunity to purchase, raise, show dairy/beef cattle, rabbits, sheep, swine, more. Application due by 1/1/19. CHRISTMAS TEA – 1 - 3 p.m. Come celebrate this Christmas Season with Tea & Bake Sale. Cooperstown United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Cooperstown. 607-547-9540. VISIT SANTA – 1 - 5 p.m. Visit, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. See Friday Listing. MORE CALENDAR, Pg. 6
45 Pioneer St., Cooperstown (Just off Main Street) 607-547-8100 • www.cooperstownwines.com
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Let us help you celebrate the holidays! Spend a romantic evening at the inn after a sumptuous dinner.
Book our private dining room or a special table for a holiday party or family gathering., or pick up custom catering anytime. Live music Sunday, Dec. 9 with well-loved pianist Sar-Shalom. Cocktails at 4 pm, concert at 5 pm and then dinner. Call for reservations! We offer gift certificates for your family and friends.
AllOTSEGO.life
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, november 29-30, 2018
B-3
For Michael Tracy, Operating Catering Business Is Labor Of Love ELENA/From B1 then working at All-Star Village, went into Elena’s Sweet Indulgence to try and sell her an ad in the youth park’s booklet. “I bought her a cappuccino. And from then on, we never left each other’s side,” he said. He joined her in the business, learning how to cook and make her famous desserts. “The first time I went with her, a server didn’t show, so she made me set the table!” he said. “There are 13 items in formal dinnerware, so she showed me how to set one, and I related it to a football formation. She looked at me and said, ‘I don’t know how you did it, but you did a good job.’” From there, he began to work with her on other jobs, and developed some of his own signature dishes, including his Eggplant Caponata, a sweet-and-
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Michael Tracy admires a pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, a favorite dish he learned from Elena Doyle.
sour Sicilian recipe, baconwrapped pork tenderloin, and strawberry-blueberry cheesecake. “I love talking to brides and grooms,” he said. “I love hearing about their relationship. Every wedding is an adventure, and I want to do more of them.” In addition to on-site catering, Tracy plans to rent out the space for events for up to 50 people. But his catering isn’t just for weddings and parties. While he was coaching at Hamilton College, he and Elena created the “Coach Saver” meal, designed for teams at away games to save them the trouble of looking for a restaurant, allowing the team to get back on the bus and head home after a game. “They get one of six sandwiches, a bag of chips, fruit and a bottle of water,” he said. “And I make big sandwiches – they weigh a
pound each!” He also delivers them to the bus at the end of the game. “Last week I did 197 meals,” he said. “I email all the coaches in the area and wish them luck, then tell them I’d love to cook for them!” And when she was alive, Elena took his passion for his coaching to heart. “Every time my team scored on defense, she would make them a cake,” he said. He pays homage to her with photos, as well as her chef’s jacket displayed by the tasting table, where he meets with clients to plan menus. “I’m not trying to duplicate her,” he said. “She had so much experience, but with Elena, it was always about the love and passion. I could never duplicate that. This is about honoring her.”
