To Play Mother Ginger,
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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 12, 2019
COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND
Newsstand Price $1
NeW Challenge: hiring manager Bliss Anticipates Kennedy Will Lead Recruitment Too By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN
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f – as is anticipated – Dave Bliss is reelected The Freeman’s Journal chairman of the Otsego Foreman Josh Searles, Richfield Springs, drives County Board of Represena wooden post into the tatives at the organizational ground to support the meeting Thursday, Jan. 2,
Union Leader Marvin Miller To Enter HoF
For 211 Years
VISIT www.AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Volume 211, No. 49
wall of the new rickhouse, at Cooperstown Distillery Tuesday, Dec. 10.
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one of his first acts will be to name a committee to recruit the first county administrator. In an interview, he said he sees no reason why Please See NEXT, A7
►HISTORIC DECISION • PAST AND PRESENT collided in the debate over hiring a county administrator. • WATCH VIDEO leading up to the county board’s historic 11-2-1 decision to professionalize government.
AllOTSEGO.com
www.
• EDITORIAL: For administrator, look for someone LIKE Judge Lambert/A4 • TEXT of county administrator job description/A4
For Stuligross, Career-Long Dream Coming To Fruition ONEONTA
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ay Stuligross has come a long way, baby. Growing up in Oberlin, Ohio, in the 1940s and ’50s, the daughter of a college professor, her mother
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...
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By LIBBY CUDMORE
arvin Miller, who as leader of the MLB Players Association established free agency, turning players into tycoons, will enter the Hall of Fame in the Class of 2020. He will be inducted posthumously Sunday, July 26. He was elected yesterday by the Modern Era Committee, along with Ted Simmons, 70, an eight-time All-Star catcher who played 13 seasons with St. Louis. For more details, visit
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heriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr. recognized that criminal justice reform was needed, but with new bail reforms looming, he fears the state may have gone too far. “This is going PART I: NO BAIL to put criminals back on the streets and take police off the streets while they do paperwork,” he said. “It wasn’t well thought through, and law enforcePlease See NO BAIL, B5
Justice for All?
AllOTSEGO.com
www.
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DEVLIN WORRIES
End Of Bail Dangerous?
COOPERSTOWN
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sometimes wouldn’t vote “because she didn’t want to cancel out my father’s vote.” Raising Stuligross a family in Oneonta in the 1980s, she Please See LEAGUE, A7
By JIM KEVLIN
Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal
Keeping things going smoothly at the Cooperstown Fire Department’s annual Christmas party for local kids are, from left, Bob “Cratchit” Satriano, Fire Dog, the department’s mascot, Joe Carentz and Alison Phillips/MORE MORE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS, A3
►FIVE BUSINESS OWNERS filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court to block the 65-unit NEW FACES AT 197 MAIN Lofts on Dietz in the City of Oneonta, saying 200 parking places would be lost. City Hall says 80. ►KIMBERLY STEELEY, the Decatur woman accused of smothEditor’s Note: This profile is the first of three on newly ering her twins in 2018, did so elected Otsego County representatives who take office Jan. 1. by falling asleep on them, said District Attorney John Muehl. she said. “I By JAMES CUMMINGS ►FIVE of 12 TRUCKS inspected decided that during a Commercial Vehicle I didn’t want Enforcement safety check ONEONTA to be the were deemed unfit for the person who road and taken out of service, ill Basile saw complained the county Sheriff’s Departher future as her behind the scenes anymore. ment reported.
SantaCon Binge Sends Basile To Seek Pay Hikes, Shelter Aid 2 Students To Hospital
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father, Bruce, lay in a hospital bed. “During that time I watched a lot of news,”
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OPD Chief Brenner Fears Someone May Die By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
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antaCon was a lifechanging moment for one young man, a SUNY student, 21, found I wanted to do something.” Her father passed away The Freeman’s Journal unconscious and bleeding on a sidewalk outside a in April 2017, but his inspi- Count Rep. Basile is also Grove Street house on Please See BASILE, A7 on the SQSPCA board.
Saturday, Dec. 7. “He admitted that he drank too much and that he had a problem with alcohol,” said Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner. “Waking up with a tube in his throat was a real wake-up moment for him, and he said he is going to seek help. He was very remorseful and very embarrassed.” Please See BINGE, B5
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, DECEMBER 12, 2019
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA Acoopella performs at the Cooperstown United Methodist Church’s annual Christmas Tea Saturday, Dec. 7. From left are Bill Hayes, Vicki Gates, Melinda Hardin, Deb Dalton, Ivy Bischof, Rev. Elsie Rhodes, Judy Steiner Grin and Bertine McKenna.
Autumn Fox, 7, Oneonta, spots a Charlie Brownthemed Gingerbread House at the 4th annual Gingerbread Jubilee at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 8.
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Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
YES, THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
The Catskill Choral Society performs their winter concert “Songs of Christmas” at the United Methodist Church in Oneonta Friday, Dec. 6.
Ramona Luettger helps her 2-year-old grandson Moss pick out a cookie at the annual Cookies & Crafts Fair at the Unitarian Church in Oneonta Saturday, Dec. 7.
Ian Austin, James Cummings & Jim Kevlin photos
for The Freeman’s Journal & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Brock Hammond, 5, of Schenevus, chats with Santa during the Cooperstown Fire Department’s annual Children’s Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 7, a tradition that goes back to 1940 and Smalley’s Theater.
Henry Ahearn, 4, Oneonta, eyes a bag of candy on a Christmas tree decorated by the SUNY Oneonta Inter-Greek Council at the Festival of the Trees on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIALS
Not John Lambert; Someone LIKE Him
DROP THE THREATS, NEGOTIATE A DEAL
Everyone Wants Fair Deal W For SQSPCA And County
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he issue’s been At its Nov. 26 public hanging out hearing on its 2020 there for a while: county budget, county What role should the representatives were Otsego County Board advised the Susquehanna SPCA, using cost-acof Representatives play in funding the counting data developed by a volunteer, CoopersSusquehanna Animal Shelter? town’s Richard SternSchoharie County’s berg, plans to “unilateralcontribution is $75,000 ly” begin charging what a year to its shelter. it has determined its true Delaware County splits costs are. HOMETOWN ONEONTA $88,000 among two In a situation with a lot Everyone wants to support exshelters. Until now, of moving parts, doing ceptional performance, which the anything “unilaterally” is Otsego County has SQSPCA provided in saving Zoe. not the best way forward. contributed nothing. The county has been For one thing, everyallocating $5,000 a year. It is not a one seems to agree abused animals have to donation, but a fee for services, which be taken care of, and that county governseems like the better way to go. Please See EDITORIAL, A5
Editor’s Note: Erna McReynolds, managing director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Oneonta before her retirement last year, has agreed to write an occasional column for our newspapers. Here, she introduces herself. Enjoy!
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ne day a woman me get jobs cleaning houses who had sat next and serving at soirées for to me at a fundraisthe wealthy society of the ing dinner called me. She village. wanted me to be the speaker During my high school at an event for women years I worked at the grand alumnae from summer home of a NYU. How could I descendant of the resist? She titled it, founder of the “An Interview with village. Mr. and a Financial SuperMrs. G. gave me star”. special standards. She asked about She dogged my my growing up steps as I dusted and outside a little vilpolished with her lage in Upstate New white glove ready to York. How did you ERNA MORGAN pick up any speck of go from no hot run- McREYNOLDS dust. Her husband ning water in your led me to his library home to being on for 15 minutes every the Barron’s Top 100 day. He wanted me to learn Financial Advisors list? about music as diverse as the Welsh National Choir to Good fortune blessed me. Or I thought it did. As a the Brandenburg Concertos. child I thought I was lucky. They gave more. On my Wouldn’t it have awful to day off each week they had be poor in the city? Instead me sit with them at their I grew up in a village of 300 grand dining room table for and went to a small central lunch. I had prepared those school where teachers and gourmet meals using the Cordon Bleu cookery course villagers alike could look after every child. they bought me. Knowing that our family They taught when and was poor, a teacher helped Please See ERNA, A6
For 211 Years
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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher
Tara Barnwell
Advertising Director & General Manager
Libby Cudmore
Managing Editor
Larissa Ryan Business Manager
Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant
James Cummings Reporter
Ian Austin Photographer
Ivan Potocnik Web Architect
Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production
Tom Heitz Consultant
Amanda Wilsey Consultant
IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 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.
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Judge Lambert also coached his son John’s team to a state championship this year.
native born, and there are many such sensible people among us. Start making up your own list. Great party game. So, when it was argued during the county board Dec. 4 debate over creating a county administrator position that no one of quality could be recruited and, if he
or she were, could be kept here, it rang hollow. What about all the graduates honored annually with Clark Scholarships or help from Oneonta’s Dollars for Scholars? What about the 2,000 graduates sent forth annually from SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College? We’re talking about thousands of young, energetic, outstanding people, smart and educated, who know the county, love the county, and might be attracted back as county administrator, thrilled to make their Otsego County a better place, now and for years to come. Like whom? Well, not John Lambert, he’s spoken for. But someone LIKE John Lambert. Let’s keep him in mind as the process of recruiting our first county administrator moves forward.