AllOTSEGO.dining & entertainment new york pizzeria 2 large plain pizzas $25* Tax included! Toppings extra
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• Bocca osteria • happy hour
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www.boccaosteria.com · 607-282-4031 5438 State Hwy 28 · Cooperstown, NY 13326
Every Friday 5 pm to 8 pm *Bar service only
B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
A Gift Got Greg Hall Interested In Horses; Now, He Drives Santa BELGIANS/From B1 always came to my house.” Hall has been raising horses at his Heathen Farms in Cherry Valley for more than 40 years. “Many years ago, I bought some land not far from the Clark Sports Center, and George Cade, a real-estate appraiser, asked if he could hay my land,” he said. “He came with horses,
Cade took him to Columbus, Ohio, where he would give pony rides. And it was in Columbus, Ohio, at a horse auction in the early ’70s that he met Prince and Colonel, his first Belgian draft horses. “They’re gentle giants,” he said. “They’ve been through it all. I joke that they’re bomb-proof – a bomb could go off underneath them and they wouldn’t get spooked.” He brought them back to raise them at Heathen Farms, taking them out for his own sleigh rides and to spread manure in his fields. In 1988, he was asked Ian Austin/ OTSEGO.life to drive Santa, who had Greg Hall tends Monty at previously come into his Cherry Valley farm. town on a fire truck. “It’s unusual to bring him in with horses,” he said. “It and that gave me the itch.” goes with the Victorian And soon, Cade arrived at Bruce Hall one afternoon theme of a Cooperstown Christmas.” with a horse for his friend. For many years, Prince “It was a Shetland pony!” and Colonel pulled the said Hall, laughing. wagon, and these days, it’s “I didn’t think it was the Monty, 17 and Andy, 20, horse for me,” Hall conalso Belgian draft horses. tinued, “but he showed me Their easy nature and how to train it and soon I enormous size makes them was putting it on a cart and driving it into town on Sun- ideal for pulling a wagon full of 20 of Santa’s elves days for the newspaper.” and friends. “The temperaBut the family wanted to ment is so great with them,” come along too, and soon, he said. “Not everyone the cart was overloaded. could bring a team of horses Cade helped him get a secdown the street with all ond Shetland and another the screaming kids and the cart, but soon, that one was police lights.” overloaded too. “I decided But before Santa gets to he’d probably better get a town, Hall and the team like bigger horse,” said Cade.
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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, november 29-30, 2018
to get the horses – and the kids – in the spirit by giving rides around town. “It’s great to see the kids grow up,” he said. “I start giving them rides as little babies, and they come back for the holidays every year.” In addition to Monty and Andy, he has four riding horses. “The Belgians weigh a ton each, eat a bale of hay and 12 pounds of grain, and drink 30 gallons of water a day!” Monty and Andy even have special winter shoes,
with welded treads to help them navigate the icy streets. “They go shoeless in the summer,” he said. But if you missed the Santa Parade, it’s not the
only place to catch Hall and his team. He drives wagons for the Candlelight Evening at The Farmers’ Museum, as well as weddings and other events
throughout the year. “Greg is a faithful friend of the Claus’,” said Santa. “He is so generous with his time to bring us into Cooperstown.”
AllOTSEGO. classifieds
APARTMENT FOR RENT City of Oneonta 1 BR, 1 office, living room, full kitchen, full bath, garage and storage, 1 mo. security, heat and electric not inc., $650/ mo. Immediate occupancy. 631-353-1324 or 607-435-7194 3Class.Nov.29 Whitehill Cottage Fully furnished 2 bedroom upstairs apartment. Living room, stocked kitchen, bathroom. 5 miles from Cooperstown. Plus garage. $800/month+utilities. Single person preferred. Year-round rental. Contact Rob Lee 607434-5177 TFN Center City Oneonta! Remodeled 1-bedroom, 2ndfloor apartment. $725 per month, includes heat and hot water. NO Pets! References and current credit check required. Contact Betsy or Becky at Benson Agency Real Estate, 607-432-4391. TFN
One less payment during the holidays! Stop by any convenient sfcu branch to see if you are eligible. If eligible, you can slide past either a November or December sfcu consumer loan or Mastercard® payment! A $15 fee and some restrictions apply.