WHAT IT TAKES
INTRODUCING ERNA
‘Be Afraid, But Do It Anyway’
hy does John Lambert, son of Cooperstown and now a county judge, keep coming to mind in the past few weeks? Raised in that village, he was a good student and guard on a top CCS Redskins’ basketball team that won two regional titles in the late 1980s. He graduated from Hartwick College in 1992, and earned a J.D. from New England School of Law in 1998. Then he came home, practiced law, and with wife Katie began raising a family. He created the firm of Lambert & Trossett, and was elected to the county bench in 2009. Anyone who sees him preside has to be impressed by his gravitas, humanity and common sense. An outstanding citizen,
Read Job Description For New County Administrator Job
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n Dec. 4, the Otsego County Board of Representatives voted 11-2-1 to create the position of county administrator, the outgrowth of a 30-year local debate that dates back to a 1990 study by the League of Women Voters, Oneonta and Cooperstown chapters. Here is the job description. Read it. And if you know of an outstanding candidate for the $100,000 job anywhere in the nation, send it to him or her. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
capital budgets with department heads and make recommendations to the Board;
ciples and procedures of public administration; thorough knowledge of administration supervision; thorough knowledge of intergovernmental relations; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental accounting and government budget; thorough knowledge of methods of organization, planning and management; good knowledge of report writing and statistical interpretation; good knowledge of public relations practices and procedures; good knowledge of purchasing process; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to analyze problems and to make recommendations; ability to prepare and maintain written reports and records; ability to follow and issue complex oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain good relationships both within the County and with outside agencies; ability to supervise the work of others; ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations, establishing priorities, and making decisions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s Degree preferably in Business or Public Administration or a related field and six (6) years of professional experience in the field of public or business administration; OR B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Business or Public Administration or a related field and eight (8) years of professional experience in the field of public or business administration. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT The appointee need not be a resident of Otsego County at the time of appointment, but shall become so within sixty (60) days of appointment and remain so during his or her term of office. Failure to become a resident or to remain a resident shall be cause for dismissal by the Otsego County Board of Representatives. Adopted Otsego County Civil Service – 11/6/19 CLASSIFICATION Competitive pending approval for Exempt/Non-Competitive PIC or Unclassified by the NYS Civil Service Commission
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his is a chief administrative position involving responsibility for the overall administration of County Government under the direction of the county Board of Representatives. The County Administrator will oversee day-to-day departmental operations to carry out the directives of the County Board of Representatives efficiently, economically and effectively, as well as assist the Board of Representatives with short- and long-term capital and fiscal planning. The duties of the County Administrator will not diminish the authority of the County Board of Representatives. The incumbent does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES Departmental Management & Labor Relations • Act as day-to-day primary operations director in accordance with policies established by the Board; • Provide interdepartmental leadership and unify overall management of county affairs by supporting the operations of department heads, implement administrative policies approved by the Board, address common issues among departments, identify potential interdepartmental efficiencies, attend monthly department head meetings; • Work with department heads to implement and ensure compliance with New York State legislation; • Make recommendations to the Board regarding appointment/termination of non-elected department heads; • Conduct non-elected department head performance evaluations and prepare department head performance reports, including recommending to the Board any changes to M&C salaries or benefits as consistent with the current salary plan; • Participate in collective bargaining negotiations with employee labor unions. Financial Management & Budgeting • Act as Budget Officer monitoring expenditures, establishing budgetary controls, and updating the Board on the County’s financial status; • Review tentative operating and
• Serve as an advisor to the Board preparing and executing short and long-term capital plans; • Oversee fleet management and act as County liaison for purchasing agreement with Onondaga County; • Identify opportunities for grants and shared services. Administration & Communication • Execute contracts in the name of the County, authorize filling vacant funded positions, authorize routine expenditures, budget transfers and modifications below a predetermined threshold; provide adequate insurance. • Attend all regular Board and committee meetings and special meetings; • Act as public information officer and spokesperson for the Board; • Serve as liaison and represent the Board in contacts with political subdivisions, State and Federal officials and agencies; • Serve as liaison between the Board and boards, commissions and advisory committees it has established; • Present an annual report on the State of the County to the Board and the general public; • Assist the Board with developing short and long-term policies and procedures, recommend and advise the Board of implications of policies and procedures under consideration; FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the prin-
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THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
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
Greensburgh, Kentucky – Peter Kingensmith of Hempfield County has returned to his friends after an absence of 37 years, 9 of which he was a captive of the Seneca Indians. He was captured when eight years old, by a party of Senecas, who massacred his father, mother and aunt. His existence was recently and accidentally discovered in Canada. He has five children and has a farm on the shores of Lake Erie, to which he intends to return. He speaks good English and says he lives in a neighborhood of English people. December 13, 1812
125 YEARS AGO
50 YEARS AGO
175 YEARS AGO
Second Lieutenant Terrance C. Graves, 22, a 1963 graduate of Edmeston Central School, has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously, for saving the lives of Marine comrades in Viet Nam. The nation’s highest award for valor was presented to his family in Washington, D.C. by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. His father, a former Navy officer was until 1963 the supervising principal at Edmeston Central School. Lt. Graves was killed February 16, 1968 while on a long-range reconnaissance mission. After Lt. Graves’ eight-man patrol ambushed seven enemy soldiers the unit was counterattacked by a large force. Lt. Graves then called for air support and artillery fire. After tending to his wounded men Lt. Graves launched an assault against surviving enemy soldiers before coming under heavy attack a second time. Although wounded himself, Lt. Graves called for rescue aircraft. However, the helicopter in which he was rescued was hit by intensive ground fire and crashed, killing all aboard. December 10, 1969
Good Loco Foco Times! Mr. Elijah French, of Hartwick, in this county has made the past season from the milk of twelve cows 2,425 pounds of butter, and this to without extra feed. The butter sold for 14 cents cash, yielding $339.50. Mr. F. feels secure against “hard times” and Whig panics, believing that diligence in any pursuit, with good management, will insure a fair reward for enterprise and labor, particularly under a democratic administration of government, which seeks stability in all things. December 9, 1844
150 YEARS AGO
Local – Mr. George Clarke stated to gentlemen of the Agricultural Society living in this village, at the annual meeting on Tuesday last, that as soon as the transfer of Fair Ground property shall be made, and the Society gives up possession to him, the Trustees of this village will be at liberty to open a street through the same; and that, even at an earlier date they may with his free consent proceed to run Fair Street through the Cooper Grounds property – an improvement and convenience very much desired by our citizens. Court: Aaron Cross, Agent vs. John D. Waldron – Action to recover for a mowing machine claimed to have been sold to defendant. The testimony showed that if on trial the machine suited, defendant was to pay for it; on using the machine it broke down, and defendant refused to take it. The jury found for the defendant, and reversed judgment of $40 given by the Justice in the court below. E. Countryman for the Plaintiff and Lynes and Bowen for Defendant. December 16, 1869
100 YEARS AGO
Purely Personal: Philadelphia papers last week announced the resignation of Captain Charles P. Wharton as Coach of the University of Pennsylvania football team, after 26 years of service. Captain Wharton is well-known in Cooperstown, having been one of the most popular officers at the late U.S. Aviation Hospital here. Captain Wharton is noted for having evolved the Pennsylvania system of defense in football, which has often been declared second to none.
past several months. Her household and friends had noticed increasing signs of despondency when her health failed to improve. Mrs. White was born in the Town of Middlefield on July 23, 1872 and was the daughter of John and Emma (Smith) Marsh. She came to Cooperstown with her family at the age of five and resided at Carr’s Hotel for several years. They then moved to number 8 Eagle Street where the family remained for many years. She was graduated from the Cooperstown High School in the class of 1887 at the age of 15. December 13, 1944
25 YEARS AGO
For more than a hundred years Cooperstown has been December 13, 1894 home to a facility called the Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium. That will change after the holidays, according to A.C.C. Gym Director J. Bart Morrison. The new name will Mrs. James Pepper, who teaches the fourth grade pupils was unable to attend to her school duties Friday on account be The Clark Sports Center. “It’s because there is a belief that it is time to modernize the name of the organization of illness. Mrs. Donald Root substituted for her. and arrive at something with more of an illustration of our J. Harry Cook and Ben Reisman were in Detroit last breadth and scope,” Morrison stated. week, returning with a shipment of new Dodge cars for the December 7, 1994 local agency. Rowan D. Spraker and Franck C. Carpenter spent a few days in New York on business last week. Miss Pearl Matson spent last Wednesday to Friday in Three people suggested the name “Hawkeyes” for Albany attending a Western Union Conference. Cooperstown’s prospective baseball team. But, Dave PearlDecember 10, 1919 man of Leatherstocking Street suggested it first. So the Pearlman family will enjoy a free pass next summer when the New York Collegiate Baseball League team comes to Doubleday Field, according to franchise owner Tom Hickey The body of Mrs. Minnie U. (Marsh) White was found in of Fly Creek. Other suggested names included “Leatherthe fourth floor of her home on Pine Boulevard on Monday stockings,” Barrelmakers,” “Mohicans,” “Ghosts,” “Trapafternoon by her chauffeur, Joseph O’Malley who had been pers” and “Phinneys.” “The name Hawkeyes,” said Hickey, in her employ thirty years. Mr. O’Malley became suspicious “is consistent with Cooperstown history and the association when he had not seen Mrs. White for some time. Coroner with James Fenimore Cooper and his books.” Harry V. Frink of Richfield Springs gave a verdict of death December 11, 2009 by suicide. Mrs. White’s health had been failing for the
10 YEARS AGO
75 YEARS AGO
NOT ALL, BUT MOST OF DOUBLEDAY REDO DUE BY JETER
THE VIEW FROM WEST DAVENPORT
Democratic Intrigues Weave Tangled Web
S Doubleday Field’s new third-base-line pavilion won’t be complete by Derek Jeter’s expected Hall of Fame Induction next July 26, but everything else should be, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch said this week. This plaza in the Doubleday lot, including Victor Salvatore’s “Sandlot Kid” statue, plus the grandstand renovations and the new entrance from Main Street are scheduled for completion by May 15, in time for the Hall of Fame’s Cooperstown Classic game, she said.
If County Will Pay For Services, Figure Out True Costs EDITORIAL/From A4 ment should pay for costs incurred. County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., whose department out of necessity, drops animals seized in cruelty cases at the Hartwick Seminary shelter, said “the welfare of animals is both our priorities.” County Board Chairman Dave Bliss, R-Cooperstown/Town of Middlefield, also buys into the general concept. “The board wants to take care of its responsibilities,” he said in last week’s newspaper. So the issue isn’t that the county pay for costs incurred. It’s simply how much (and, perhaps, to whom)? • The shelter’s annual operating budget is over $700,000. Last year, with the 103 starving animals seized on that Garrattsville farm and 56 Lhasa Apsos surrendered in Milford, Sternberg estimated the county received some $70,000 worth of services. (Remember, that’s the year-to-year “operating budget,” separate from the $3 million that’s been raised to build a 21st-century animal shelter on Route 28 at Index. Two different pots of money.) Averaged out, Haynes estimated the county’s annual cost at about $40,000 a year, some 5 percent of its total expenses. That includes caring for dogs dropped off by the sheriff’s department, or when a shelter team
responds to a call through the county’s 911 system. When County Treasurer Allen Ruffles returns in January from his National Guard deployment in Djibouti, he should review those figures and come to a common understanding about the value of the services provided. • Under the state Ag & Markets Law, law enforcement – locally, mostly the sheriff’s department – is required to respond to animal-abuse complaints. When deputies remove an animal, they have to take it someplace. The Susquehanna Animal Shelter has been the preferred option, but it doesn’t have to be. As Bliss explains it, if the county wanted to contract for services, it would be required to go out to bid, and other shelters – Oneonta’s Superheroes in Ripped Jeans, for instance – could bid, as could individual veterinary practices. Or the county could set up its own pound. Clearly, acting “unilaterally” may have unintended consequences all around. • The Susquehanna Animal Shelter has a lot going for it. Under Executive Director Stacie Haynes, it’s been a first-rate operation, evident most recently in bringing the heart-rending case of Zoe, the
German shepherd discovered chained last month in the Town of Exeter with a chewed-off leg and large tumor in her shoulder. Zoe was seized, treated and is now in a new home in the Butternuts Valley. Successes like this have raised the shelter’s profile, and pet owners are aware of and likely to use its services. People – that includes members of the county board – want to back a winner, to support excellence, so Susquehanna SPCA, in its current incarnation, is in a position of strength. Still, it’s determine to do what it believes in. As Haynes put it in last week’s paper, “We have a moral obligation to do what we do. We’re never going to stop doing what we’re doing.” Admirable, but it weakens the shelter’s bargaining position. It takes the county board off the hook: It can be assured, regardless, our Zoes will be taken care of regardless. • So it only makes sense to cool off the rhetoric. Get the numbers. In an $11 million local tax levy in a $120 million budget, $40,000 is smidgeon. It’s there somewhere. Still, the county board shouldn’t just give away money because somebody asks for it. Fee for service is the way to go. Demanding will get us nowhere. Let level-headed representatives on both sides sit down, figure out what’s fair and mutually agreeable.
peaker Pelosi proudly informed us that she is a Catholic and thus doesn’t hate the President, but she conveniently ignored her pro-choice voting record – even defending the taking of a life about to be born. I think I’d be happier, as a fellow Catholic, if she admitted she hated the President but defended the lives of the unborn. I’d also have more respect for MIKE her as a person if she didn’t let her ZAGATA political ambition, i.e. retain the title of “Speaker,” interfere with her judgment as she clearly didn’t want to proceed with impeaching the president. However, that’s what her base wanted and she couldn’t/wouldn’t risk losing her throne. These are indeed strange times. The Democrats are trying to impeach the President for something he denies while choosing to ignore the fact the former vice president, Joe Biden, bragged on tape about doing the very thing the President is being accused of doing. The Democrats are also accusing the President of attempting to interfere in the 2020 election by trying to find out if the former vice president and his son participated in Ukrainian corruption while ignoring that Hillary Clinton and the DNC hired a foreign operative to assemble a now-discredited dossier to embarrass then candidate Trump. Is it one’s Party that determines whether or not
something is legally and morally wrong or is it our conscience? • With 43 percent of NYC’s population falling below its definition of the poverty line, it is abundantly clear why politicians pander to the Left and pandering includes funding them with our tax dollars. You and your tax dollars are paying for the activist groups that oppose jobs and economic growth. Is that something you plan to continue doing? The Mayor is spending taxpayer dollars to send the homeless to other cities and states while knowing full-well that when the time limits for the programs that are paying for these relocations expire, those unfortunate people will become an economic burden to those cities and states – but to the Mayor they will be “out of sight out of mind”. How convenient! “New York City spends about $95 billion a year, and 13 percent of it goes for human services” for the 43 percent of its population below the city-defined poverty line. Some of these contracts, such as the one to Lutheran Social Services of Metropolitan New York, can amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. Smaller contracts go to community-based organizations, and every member of the New York City Council gets to dole out $2 million to favored groups.” That wouldn’t amount to Please See ZAGATA, A7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
ERNA: Afraid, She Ranged From Small Town To Journalism Around World, And More ERNA/From A4 how to use all of those forks and knives and spoons and eat strange foods. Mrs. G called them “alligator pears.” Now I call them avocados. And I know how to do more with them than guacamole. Sometimes my knees shook under the table trying to do everything just right. As a high school senior, my English teacher persuaded me to write an article which landed a scholarship at a journalism course. Terrified. Yet somehow I finished that course thinking I could be God’s gift to journalism. I took a series of jobs when women couldn’t be journalists but only were secretaries, nurses or teachers. I became a sports reporter
while going to college, then a radio news director and advertising sales woman at a local station. By selling ads to pay the bills for a group of weekly newspapers, I became a reporter/editor. Want to know scary? A girl who couldn’t even dribble a ball covering soccer and basketball? Going into rooms filled with cigar smoke, politics and men who sometimes leered. Next with the naivety of under 20s I emigrated to New Zealand, where I became a reporter for the morning paper in the capital, Wellington. This was the era when there were no real women reporters. There were two others in the newsroom: the women’s page editor
and another woman who never saw the light of day working overnight as a sub-editor. Getting a “round” or a beat was for men. But I became what no man would – the energy reporter. That was 1973 – the year of the oil crisis. Good fortune again. I was in the right place at the right time. After all of those front page leads, I landed a job as a radio/TV reporter at the NZBC. Great tales attached to both jobs. Then on to London. By age 23 I produced the news and current affairs show which boasted the largest audience in Europe. Lured back to the U.S. by the most persuasive man I ever met – my husband of 35 years – I became a news producer at 30 Rock,
NBC. Scary too. Would I be good enough? My final career, I thought. Then another piece of good fortune. Lured back to Otsego County by that persuasive man, we built one of the largest investment advisory practices in the country. One of three top teams in America. We advised foreign governments’ social security funds and thousands of individuals. During those 30 years I became a Girl Scout Woman of Distinction and a Maker – one of a select group of women who “make things happen” along with women like Melinda Gates and Hillary Clinton. Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year. Part of the Barron’s Hall of
Fame Advisors. And I spoke at the United Nations in the room where the General Assembly meets. Where they have all of those headpieces that translate to your language. When my interviewer asked the audience for questions, the first one was ... how did you do all of this? What gave you the courage? The answer: I have no courage. I have been afraid of everything I have ever done. When Jim Kevlin suggested writing a column – I didn’t think I could do it. I was terrified, but Jim said I could do it so...and more to come. A French teacher I had once told me I could speak French but that I am a perfectionist. Hope she was right!
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
ZAGATA: Democratic Allies Cross Multiple Issues; Plus Gas Ebbs, Debate Ignites ZAGATA/From A5 buying votes now would it? The same thing is happening at the federal level. Our government covers the cost of the environmental groups when they sue a federal agency. That’s one of the reasons California continues to burn, yet those groups have no skin in the game and are not held accountable for the results of their intervention Do you remember when Sen. Jeff Flake decided to ask the FBI for a full investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh after two women screamed at him in a Senate elevator that they were rape survivors? Well, it turns out Ana Marie Archila was co-executive director of the “Center for Popular
Crisis Led Basile Into Public Life
Democracy” and then executive director of “Make the Road,” both liberal groups, when she screamed at Senator Flake. In February, Archila was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s guest at the State of the Union address. The thread continues, as it seems “Make the Road” was involved with the successful effort to block Amazon from establishing a headquarters in Long Island City and providing 25,000 high-paying jobs. Deborah Axt, the group’s co-executive director, said, “This is a huge victory. We are thrilled,” when Amazon withdrew. How can they be thrilled when 43 percent of The City’s population falls below the poverty line?