1-877-642-7328 sfcuonline.org Federally Insured by NCUA
LEGALS Legal
Legal nOtice NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY Official Results for the 2018 General Election ******* GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR Marc Molinaro/ Julie Killian 11,592 Andrew M. Cuomo/Kathy C. Hochul 8,151 Larry Sharpe/Andrew C. Hollister 726 Howie Hawkins/ Jia Lee 422 Stephanie A. Miner/Michael J. Volpe 293 COMPTROLLER Thomas P. DiNapoli 11,520 Jonathan Trichter 9,237 Mark Dunlea 245 Cruger E. Gallaudet 159 ATTORNEY GENERAL Keith Wofford 10,385 Letitia A. James 9,830 Michael Sussman 301 Christopher B. Garvey 217 Nancy B. Sliwa 129 U.S. SENATOR Kirsten E. Gillibrand 11,453 Chele Chiavacci Farley 9,969 STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE Joe McBride
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10,572 Elizabeth A. Burns 9,971 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS Antonio Delgado 10,686 John J. Faso 10,577 Steven Greenfield 332 Diane Neal 215 STATE SENATOR (51st) James L. Seward 14,251 Joyce St. George 7,593 MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (101st AD) Brian D. Miller 1,334 Chad J. McEvoy 1,186 MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (102nd AD) Christopher Tague 1,091 Aidan S. O’Connor Jr. 705 MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (121st AD) Bill Magee 7,731 John J. Salka 6,582 MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (122nd AD) Clifford W. Crouch 1,966 Nicholas R. Libous 231 COUNTY COURT JUDGE John F Lambert 15,692 SHERIFF Richard J. Devlin, Jr 11,154 Bob Fernandez 10,349 CORONER (Vote for 2) David G. Delker 14,550 Christian Shaefer 304 OTSEGO COUN-
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TY REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 10 (UNEXPIRED TERM) Daniel G. Wilber 1,273 BUTTERNUTS COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED TERM) Harry W. Tripp 224 SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS (UNEXPIRED TERM) B. Jay Stebbins 583 HARTWICK CLERK/COLLECTOR (UNEXPIRED TERM) Andrea Vazquez 367 MIDDLEFIELD COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED TERM) Kelly Branigan 588 PITTSFIELD COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED TERM) Amy Grant 15 Shelby Wing 1 RICHFIELD TOWN JUSTICE Joe Woodrow 6 Joseph Woodrow 2 Randy Seamon 2 Christine Corrigan 1 Janyce Terwilliger 1 Michael Marmet 1 Robert Joe Woodrow 1 Steve King 1 SPRINGFIELD SUPERVISOR (UNEXPIRED TERM) Bill Freeland 399 COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED
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TERM) Ryan K. McCarty 412 UNADILLA COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED TERM) Rebecca A. Couse 921 ASSESSOR (3 YR UNEXPIRED TERM) John Jessup 542 ASSESSOR (1 YR UNEXPIRED TERM) Alex James 6 Alexander James 1 Austin Peck 1 Denny Reed 1 Dwight Mott 1 Jaime BerkeleyHartjem 1 WESTFORD COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED TERM) Jim Feil 258 Jackson Brady DuBois 98 WORCESTER TOWN JUSTICE William J. Fisher 631 Otsego County Board of Elections 140 Co Hwy 33W, Ste 2 Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 or 4325 www.otsegocounty. com 1LegalNov.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Repre-
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sentatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law declaring the Opioid epidemic and its effects on the County of Otsego a public nuisance, and establishing a cost recovery procedure for the County’s expenditures incurred in providing services related to the Opioid Epidemic. NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 9:50 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment. Copies of the Local Law are available for viewing at the Clerk of the Board’s Office, County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours. Dated: November 29, 2018 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalNov.29
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law to amend Local Law No. 1 of 2017 to provide for the installment payment of eligible delinquent taxes pursuant to Real Property Tax law section 1184. NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 9:50 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment. Copies of the Local Law are available for viewing at the Clerk of the Board’s Office, County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours. Dated: November 29, 2018 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives
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Otsego County, New York 1LegalNov.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The name of the limited liability company is: DMT Holdings I, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was July 30, 2018. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Ronald L. Greene, Esq., 80 Exchange Street, Suite 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 6LegalDec.27
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on: 11/5/18. 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, 109 Sunset Dr., Apt 2, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalDec.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of TAYGAN PROPERTIES, LLC
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Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/25/2018. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 189 Main St., Ste. 403, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business location: 14 Forest Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. 6LegalDec.13
Notice of formation of
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LAYLA RENTALS, LLC.