• Have you been following the debacle surrounding the inability of National Grid and Con Edison to provide natural gas service to new customers in Westchester County and Long island due to a lack of gas? According to one article, Governor Cuomo sent them a letter claiming they, not the Public Service Commission which he controls, should have better prepared for increased demand in years past rather than imposing a moratorium when its application for the pipeline project got blocked by him. “The ‘moratorium’ is either a fabricated device or a lack of competence” Cuomo wrote. He went on to say, “Gas can
be trucked, shipped, or barged.” Remember that uproar locally about “bomb trucks” on Route 205 – imagine the outcry about having them on the Long Island Expressway. How long would it take to get the necessary permits – decades while people’s pipes are freezing. He also proposed “other infrastructure or additional unloading facilities being installed” – again, it would take decades to get the necessary local approvals and state permits. He went on to say, “Electric service and demand response measures could be proposed” – being proposed and actually making them operable are two very different things. He
further suggested “heat pumps” which require electricity to operate the pumps – and guess where that electricity comes from – and “renewable sources”. According to the governor, who controls both the PSC and the DEC, “the choice was never between the pipeline or an immediate moratorium.” And then he accused the utilities of trying to bully the state and threatened to take away their franchises to do business in New York – and he did that from his very own Bully Pulpit. Mike Zagata, DEC commissioner in the Pataki Administration and former environmental executive for Fortune 500 companies, lives in West Davenport
If Reelected, Bliss Will Seek Kennedy’s Help On New Job
NEXT/From A1 county Rep. Meg Kennedy, C-Hartwick, who led the effort to create the new position, shouldn’t chair BASILE/From A1 the search as well. “She’s ration resulted in Basile’s election Nov. 5 to the Otsego done an excellent job,” said the Cooperstown/Town of County Board from District Middlefield Republican. “I 14, which stretches south Bliss Kennedy from the colleges to I-88. She don’t see any reason to make succeeds Liz Shannon, who is a change there.” the idea it will take until Serving on the board stepping down. mid-year to fill the $150,000 “I figured this was my time of NYSAC (the state position, ($100,000 salary Association of Counties) to help the community that plus benefits and expenses.) gives her contacts and easier I grew up in. I missed the For her part, Kennedy access to information that sense of helpfulness in my called the vote “monulife,” she said. “I think people will help guide the recruitmental,” adding, “it’s exciting ment process as it did the look at the large picture, but – and a little scary at the two-year study that preceded they don’t realize how much same time.” That excitement local politics affect their lives the county board’s 11-3-1 was echoed by long-time vote Wednesday, Dec. 4, to directly, and that’s why I’m supporters of the concept. create a professional position here.” Former county board at the top of the organizaA native of Oneonta, chairman David Brenner tional chart. she received a bachelor’s (and later, Oneonta mayor) The county board included said he was “very pleased” in financial services from $75,000 in the 2020 budget, SUNY Cobleskill and joined at the vote, and he praised also approved Dec. 4, with Hartwick College, first as a residential director, then assistant director of Residential Life and Judicial Affairs. With a master’s degree in LEAGUE/From A1 student affairs administration and her husband, Hartwick from SUNY Binghamton, College Economics Professor she joined Opportunities for Jack Stuligross, agreed her Otsego’s Violence Intervention time would be better spent Program as a victim advocate. raising their five sons instead “I decided on the county of holding a fulltime job. board because of my experiDespite atti, there was one ence with the county,” she constant for the inquisitive, said. engaged woman, who retired For Basile, it quickly from the Otsego County became clear that part of Board of Representatives in her political career would 2018: The League of Women also involve animals. She Voters. began volunteering for the In the 1960s, she met her Susquehanna SPCA after she husband at college in Detroit, adopted her dog there in 2015 and they married “a year and and became a board member a month to the day” after in 2017. their first date. In fact, “I set “I have loved animals my my wedding date on our first whole life and after spotting date. It was a good marriage, Sasha and adopting her from providential.” the shelter, I wanted to give After obtaining a master’s, Kay Stuligross at back,” she said. he joined the Federal Reserve Meadowood, her retirement community in As a board member of the in Dallas and, realizing Lansdale, Pa., near one SQSPCA, one of her first he was the only one in the of her sons. goals is to help her local furry office lacking a Ph.D., soon friends. “It’s surprising to enrolled at the University of in a booklet. “Based on their me that the shelter provides a Oklahoma, moving Kay and answers,” the newcomer service to the county by caring two babies to Norman. to the Sooner State said, “I for animal victims and they Grocery shopping her third knew who to vote for.” are not compensated,” she day there, she found the local Even today, age 80, retired said. The SQSPCA recently League of Women Voters’ to Meadowood, a completespearheaded an iniative to “Voters Guide” in her shopcare community in Lansdale, get more funding for animal ping bag. Pa., she declared in a telecruelty cases in Otsego In those days before phone interview the other County. websites and Facebook, day, “I don’t want to vote a “The sheriff’s department it was common for local straight ticket. I want to be now has $10,000 in the Leagues to submit written informed.” budget for animal cruelty. questions to candidates; the She joined Norman’s That’s a step forward for us,” answers would be published said Basile. “As a board, it’s been something we’ve been passionate about.” During her campaign, “that was one of my main talking points. People really connected with me on that.” Yet another mission for Basile is establishing a better protocol for pay raises for Otsego County employees. Last year, the county board MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS. adopted a competitive scale for its manager, but the new Bieritz insurance agency rep said, “statistically, Otsego Real people who truly care... County’s pay rate is lower your hometown insurance agency! than neighboring counties. I’d 209 Main Street, Cooperstown like to see the county come up 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall with a process or policy for 607-263-5170 in Morris Celebrating our providing raises for employees th YEAR! that would allow county board Ben Novellano 1990-2019 representatives to prepare for the future.” Additionally, Basile, who New Purchases and Refinances now works from home as an Debt Consolidation academic adviser to SUNY Free Pre-Qualification Delhi’s Nursing Program, Fast Approvals • Low Rates wants monthly board meetings at a different time, “when Matt Schuermann people can attend – 10 a.m. Registered Mortgage Broker is not accessible for most NYS Banking Dept. working people.” 20 Chestnut Street • Suite 1 • Cooperstown NEXT WEEK: Rick 607-547-5007 Brockway, R-District 3, reprewww.leatherstockingmortgage.com senting Laurens and Otego.
his current successor: “This fellow Bliss, he’s been outstanding.” Noting the current chair’s 25 years as Middlefield town supervisor, Brenner said, “He’s an old hand, and this looks to me like a skilled hand at work. He’s selective about what battles he cares to discuss. He’s picking the right priorities.” Also expressing satisfaction was Kay Stuligross, formerly of Oneonta, now retired in Lansdale, Pa., who ran for the county board in 2007 specifically to see a professional administrator hired. The next step – hiring the right first person – is critical she said: “If we get someone who can’t do the job, it will set us back 10 years.” At the Dec. 4 meeting, former county board
Chairman Kathy Clark, R-Otego, held up Allegheny County’s failure – it has had three county managers since 2016, and the job is again vacant – as one reason for her nay vote. And her former vice chairman, Ed Frazier, RUnadilla, who didn’t attend the critical meeting, has argued $150,000, the estimated cost of the position, will become double that and more as a county administrator adds a deputy and support staff. County Rep. Keith McCarty, R-East Springfield, also voted nay. On the first point, Kennedy said much depends on the success of the hiring process and how the county board welcomes the new hire. “I don’t want to micromanage the new administrator,”
she said. “I want to pave their way to establish their authority within the county dynamic.” She said “our action as a board” will determine success, and anticipates the county reps “becoming a stronger legislative body,” more firmly setting priorities to ensure the county’s best future. Bliss said he anticipates periods of stability and periods of turnover. “Find one that works, and they end up staying for a long time. Then there may be two or three more before they find the right fit again,” he said. Both representatives said the ballooning of county manager budgets can be misleading, often simply reflecting how existing resources are adjusted to fit the new model.
Champion Of County-Manager Idea, Stuligross Pleased With Outcome League, and became involved in collecting local data for a nationwide League study of poverty. A newly minted, Ph.D., Jack got a teaching job at Central Missouri State, Warrensburg; Kay joined the League. He moved to Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisc.; she joined the League there and, when they departed for Hartwick in 1981, she was president. “I came prepared to look hard at government here,” Kay said. She soon joined the League of Women Voters, Oneonta chapter, and in the next decade served as president, and also on the League’s state board for two terms. Her husband died in 2006, struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Southside Oneonta. In 2007, she decided to run for the county board and was elected, and said her intent was, if possible, to see professional management achieved. In 2009, she was also appointed to the city’s Charter Revision Commission, which created a city-manager job, with mixed results. Naturally, she declared she was “pleased” on learning the Otsego County Board of Representatives, almost 30
years after the local Leagues’ recommendation, created a county administrator position Wednesday, Dec. 4, by an 11-2-1 vote. “We need a trained administrator,” she said. “The board members are hardworking, dedicated people, good hearted people who want the best for their county and the taxpayers, but don’t really have the experience to do it.” (Except, she said, farmers, some who have run sizeable operations before joining the county board.) “No school board would act without a superintendent,” she said, “and they are much smaller than the county.” In 2007, David R. Brenner of Oneonta, former county board chair (who then served as city mayor), conducted a study of professional management for the county board, and offered options to pursue. At the time, however, the representatives were angry and divided after minority Democrats reached an agreement with Republican Donald Lindberg, Worcester: He agreed to caucus with them; in turn, they elected him board chairman. While supporting the concept of professional management, Brenner
AllOTSEGO.
recommended against acting at that time: Bringing a manager into such a rancorous situation would guarantee the innovation’s failure. “It would not be successful until most of the board is firmly on board,” Stuligross recalled Brenner concluding. Today, with Republican David Bliss’ relatively benign, bipartisan approach, the time may be right. But Stuligross had some advice. One, department heads will have mixed feeling, appreciating someone who can resolved issues day-to-day, but apprehensive about closer oversight. “It is important the board not cause confusion by letting department heads come to them,” said Kay. “They must reinforce the administrator is in charge.” Two, the board must let the administrator fulfill responsibilities outlined in the contract, but should also ensure the “full performance” clause is met. In particular, “the ability to work with others is crucial,” she said. “Somehow,” before hiring, “they need to observe or otherwise learn about the candidates’ interpersonal skills”
homes
INSURANCE
Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land
29
99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580
Price Reduced! This 3-BR home on .33 acre has lots of character. 2BRs, full bath, kitchen, spacious LR w/wood floors and pellet stove all on first floor. Upstairs is another BR or art studio. Patio, large yard, shed, newer roof. Close to the Little League field and Riverside Elementary School. MLS#123010 $109,900
www.oneontarealty.com Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019
AllOTSEGO.homes
4914 State Hwy 28 Cooperstown 607-547-5933 221 Main Street, Andes 845-676-3600
MLS#123881 $174,800 Right on the Lake End of road, furnished. LR, DR, open kitchen. Great views, spacious decks. 100’ aluminum dock, foam insulation. Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#123744 $244,000 Elegant and Charming 4-BR, 3-bath Colonial has 3,000 sq ft on 10+ acres. Quality craftsmanship. Minutes to I-88, between Oneonta and Binghamton. Call David Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)
MLS#124400 $535,000 Location, Location Retail corridor—1.4 acres on State Rte 28, Hartwick. Money maker. 6 units, a lot collecting rent. Diligently maintained by owner. Call Sharon Teator @ 607-287-2681 (cell)
MLS#120942 $240,500 Turn-Key Convenience Store w/Gas Station Selling below current appraised value. Contains 4-BR, 2-bath apartment! Rent or live there. Call Carol Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)
MLS#120019 $539,000 Renovated Catskill Commercial Money Maker 19,000 sq ft of prime commercial real estate on 2.6 acres in Stamford on Route 10. Full-service restaurant, bar, and 10-lane bowling center. Call Gabrielle Vasta @ 607-267-1792 (cell)
MLS#114624 $59,900 MLS#123721 $595,000 1982 double-wide w/3 BRs, 2 baths and 1½ story, 2-car Owner Possible! Superiorelectrical, craftmanship. garage.Financing New heating system, updated new Log home sqinftmaster on 52+bath. acres! walls andw/open ceiling infloorplan, 1 BR. New4,600 ceiling Minutes to Oneonta Cooperstown.(cell) Call Sharon P. Teatorand @ 607-267-2681 Call David Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)
MLS#122762 $162,500 Convenient to Oneonta Single-level living or home business location. Large ranch w/2-car attached garage, additional building w/1,152 sq. ft. Call Stephen Colwell @ 607-435-6542 (cell)
MLS#121683 $147,500 Investors, Duplex Fully rented. 7 BRs, 2 baths. Has COC. Tenants pay garbage and utilities. Separate electric, 2 furnaces. Call Carol Olsen @607-434-7436 (cell)
MLS#121800 $309,000 Investment Opportunity in the Heart of Cooperstown Private parking lot, new roof, upstairs storage area. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-547-5933 (cell)
MLS#124171 $150,000 Hunter’s Paradise 29 surveyed acres, 1000’ frontage, 95% wooded, mostly pine. Quiet road. Small stream on property. Close to Cooperstown. Call Donna Schulz @ 607-267-6330 (cell)
MLS#122204 $90,000 House on 38+ Acres Recreational land. House needs some work. Close to Oneonta and Cooperstown. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)
MLS#123290 $110,000 Affordable 4-BR home features spacious eat-in kitchen, large LR, first-floor BR, full bath w/laundry. Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068 (cell)
MLS#123046 $239,000 Tucked Away on Nearly 3 Acres Views of the Red Creek Valley. This custom-built contemporary Cape is 2 miles from Cooperstown. Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
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75 Market Street Oneonta 607-433-1020
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MLS#123746 $124,900 1893 Village Victorian (Addition 1986) .81 acre, 3 BRs, 2 baths, original barn, hardwood floors, porch, deck. Municipal water/sewer. True value! Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#123204 $69,900 Circa 1820 3,200 sq ft, 4 or 5 BRs, 3½ baths, features much original wainscoting, plank floors, chestnut woodwork, stained glass windows, fireplace, parlors. Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#123304 $169,000 Watch Mother Nature’s Spectacular Show from the bluestone patio or balcony off the BR. Serene and private. baths, 12+isacres, fireplace. Spacious24BRs, BR, 22bath house close to2-sided I-88. Large Call Mariaworkshop/garage, Graham @ 607-287-6785 (cell) backyard, small shed. Make your appointment today. Priced to go this week! Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598
MLS#122812 $169,000 Quaint ranch on a country road w/views of mountains and valleys on 17 acres. Over 1,500 sq ft living space w/4 BRs, 2 baths. Call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
Are You Still Searching for an Affordable Oneonta Home? For less than a monthly rent payment you can be the owner of this solid, well maintained 3-BR home. Features include spacious LR, formal DR open to eat-in kitchen. Home is sitting on a large lot within walking distance to 6th ward playground, Little League field, school and Boy’s and Girl’s Club. 1-car detached garage and paved driveway round out the package. Don’t miss this deal! MLS#122388 $99,500
157 Main Street,Cooperstown 607-547-5740
www.hubbellsrealestate.com
Perfectly Set on 58 Acres
(8676) Nearly new 4-BR, 3-bath contemporary Cape w/valley view, 3 ponds. Custom kitchen w/ white cabinets and work island, formal DR w/views, living room w/deck access. Main-level master BR, ceramic tile baths, finished basement, hardwood floors, 2-car garage. Richfield Schools.
Hubbell’s Exclusive—$469,900
On the Edge of Cooperstown
(8466) 5-BR, 2-bath, brick 1871 high Victorian w/rolling hills outlook on 10 acres. Historic home features gracious LR w/fireplace, bay window, formal DR, library, family room. Oak flooring, eat-in kitchen, front and side porch, carriage barn w/2 box stalls, riding ring. Cooperstown Schools.
Hubbell’s Exclusive—$899,000
Incredible Lake Views!
Prime Oneonta Location!
Tucked in the hills is this lovely contemporary home w/incredible views of Lake Otsego from every room. 3 BRs, DR and LR w/access to the outside den, office which could be converted into first-floor BR, 2½ baths, laundry room, finished exercise room in the basement, and 2-car detached garage.
Exclusively offered at the new price $649,000 propErty dEtaILs —5.05 acres —Private well and septic
Could be commercial or residential. Updated high quality interior offers new full bath, 2 BRs, LR and full kitchen downstairs. Spacious 3rd BR or bonus room upstairs. Could easily be a weekly summer rental. Whether you are looking 166 Main Street, Ste 1, Oneonta for a commercial space, a home or both this property has all that at a great price! office 607.433.2873 www.oneontarealty.com MLS#124370 $109,000
IntErIor FEaturEs —3 BRs, 2½ baths —Built in 1997 —2 stories, contemporary style —Partially finished basement
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—Fully applianced kitchen —Washer/dryer —Carpet and wood floors —Entry foyer, DR, den/office —Master BR w/walk-in closet —Laundry w/garage access —Radiant heat
37 Chestnut street · Cooperstown · 607-547-5622 · 607-547-5653 (fax) parking is never a problem! For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Real Estate Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5557 Donald DuBois, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5105
Timothy Donahue, Real Estate Associate Broker – 293-8874 Madeline Sansevere, Real Estate Salesperson – 435-4311 Catherine Raddatz, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8958 Michael Welch, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8502
For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, call 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com PierstoWn Victorian Set back from the road on a knoll, this lovingly restored Victorian home is waiting for a new family to enjoy all it has to offer. There are many details that need to be seen to be appreciated in this totally restored and renovated home. Set on 73.76 acres, it offers 4 BRs, 3 full baths. All systems for the house have been updated. Separate 1-BR, 1-bath apartment for guests or perhaps a rental. Beautiful perennial gardens w/laid stone walls. Large barn, hops barn and children’s playhouse add to the value. Many additional details available for review. A lovely home for a family to enjoy for many years to come, just as the family leaving it has done.
Home of the Week
ExtErIor FEaturEs —Detached 2-car garage —Covered front porch —Private rear deck —Paved driveway
Exclusively offered at a grEat priCE $650,000
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REALTY, INC
37 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown 607-547-5622 | www.donolinrealty.com
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OTSEGO.life PAGE B-1
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
MAN UP!
To Play Mother Ginger,
what’s fun
in Otsego County
BEST BETS
AllOTSEGO.life
Jim Kevlin/
Benjamin Kelly of Otego, right, his sister, Anoel Kelly of Cooperstown and their friend David Chase prepare to run the 2018 Ugly Sweater 5K, held again this Saturday in Cooperstown.
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Dan Buttermann exults as Mother Ginger in “The Nutcracker.” At left is one of his three daughters, Malena.
Buttermann Follows In Footsteps Of Firefighter, Surgeon By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
I
t takes a man to be a mother. Mother Ginger, that is. “Mother Ginger is traditionally played by a dancer ‘en travesti’,” said Donna Decker of Decker School of Buttermann, Ballet. “In ballet, we don’t off stage call it drag.” This year, Dan Buttermann, Oneonta City school board member, NYCM manager and Assembly candidate, stepped into the dress that Assistant Fire Chief Jim Maloney, Burly men – strong enough to propel the 60-pound costume – who’ve Bassett orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph played the role for Decker include Jim Malony, left, and Andy Wentink. Please See GINGER, B3
Veteran Cabinet Maker’s Creations Wood, But Flow Celebrated On Circuit, Schenevus Artisan Displays Creations At CANO This Month
Joe Muehl relaxes in his Schenevus workshop, font of many prizewinning pieces.
By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
O AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
ne afternoon, Joe Muehl got the urge to build a model airplane. “I hadn’t done one in 40 years,” he said. “And when I finished, I thought, well now what do I do with it? So I built a table around it.”
►IF YOU GO: Joe Muehl’s prize winning furniture is on display at CANO, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta, through Dec. 22. Hours: 26 Thursdays, Friday; 11-3, Saturdays, Sundays.
Titled “The Only Good War,” the glass and wood table depicts the model airplane dropping plastic cucumbers that dangle Please See WOOD, B3
Ugly Sweaters Race Candlelight Village And ‘Wonderful Life’
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gly sweaters have their day in the sun (and snow) as the official uniform of the annual Rockin’ Around Cooperstown Ugly Sweater 5K. Afterwards, runners enjoy free hot chocolate! Start at Santa’s house, Pioneer Park, Main St., Cooperstown. 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, (607) 547-2800. • It’s the most beautiful LIBBY night of the year as The CUDMORE Farmers’ Museum lights up the historic village with the annual Candlelight Evening. Cost, $12/adult. 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-1450. • Celebrate the season with full traditional ceili dance with a troupe of Irish step-dancers. And after you watch, you can join in! Cost, $10/adult. Cooperstown Art Association. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, (607) 547-9777. • There’s nothing like a classic movie on a cold winter day and Foothills is screening “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Free, snacks available. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. • Ornament presents a tribute to the heavy-metal fusion of the TransSiberian Orchestra for an unforgettable Christmas concert. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. • Sing along with Christmas carols on the player piano and make a kid’s craft. 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Oneonta History Center, 183 Main St., Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK Advertise in the 11th Annual Otsego County Yearbook. One photo from every week of the year. Publishes December 26, 2019. Amazing depiction of life in Otsego County, week by week.
Call 607-547-6103...become a part of history!
AllOTSEGO.life
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
►Thursday, Dec. 12
Christmas Calendar COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY FUN!
send calendar items to info@allotsego.com
CELEBRATION – 1 - 3 p.m.. Jewish & Christian holiday celebration. Enjoy special desserts, games, singing, more. Cooperstown Senior Community Center, St. Mary’s Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. coopseniorcenter@gmail.com
SANTA VISIT – 3 - 6 p.m. Kids visit with Santa, tell their Christmas wishes, enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. 607-5479983. HOLIDAY FILM – 6 & 8 p.m. Showing ‘A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.’ Cost,
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►Friday, December 13 HOLIDAY MARKET – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find unique gifts at The Smithy, 55 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. 607-547-8671.
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This Holiday Season SHop Small and local!
$7/adult. Walton Theater, 30 Gardiner Pl., Walton. 607865-6688.
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Happy, happy
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Christmas in the Catskills
Holiday Spectacular and Handbell Concert Guest Artists: Liza DiSavino and A.J. Bodnar (an acoustic, traditional, singer-songwriter duo)
Featuring: The Handbell Choirs of First United Methodist Church, and Handbell Choir from Pathfinder Village
Saturday December 14 at 2pm
Snow date: Sunday December 15 at 2pm
First UMC
66 Chestnut Street Oneonta 607-432-4102 A freewill offering will be collected to support the music program of FUMC. FUMC is handicap accessible from the Church Street entrance. Please do not park in the library lots, the laundromat lot, or the center of the Dollar General lot.