Notice of Formation of
Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State
B. Tiffany Equestrian LLC Art. of Org. filed
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with the SSNY on 10/31/2018. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 112 East Camden Forest Dr, Cary NC 27518. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Man Cave Antiques Limited Liability Company Filed 11/2/12 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY Designated as agen for process and shall mail to 6393 St. Hwy. 28, Fly Creek, NY 13337 Purpose: All Lawful. 6LegalDec.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Blanket Up, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 10/15/2018. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 345 West 58th Street Ste #6m NY NY 10019. Purpose: any lawful 6LegalDec.6
THURSDAY, november 29, 2018
OBITUARIES
Norman Maxson, 95, Richfield Springs; WWII Veteran Spent Career At A&P RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Norman Faye Maxson, 95, a World War II veteran and career A&P employee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday Nov. 20, 2018, at Bassett Hospital. Norman was born on July 15, 1923, in Richfield Springs, a son of the late Julian F. and Nina B. O’Connor Maxson. He was raised and educated In Richfield Springs, and lived here most of his life. In 1942, he joined the Army Air Force, and served as a radio operator during World War II. While he was stationed at Truax Field, Wisconsin, he
received a radio operators diploma with honors in the American Airways Communications System, along with Norman a special Maxson certificate for those who qualified in Speed Code. After the war, he returned home and in 1946 he married the former Bette J. Norton in the Richfield Springs Presbyterian Church. For 38 years, he was a meat cutter with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Com-
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pany (A&P) in Richfield Springs. In his spare time he enjoyed playing video games, bowling and golf. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving him, his wife of 72 years Bette; two sons, Thomas Maxson and his wife Sandra, and Mark Maxson and his wife Shawn, all of Richfield Springs; four daughters, Marilyn Patrick and her husband Raymond, and Diane Frohne and her husband Ronald, all of Richfield Springs, Susan Dodd and her husband Calvin Vidalia, La., and Sherry Woudenberg and her husband Ronald of Penn Yan; a sister, Marian Maxson of Richfield Springs, 15 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren, one great great-grandchild, and many nieces nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Bette Eysaman and Grace LaFrance. In accordance with his wishes there will be no calling hours, a service will take place at a later time convenient to the family. Arrangements are entrusted to the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home.
Dennis J. Enright, 63; Worked for Freeman’s Journal WORCESTER – Dennis J. Enright, 63, who joined the staff of the Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta in his retirement, died at home Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. Born in Amsterdam, Dennis was the son of the late Basil and Mercedes Atala Enright. He graduated from Schalmont High School in 1973 and later attended Herkimer County Community College and SUNY Geneseo, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in communications and also served as the news editor of The Lamron, the school paper at Geneseo. Dennis was employed as a sales agent with Terry Morris Ford in Burnt Hills for many years and also at Krystal Chrysler and Jeep in Warrensburg.. He is survived by his sister, Debra (Howard) Moyer of North Greenbush as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3,in the Mekeel Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady. Arrangements are entrusted to the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL B-5
Dean G. Utter, 78;, Cherry Valley Farmer Was ONC BOCES President
CHERRY VALLEY – Dean Grover Utter, 78, a lifelong farmer, school board member and former ONC BOCES board president, passed away Nov. 15, 2018, at Bassett Hospital after a sudden illness. He was born on April 12, 1940, to Almond Grover Utter and Evelyn Prime Utter of Cherry Valley. He graduated from Cherry Valley Central School, and attended Syracuse University and Cornell University. He was the husband of the late Karen Louise (Parsons) Utter, whom he
married on May 5, 1962. He spent his entire life working on the family farm in Cherry Valley. He was a member of the Otsego County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Cherry Valley school board and member and president of the ONC BOCES board. Dean is survived by his children Penelope, Matthew and Rebecca; son-in-law Stan Smith; daughter-in-law Jodi Utter, and his brother Derwin Utter. He was the grandfather of Kaitlyn and her husband JT, and of Bryan, Jonathan,
Grace, Kenyon and Eli. He is survived by his greatgrandson, Matthew Dean Utter and numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at First Presbyterian Church, 56 Alden St., Cherry Valley. Arrangements are entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
Caroline Sarafin, 74, Farmer’s Wife Active In Community RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Caroline A. Sarafin, 74, who retired from farming into an active role in community life, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning Nov. 21, 2018, at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown. She was born on July 15, 1944 in Herkimer, daughter to the late Frank and Eleanor Kroll. On July 31, 1971, she married Leon Sarafin in St.
Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Richfield Springs, a union of 39 years until his passing on Nov. 15, 2010. She is survived by her brother Richard Kroll of Richfield Springs; two stepdaughters, Carol Ingo and her husband Fred of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Theresa Andrecheck and her husband Ty of Deland, Fla.; two sons, Michael Sarafin and his wife Angela
of Washington, D.C., and James Sarafin and his wife Laura of Friendswood, Texas; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral will be in the spring. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.
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B-6
AllOTSEGO.life
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, november 29-30, 2018
Thanksgiving Past, On To Christmas
Getting their appetites up for the big dinner ahead, Mary Dirig, Oneonta, Johanna Jurrison, Kirkwood, and Angela Silvernail, Oneonta, race down Wilcox Ave. towards the finish line of Hospice’s annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.
Marc Guy and wife Jill serve sweet breads to Kim Collings, Oneonta, and Jane Richards, Oneonta, at the annual Community Thanksgiving dinner at The Elks Club on Thursday, Nov. 22.
Carol Waller of Mohican Flowers in Cooperstown, left, and friend Dottie Phillips, Cooperstown, were teaching visitors like Pauline Shapiro, Clinton Corners, right, how to make boxwood trees for centerpieces at the Otesaga on Saturday. The pair have been teaching how to make these centerpieces for over 15 years.
Gabby Alicia, Oneonta, faces off against her final opponent Nathan Schwed, Oneonta as part of the 7th annual Forge & Feast dinner at the Oneonta Teen Center on Saturday, Nov. 24. She took home the the prize of Greatest Warrior.
A couple of Santa’s reindeer were waiting for him in Cooperstown! Here, Joey West, Ellis Frabel, Lilian Frabel and Hart Frabel were on hand to welcome Santa on Friday, Nov. 23.
Judy Steiner, Cooperstown, looks through the wreaths at the annual CCA Adorn-A-Door event on Saturday, Nov. 24, alongside her friend Clara Devesa Hervas, visiting from Nordfriesland, Germany, (but also lives in Fly Creek).
At the annual Adorn-A-Door wreath festival, Nora Craig, Cooperstown, admires an evergreen reindeer made by Alyssa McGoldrick as her grandmother Beverley Dietrich, visiting from Butler, Penn., looks on.
Photos by IAN AUSTIN & LIBBY CUDMORE for HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal
HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO FROM Pg. 2
Saturday, December 1
PAINT & SIP – 3 - 6 p.m. Create painting with professional instruction, enjoy nonalcoholic drinks. $35/adult includes supplies, drinks, snacks. Community Room, Southside Mall, Oneonta. 607-432-4401. CONCERT – 3 p.m. Catskill Choral Society presents “NOEL! A Celebration of Carols Past and Present” featuring Messe de Minuit pour Noel, more. Tickets $22/adult at-door. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-431-6060. FILM SCREENING – 6:30 & 9 p.m. “Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichman.” See Friday Listing. HOLIDAY CONCERT – 7 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with Country Music star Deana Carter performing her greatest hits. Tickets, $20. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta 607431-2080.
Sunday, December 2
OPEN STUDIO – 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Holiday showroom features over-run fabrics, scarves, shawls, and more based on historical fabrics at Thistle Hill Weavers. See Saturday Listing. BARN HOLIDAY – 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Seasonal goodies, simple wares, antiques, hot cider, gingerbread cookies, more. See Saturday Listing. HOLIDAY DISPLAY – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. “The Return of the Taj Garage: Finery and More From Nepal and India” from travels of Steve Clorfeine featuring artisanal crafts. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. 607-547-5327. VISIT SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m. Visit and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. See Friday Listing. FILM SCREENING – 1, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Showing “Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichman.” See Friday Listing.
YOUTH PROGRAM – 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. “Exploring The Past” session topic focusses on learning about the past through small forgotten items. All welcome. Cooperstown Village Library. 607-547-8344. CHAMBER MUSIC – 3 p.m. Stamford Friends of Music present chamber music concert featuring works by Beethoven, Webern, Debussy performed by Iceberg String Quartet with Delhi native Jacob Efthimiou (cello). Stamford United Methodist Church, 88 Main St., Stamford. Visit www.friendsmusic.org
Monday, December 3
SPELLING BEE – 8:44 - 10:05 a.m. Cooperstown students compete in local round of Scripps National Spelling Bee. Auditorium, Cooperstown High School. 607-547-8181. SIT N’ KNIT – 1 - 2 p.m. Work on knitting or handstitching project. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102
Main St., Richfield Springs. 315-858-0230. PAINTING CLASS – 6 - 8 p.m. 4 session class to learn to draw birds starting with posture, axis then builds to proportions. Bring your own materials. Cost, $95/nonmember. Cooperstown Art Association. 607-547-9777. FIGURE DRAWING – 6:30 - 9 p.m. Non-instructional drawing with live model. Poses chosen by consensus. Cost $12/class. The Carriage House Art Studio, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-4358718. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS – 7 p.m. Meetings for those who desire to live free of nicotine. Front Meeting Room, St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta. 845332-7803 or visit nicotineanonymous.org CONCERT – 7:30 p.m. SUNY, Hartwick College orchestra’s perform joint program led by Ben Aldridge, Uli Speth. Free, SUNY Oneonta. E-mail paiged@ hartwick.edu.
COMEDY – 9 - 10 p.m. Presenting Brandon Vestal: A Useless Grown Man. Cost, $3. Hunt Union Waterfront, SUNY Oneonta.
Tuesday, December 4
KNITTING GROUP – 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main St., Cooperstown. Call 607-5478344. ANNUAL LECTURE – 7 p.m. Annual Richard Siegfried Lecture featuring Andrew Bottomley presenting “Voices From Below: Audio Storytelling and the Politics of Experience.” Free, open to public. Followed by dessert reception. Craven Lounge, Morris Conference Center, SUNY Oneonta. WINTER CONCERT – 7 p.m. Oneonta Middle School students present winter concert. Auditorium, Oneonta High School, 31 Center St., Oneonta. 607-433-8200.
Wednesday, December 5
DISCUSSION GROUP – 3 - 5 p.m. Discuss current events. Cooperstown Village Library. Call 607-547-8344. RABIES CLINIC – 4 - 6 p.m. Bring pets to be vaccinated or to receive their 3-year booster shot with Dr. Puritz. Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 St. Rt. 28, Cooperstown. 607-547-8111. CRAFT NIGHT – 6 p.m. Bring sweater, winter apparel to make ugly for those holiday parties/contests. Materials, wearable electronics provided. Roots Brewing Company, 175 Main St., Oneonta. 607432-1980. HOLIDAY TREES – 6 - 8 p.m. View festive trees arranged by local businesses, organizations displayed throughout museum. The Edmeston Museum, 1 North St., Edmeston. E-mail edmestonmuseum@gmail.com. CHESS MEETING – 6 - 11 p.m. Weekly meeting welcomes players of all levels. No fees. Cafeteria, College Union, SUNY Oneonta. Call Dom at 607-484-7240.