Come Join US!
TiCkeTS available aT The veTS’ ClUb or by Calling 607-432-0494
Book by THOMAS MEEHAN and BOB MARTIN Music by MATTHEW SKLAR Lyrics by CHAD BEGUELIN Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY
Directed & Choregraphed by
MARY-JO MERK
featuring
Musical Direction by
TIM IVERSEN
MICHAELA PAWLUK, FRED PLOUTZ, ADRIENNE WISE, DALILAH SYNAN, BILL GOERTEMOELLER, DOUG DECKER, JEFF MOORE, CASEY THOMAS, SEAN SANSEVERE, KATHY TOBIASSEN, and a large ensemble!
SANTA VISIT – 3 - 6 p.m. Kids visit with Santa at cottage in Cooperstown. See Thursday Listing. CHRISTMAS CEILI – 7 - 9 p.m. Celebrate season with traditional Irish dance. Cooperstown Art Association. 607-547-9777. THEATER – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy ‘Elf.’ Fun family musical based on film of same name. Presented by Orpheus Theater. Cost, $20/adult. Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta. 607-432-1800.
►Saturday, Dec. 14 SANTA VISIT – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Kids bring their lists to ask Santa for gifts. Parents bring their cameras, pictures are free. Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Oneonta. 607432-2941. HOLIDAY RUN – 10 a.m. Race through Cooperstown in your ugliest holiday sweater. Runners receive free coffee/ hot chocolate upon completion. Registration 8:30 - 9:30. Cost, $25/individual. Start at Santa’s house, Pioneer Park, Main St., Cooperstown. 607547-2800. SANTA VISIT – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bring the kids to visit Santa while shopping for the holidays. Southside Mall, Oneonta. 607-432-4401. HOLIDAY MARKET – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find unique gifts at The Smithy, See Friday Listing. PAINT & SIP – Noon - 3 p.m. Enjoy tasty snacks, beverages while painting beautiful holiday ornaments with instruction from artist Kathy Knox. Reservations required. Cost, $35/person. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego. 607-988-6661. CRAFT DAY – 1 - 3 p.m. Create winter or holiday ornament inspired by a book. Then create a card for senior resident at Robinson Terrace Center. Bright Hill Press & Literary Center, 94 Church St., Treadwell. 607-829-5055. SANTA VISIT – 1 - 5 p.m. Kids visit with Santa at cottage in Cooperstown. See Thursday Listing. HOLIDAY TOUR – 2 p.m. Tour holiday exhibit ‘A Little Women Christmas,’ celebrate a Victorian Yuletide. Free, open to public. Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, 310 Genesee St., Utica. 315797-0000. CHRISTMAS CONCERT – 2 p.m. Celebrate Christmas in the Catskills with Handbell concert by choirs of First UMC-Oneonta and Pathfinder Village, featuring guest artists LizaDiSavino & A.J. Bodnar. Cost, free will offering. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607432-4102. HOLIDAY FILM – 3 p.m. See classic Christmas film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on the big screen. Enjoy snacks, free admission. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080. CANDLELIGHT EVENING – 3 - 7 p.m. Enjoy evening of candles, holiday decorations, horse-drawn wagons, bonfire, more. Cost, $12/ adult. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-1450. HOLIDAY FILM – 6 & 8 p.m. Showing ‘A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.’ Cost, $7/adult. Walton Theater, 30 Gardiner Pl., Walton. 607865-6688. CONCERT – 7 p.m. Ornament presents tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Featuring unique fusion of classical, heavy metal music to create unmistakable interpretation of Christmas music. General admission, $20/person. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-4312080. THEATER – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy ‘Elf.’ Fun family musical based on film. See Friday Listing.
►Sunday, Dec.15 SANTA VISIT – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Kids bring their lists to ask Santa for gifts. Muller Plaza, Oneonta. See Friday Listing. SANTA VISIT – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids visit Santa while parents shop at Southside Mall. HOLIDAY WORKSHOP – 1 - 3 p.m. Children are invited to decorate their own Christmas bulb, sing along to Christmas carols on player piano. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main St., Oneonta. 607-4320960. MORE CALENDAR Pg. 4
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THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
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It Takes Brawn To Be ‘Mother Ginger’ The Things He Can Do With Wood! where Mother Ginger is on scaffolding,” said Maloney, who played the role six times between 2009 and 2018. “The costume is pretty heavy; it’s a big piece of plywood with suspenders to hold it up, then you put the dress on over that.” Wentink debuted his Mother Ginger in 1962 when he was 14, dancing in the Fokine Ballet – Irine Fokine was Donna Decker’s mother, and the daughter has extended the tradition. He amassed over 40 productions in the role, including a final performance in the 2017 Oneonta production. “In the 1970s, she inherited a fan used by Gwen Verdon in ‘Sweet Charity’ which seemed to imbue her with a flirtatious and seductive, but always tasteful, allure,” Wentink wrote for Dance magazine in 2013. “In the early 1980s, Mother Ginger found herself costumed in more subdued pastel tones with hair transformed from flaming henna to softer blonde. In keeping with the new look, she projected a newfound mature modesty.” “I let them all develop their own character,” said Donna. “Andy always played her very flirtatiously, and Dr. Dutkowsky would do the Macarena.”
“Mother Ginger is excited that she has all this attention,” said Buttermann. “And then when these clowns come out from under her skirt, she’s trying to get them all back until she realizes she can’t, and then she goes back to being part of the show.” This year, his daughter Malena was one of the Polichinelles. “I played her as that loopy old grandmother that shows up at the party and has too much fun,” said Maloney. “For the first few years, I wore my fireman’s helmet and boots!” And neither Maloney nor Buttermann shaved their mustaches for the role. “The way I see it, since Clara is asleep and dreaming this, she’s seen me at the party, so she puts me in the role of Mother Ginger, the way dreams do,” said Maloney. “That’s why I still have my mustache.” It’s a role, Maloney said, that sticks with you. “You hear the ‘Mirliton’” – the “Dance of the Mirlitons,” which precedes Ginger – “a lot on the radio,” he said. “I was grocery shopping and it came on, and I broke out in a cold sweat because that’s my cue. I was starting to get warmed up and then I realized, wait, I’m in the grocery store!”
WOOD/From B1 below the table. After the Friday, Dec. 6, opening, it’s on display through Sunday, Dec. 22, at CANO, Oneonta’s arts council at 11 Ford Ave., part of Muehl’s show of handcrafted tables, mirrors, cabinets and lamp. “I grew up in a farm family, so I’ve always been about the practical, rather than the sculptural,” he said. “I wanted to make stuff you could use.” With a SUNY Oneonta degree in art and art history, Muehl built his first desk in 1971. “It worked,” he said. “It was very basic and simple, I used it at home.” He honed his craft, working for 20 years as a cabinet maker, including making cabinets for his and wife Christine’s Schenevus home. “I like cabinetry because of the way things fit together,” he said. “I like doors and drawers.” He went back to school for a master’s in social work, working for 19 years at an outpatient substance abuse program in Delaware County, retiring in 2015. And in retirement, he’s found time to return to his passion for woodworking, including building his own woodworking bench. “I always do original designs, never reproduc-
porated miniatures into other projects, including a commissioned mirror. “I made it look like someone was putting up a billboard,” he said. “I made little pulleys and scaffolding, and I used an old advertisement in the top upper left corner, above the frame.” He called the piece “Quitting Time,” complete with tiny abandoned tools in the lift baskets. An average piece takes three and four weeks to make, primarily with domestic hardwoods. “I’ve Ian Austin/ OTSEGO.life always been concerned about Bombs away – or rather, the environment,” he said. cucumbers away, in “I’ll use hardwood veneers one of Muehl’s unusual sometimes, but I try to stay cabinets. away from rainforest wood.” tions,” he said. “In a lot of In addition to CANO’s ways, I’m self-taught, and current show, he has shown now I have the luxury of in nearly a dozen exhibitions, time to play with different including taking first place designs.” at this year’s Northeastern He is especially influWoodworkers Association enced by Art Deco and Art “Showcase” last March in Nouveau. “I like the geomSaratoga Spring, for his etry of Art Deco, but the Snow-White inspired mirror, fluidity of Art Nouveau,” “Who’s The Fairest?” and he said. “I like to work second place for “Turkey with them together. And I Feathers” lamp, both on use a lot of asymmetry to display at CANO. prevent them from being too “Building is a wonderful boring! It causes the eye to discipline,” he said. move around more, creates “There’s a satisfaction of something different.” working towards a goal. I And in addition to feel sorry for people who the plane and cucumber don’t work with their hands “bombs” of “The Only – they’re missing out on Good War,” he has incorsomething.”
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75 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-2930 126 Main Street/ Rt 20, Richfield Springs · 315-858-0405
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50% off all pizzas, well drinks & beer & wine BOgO Friday First Come, First Served 5 - 8 pm
5438 State Hwy 28 • Cooperstown • 607.282.4031 • www.boccaosteria.com
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GINGER/From B1 Dutkowsky and professional ballet dancer Andy Wentink have filled for several years, dancing with the Polichinelles. The Polichinelles are little children who emerge from Mother Ginger’s skirt in the second act of “The Nutcracker,” put on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7, at the Goodrich Theater by Decker, who promotes it as a Fokine Ballet production, a tribute to her mom Irine, whose company was in Ridgewood, N.J. (Wentink trained with Fokine.) Buttermann’s three daughters, Nadia, Layla and Malena, dance in “The Nutcracker,” and in 2016, when there was a vacancy in the party scene, their dad stepped in. “Then this year, Jim Maloney had a conflict, so Donna asked if I would step in as Mother Ginger,” he said. Decker often casts local men – “ballet dads” Maloney calls them – to step in as Mother Ginger. “You need somebody tall enough to have all the children underneath,” said Decker. “And the costume is quite heavy, so the dancer has to be able to handle it. Ours isn’t that heavy, but the New York City Ballet’s costume weights 60 pounds.” “I’ve seen productions
rs Ot be seg o County Cham
24 beers on tap HappY HoUr
5 to 8 pm Mon, tues, thurs: 1/2 off Drafts, select wines, well Drinks wed 1/2 off wings
5418 State Highway 28, Cooperstown • 607.282.4525
B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
Happy, happy
‘Elf.’ Fun family musical based on film. See Friday Listing.
Christmas Calendar COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY FUN!
send calendar items to info@allotsego.com FROM Pg. 2
►Sunday, Dec.15
HOLIDAY CONCERT – 10 a.m. Milford students perform holiday music/carols for residents. Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, 48 Grove St., Cooperstown. 607-286-7721 ext. 8207. HOLIDAY CONCERT – 11:30 a.m. Milford students perform holiday music/carols for residents. Cooperstown Center, 128 Phoenix Mills, Cooperstown. 607-286-7721 ext. 8207. SANTA VISIT – 3 - 6 p.m. Bring the kids to visit with Santa at cottage in Cooperstown. See Thursday Listing.
►Tuesday, Dec. 17 SANTA VISIT – 3 - 6 p.m. Bring the kids to visit with Santa at cottage in Cooperstown.
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This event is made possible by a generous donation from East Point Energy Center, an affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources
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This Holiday Season SHop Small and local!
For more information call 518-860-5513 or visit www.sharonsprings.com/events.
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All-day entertainment, live reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, vendors, shopping and dining!
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The celebration kicks off with a wonderful Parade of Lights on Friday, December 13th at 6 PM. Festival hours are Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM at The Roseboro.
HOLIDAY MARKET – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find unique gifts at The Smithy, See Friday Listing. BALLET – 12:55 p.m. Direct from Moscow, view Bolshoi Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker.” Cost, $20/adult. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080. HOLIDAY FILM – 1 & 3 p.m. Showing ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.’ Cost, $6/adult. Walton Theater. See Thurs. listing.
SANTA VISIT – 1 - 4 p.m. Kids visit with Santa at cottage in Cooperstown. See Thursday Listing. CHRISTMAS CANTATA – 2 p.m. Presenting cantata ‘What Kind of Throne’ by Tony Wood and Michael Farren. Reception to follow. Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-5712. CONCERT – 2 - 4 p.m. Come out for ‘brother due’ harmony of Delaney Brothers Bluegrass Christmas concert. Cost, $25/person. Earlville Opera House, 18 E. Main St., Earlville. 315-691-3550. THEATER – 2 p.m. Enjoy
►Monday, Dec. 16
For 211 Years
Holiday Open House
The Voices of Cooperstown and Christ Church, Episcopal present
Sunday, December 15 from 3 to 4:30 pm
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Featuring Gerry Falco, Steve Fabrizio & Friends singing all your favorites!
Conductor: Dan Foster
Baked goods & refreshments will be served!
Soloists: Sabrina Elyse Manna, soprano • Aleks Romano, mezzo-soprano Quinn J. Bernegger, tenor • Nathanial Sullivan, bass
Collecting non-perishable items for the St. James Food Pantry (In need of macaroni & cheese, canned fruit & vegetables, tuna, instant potatoes)
Missa Brevis in B-flat K. 275 Exsultate Jubilate K. 165 • Ave verum corpus K. 618 Vesperae solennes de confessore K. 399
Collecting items for the Susqehanna SPCA
(Always in need of cleaning supplies: bleach, paper towels, trash bags, gloves, etc.; & canned dog & cat food.
The Manor will be decorated for the holidays & our display characters (some from Bresee’s) will be around the Christmas tree!
Saturday, December 21 at 4 pm Christ Church, Episcopal 46 River Street, Cooperstown TiCkETS: $25 | STuDEnTS: $15 Available at the door and - Cooperstown Art Association - 22 Main St. Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce - 31 Chestnut St. Riverwood - 88 Main St. • Cooperstown natural Foods - 61 Linden Ave.
Legal
Legal
Legal nOtice PUBLIC NOTICE OF LAW NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego at a meeting thereof held on the 4th day of December 2019, duly adopted a Local Law entitled: A Local Law to establish the position of County Administrator of the County of Otsego as amended. The intent of this local law is to establish such position to enhance existing management procedures to better serve Otsego County residents. The full text of this Local Law is available for inspection in the Clerk of the Board’s Office in the County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours. Dated: December 12, 2019 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.12
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of M.E.B Records LLC Articles Of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 12/03/19 Office in Otsego County Secretary of State of NY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Secretary of State of NY shall mail copy of process to the LLC at 19 Ford Avenue suite D, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of PROJECT ACE & NINE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/27/19. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of
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the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: 2453 St Hwy 205, Mt Vision, NY 13810. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalJan.9 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Grand Rentals, LLC. Articles Of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 11/12/19 Office: Otsego County United States Corporation Agents, Inc., has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served A Copy of Process should be mailed to the LLC at: 25 West End Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalJan.9 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited
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St. James’ Retirement Community 9 St. James’ Place, Oneonta www.stjamesmanor.com 607-436-9974 Just off County Hwy 47, 1 mile from Price Chopper or exit 16 off I-88 3D tour on the website!
LEGALS
Liability Company. Name: WALLER HILL FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 November 2019. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 689 Beaver Meadow Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJan.2 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: BeArt Farm LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 November 2019.
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Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 312 Valley View Drive, Radcliff, KY 40160. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJan.2 Legal nOtice Notice of Qual. of Kingfisher Properties, LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 7/9/19. Office location: Otsego. LLC formed in NV on 4/16/19. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 13 West James St., Richfield Springs, NY, 13439. Arts. of Org. filed with NV SOS. 4730 S. Fort Apache Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89147. Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.2
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Country Wood Cellar, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was 08/08/19. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 537 Morris, NY 13808. Purpose: All Lawful purposes. 6LegalJan.2 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CARNRIKE ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec’y. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 10/04/19. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall
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mail process to: 948 Cty Hwy 20, Edmeston, New York 13335. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalDec.26 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of BUTTERNUT VALLEY PROPERTIES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 9/30/19. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, PO Box 651, UnaBilla, NY 13849. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalDec.26 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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1860 LIGHTED CUPOLA HOUSE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/22/2019. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Gregory Wayman, 11848 Cydney Ln., Blaire, NE 68008. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business location: 153 E. Main St., Morris, NY 13808. 6LegalDec.19
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may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 595 Co Hwy 36, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalDec.12 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name:
Legal nOtice
SLEEPING LION, LLC.
Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 October 2019. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 6956 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalDec.12
Name: WOODSIDE FARM ENTERPRISES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 October 2019. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it
►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.
AllOTSEGO.life
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
B-5
SantaCon Binge Sends Bail Going For All But Most Serious Crimes 2 Students To Hospital BINGE/From A1 The student, who was not named, was rushed to Bassett Hospital and intubated after he was found unresponsive and with a .5 BAC following the annual SantaCon, an unsanctioned college bar-hopping event. “.4 BAC is usually fatal,” said Brenner. SUNY Oneonta campus police also dealt with a similar BAC on campus, and Oneonta Police later transported a female, 21, whose friends reported that she was unresponsive on a couch in a residence. “When we arrived, she was half-conscious, but we transported her to the hospital under a part of the mental health law that allows us to take someone in who is incapacitated by alcohol.” Both students were released from the hospital, and police declined to press charges. Now, Brenner hopes to reach out to students in hopes of preventing future incidents and changing the drinking culture at the colleges. “People are going to do what they’re going to do,” he lamented. “But when you end up in the ICU on a ventilator, it starts to get worrisome.” He has reached out to LEAF in hopes of creating some programming, and ramped up police patrols. “It would be horrible to have a tragic incident and look back and realize we could have done more,” he said. According to Hal Legg, SUNY Oneonta spokesman, the college’s Code of Conduct states that “An individual’s use of alcohol on/off campus which results in a disruption to the campus community or a risk to personal safety will be considered a violation of this policy.” The campus has the oncampus Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Committee, which seeks to lower and
prevent alcohol and drug abuse by students, and offers drug and alcohol counseling through the Health and Wellness Center. “SUNY Oneonta is proactive in educating students about the dangers of alcohol abuse, providing healthy alternatives to drinking, and offering assistance to students experiencing problems related to alcohol,” said Legg. “Certainly, the efforts of the Oneonta Police Department and other agencies within the City of Oneonta to prevent drinking among those who are underage, regardless of whether they are enrolled at our college, are worthwhile.” Hartwick College did not return a request for comment. This year, SantaCon fell at the same time as the annual Santa Parade downtown, but because it is an unsanctioned event, police struggled with how to discourage the students from over-consumption of alcohol. “We can’t go to the bars and tell them they can’t run drink specials,” said Brenner. “If they want to say there is a special for anyone dressed up on a certain day, we can discourage them from doing so, but we can’t go any further than that.” Additional patrols were ordered, and Brenner said that only a few tickets for open containers and noise violations were issued. They had no complaints at the parade itself, he reported. “SantaCon didn’t disturb Main Street,” he said. But beyond SantaCon, he warned, the winters are cold, and hypothermia is an everpresent threat. “People who have been drinking don’t feel the cold,” he said. “A few years ago, we found a young man passed out in a puddle in the Dietz Street parking lot, and when we got to him, his core temperature was way down.”
NO BAIL/From A1 ment wasn’t consulted.” The bail reform, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020, eliminates bail and remand for all but a limited group of “qualifying offenses,” including some violent felony offenses, sex offenses, criminal contempt with domestic violence and witness tampering or intimidation. And when bail is allowed, financial circumstances and the ability to secure a bond must be considered. A judge can order that Least Restrictive NonMonetary Conditions can be imposed, including restrictions on travel and weapons possession or electronic monitoring. But several felonies – criminally negligent homicide, possession of a gun on school grounds and assault among them – are not qualifying offenses and would not be subject to bail. For example, Kimberly Steeley, who is charged with smothering her infant twins Bonde and Liam, was charged with two counts manslaughter in the second degree in May, and released on $100,000 bond. Under new bail reform, no such bail would have been set, as manslaughter in the second degree is not a qualifying offense. In addition to qualifying offenses, bail can be set if a defendant doesn’t show for court dates or commits additional crimes while awaiting trial.
Each county will be required to have a Pre-Trial Service Agency, either in-house or on contract, to monitor defendants and notify them of their court dates. “They’ll have to hold their hands,” said Christopher DiDonna, assistant district attorney. “It’s their responsibility to make sure the defendant shows up.” Devlin also worries that the new standards will have negative consequences for people who are struggling with Devlin drug addictions. “Sometimes jail is needed,” he said. “When we arrest someone who has a drug problem, we try to get them help. If there are no ramifications, they might not seek that help themselves.” And with new standards for arrests – all evidence must be turned over to the prosecution within 15 days of arraignment – Devlin fears that many criminals will remain free while lab tests hold up their formal arrest. “If someone drives drunk and kills someone, we can’t arrest them until the lab results come back,” he said. “That could be six months, and meanwhile, they’re out there. It’s going to mean
more open cases with no arrests for us.” And if someone who has been arrested, but not held on remand or bail, decides to skip court dates, it’s up to Devlin to determine whether or not to track them down. “If someone flees, we have to go get them,” he said. “We have to decide if they’re worth the money.” However, Devlin does not see bail reform having a long-term impact on the Otsego County Jail, which is currently undergoing repairs after a series of leaks rendered it uninhabitable. Though repairs are underway, Devlin is still preparing to ask the county to budget funds for a new jail. “Corrections has changed since our jail was built,” he said. “There’s no way to fix it to those standards. We need a new jail.” Based on states like New Jersey, which had also implemented bail reform, Devlin expects a short-term drop in inmates of around 40 percent. “But when people are remanded for not showing up, or they are sentenced, we expect to see the population rebound,” he said. “But the ones that will be there, they’re not the best behaved people.” “Criminal justice needed to be discussed,” he said. “But we slid the other way, and that worries me.” NEXT WEEK: Justice Reform and discovery requirements.
The
job scene To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103
Customer serviCe/offiCe AssistAnt Cooperstown offiCe | mon. - fri. 9 Am to 2 pm Candidate must have excellent communication and computer skills. Must be able to multi-task and be detail oriented. Submit resume via email to bwitter@hughsonbenson.com Send resume via fax to 607-432-4174 Mail resume to 326 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820
Hughson& Benson Associates Insurance
Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals
Building Healthy Families Support Specialist WIC Nutritionist Residential Associates -at OFO shelters
(additional shift pay available for qualifying shifts)
Mental Health Therapist (salary starts at $1018/wk)
HEAD START POSITIONS (All F/T with school breaks & Summers off)
Center Director Classroom Teacher Assistant Teacher Center Associate
607-432-2022
Timothy McGraw
22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Happy Holidays! Our gift to you!..
Local
Gift Card 4316 County Hwy 11 Cooperstown 607-547-6038 krazytoms.com info@cfbsales.com Since 1962
Let’s all keep it LOcAL this year, keep our local economy strong! • First 5 customers to spend $500 or more receives a $50 gift card • First 5 customers to spend $250$ 500 receives a $20 gift card Open weekdays: 9 am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm After hours by appt. Closed Sunday
Substitutes needed for:
Charlotte Valley CSD Edmeston CSD Milford CSD Oneonta City SD Schenevus Stamford Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD Worcester CSD ONC BOCES Teacher • LTAs, Aides & Monitors • Nurses Hourly Cleaners • Bus/Van Drivers Clerical/Office Support Food Service Workers Please visit www.oncboces.org/subs for application and information. EOE
Serving the Central New York counties of Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie
Seeking a Responsible HVAC Service Manager
Respite Care Available
Are you a spouse or family member caring for an older adult? Would you like a break? Respite services are available to provide caregivers a break from their duties. Respite can be provided in your home by a paid professional or by someone you choose. Respite is also available by providing access to Social Adult Day programs or short-term stays at long-term care facilities. For more information, please contact
Otsego County Office for the Aging (607) 547-4232
Seeking a HVAC Service Manager to direct the daily operation of a busy service department. Responsibility will include scheduling and dispatching technicians to meet service demands and customers expectations; develop and monitor budgets, goals and objectives to ensure departmental profitability; review and approve work orders, invoices and time cards for accuracy; manage inventory and parts ordering to ensure work deadlines are met; generate estimates and bids and promote service agreements; other tasks as required to maintain efficient department operations. The ideal candidate should possess in-dept knowledge of the industry, strong customer service and sales skills, technical aptitude, good computer and communication skills and be detail oriented and highly organized. We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package which include heath, dental and life insurance, 401(k), PTO, and fuel discounts. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to:
Dan Mattice, Division President, Reinhardt Home Heating, PO Box B, West Oneonta, NY 13861.
OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competetive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs EOE The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966.
Gravel Operations Supervisor Clark Stone Products Clark Stone Products, a subsidiary of Clark Companies, operates 11 gravel pits throughout Delaware, Chenango, Otsego, Broome and Herkimer Counties and has an immediate opening for a Gravel Operations Supervisor. ReSPOnSiBilitieS inCluDe But nOt limiteD tO: • Supervise approximately 400,000 CY +/ year sand and gravel operation; • Dispatch staff, trucks, equipment and manage day to day operations; • Generate sales leads and provide material and delivery quotes; • Manage product inventory and production planning; • Establish, develop and maintain positive business and customer relationships; • Supervise the maintenance and repairs of construction and } gravel equipment; • Manage the licensing and permitting of company vehicles; • Current knowledge of DOT, OSHA, MSHA and DEC regulations; • Manage bulk fuel purchasing, inventory and deliveries; • Ensure safe working environments for all employees at all gravel locations; • Knowledge of screening and wash plant operating procedures; • Ability to work in inclement weather when necessary; • Perform other duties as assigned by Management. RequiRementS • High school diploma or equivalent. • 3-5 years management experience. • MSHA and/or OSHA certified. • Class A License preferred. • Basic computer skills. • Strong communication and leadership ability. • Surveying and mapping skills a plus. • Mining and Heavy Construction experience a plus. Position is contingent on passing of pre-employment drug screen. Wages DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to: health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, flexible spending and paid time off. To apply, send resumés to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 427, Delhi, NY 13753, fax to 607-746-3107 or email to: jgoo@clarkcompanies.com. Clark Companies is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer
B-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
OBITUARIES
THURSDAY, December 12, 2019
Suzanne S. Dean, 96; Cherished Otsego Lake While A Child, Adult COOPERSTOWN – Suzanne Smith Dean (Susie), 96, of East Orleans, Mass., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. She was born on April 15, 1923, in New York City, daughter of Dorothy Bostwick Smith Campbell and W.T. Sampson Smith, Sr. Mrs. Dean spent her early years in that city attending Shipley School and Miss Hewett’s Classes. She was a member of the Red Cross Nurses’ Aid Corps and later volunteered at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She was married in September 1942 at St. Thomas Church in Gilbertsville to Dr. John Van Benschoten Dean.
Susie and John raised a family and lived in East Norwich and Glen Cove, Long Island, where John had his practice before moving to New York City. Susie alternated many summers with the kids, between staying on Leatherstocking Farm with Susie Smith Dean as her mother and at their a young woman and, recently, on Cape Cod. summer home on Duck Farm Lane on Cape Cod in With family ties dating East Orleans, Mass, where back to the early days of they eventually retired. Cherry Valley, she spent After John passed Susie much of her early years in spent many of her later Cooperstown, growing up years living in Cooperstown at Leatherstocking Farm and Siesta Key, Fla., where surrounded by her many she worked as a docent at siblings and creating lifeMote Marine Laboratory & long friendships. She loved Aquarium until she finally Otsego Lake and the rolling settled on Cape Cod 11 green fields and before she years ago. settled on Cape Cod, often
rode in her recreational shell off the property where she built a home for herself on the lake 30 years ago. Susie was devoted to her own mother, Dorothy Bostwick Smith Campbell, and spent much of her time close by, as her mother lived to be 101. She was an avid gardener, great reader, and loved to watch all of the birds that flocked to her feeders. Susie is survived by three sons and a daughter, William Randall Dean of Ann Arbor, Mich., Thomas Lockwood Dean and his wife Bonnie, of Blue Hill, Maine, James Pickering Sheldon-Dean and wife Abby, of Charlotte, Vt.,
Suzanne Bostwick Dean of Brookline, Mass.; six grandchildren, Zero Zachariah Dean of San Diego, Calif., Jocelyn Mingrone Dean of Portland, Ore., Schuyler Tremayne Dean and wife Becca of Nashville, Tenn., Phoebe Sampson Sheldon-Dean of Los Angeles, Hannah Mehaffy Sheldon-Dean of Brooklyn, Emily Bostwick Opack of Honolulu, and her stepbrothers, Colin Goetze Campbell of Williamsburg, Va. and Douglas Goetze Campbell of New Canaan, Conn.; beloved nieces Cory Smith Moffat, Robin Smith Butchard, Mercedes Rudkin Gotwald and extended family and friends. Mrs. Dean was prede-
ceased by her husband Dr. John V.B. Dean, who died in 1984, son John V.B. Dean, Jr. who died in 1949, sister Dorothy Smith Rudkin, brother W.T. Sampson Smith, Jr., and step-brothers Robert Goetze Campbell, Frederick Goetze Campbell and “Skipper” Alan Goetze Campbell. There will be a Celebration of Life with family and close friends at 2 p.m., Dec. 29, at 23 Duck Farm Lane, East Orleans, as well as a celebration in Cooperstown, TBD, in the spring/summer of 2020. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her memory to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Mark P. Pylinski, 60, Had USAF Career EDMESTON – Edmeston Central graduate Mark P. Pylinski, 60, who rose to
master sergeant and traveled the world in an Air Force career, passed away
unexpectedly on Wednesday December 4, 2019 at his home in Norwich. Mark was born on March 6, 1959 in Holyoke, Mass., the son of the late Peter and Ruth Sweet Pylinski Thompson. Mark was a graduate of Edmeston Central School, where he excelled in Grandma loved her farm, her family, football and basketball. and playing her old guitar. He then enLester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time listed in the Air Force, to find out what made your loved one special. where he Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding served until Mark P. a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, his retirePylinski we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as ment in 2003. Attaining the rank of unique as she was. master sergeant (E7), Mark Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home was stationed in Nebraska, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 Guam, Ohio, Germany, Hawaii and Virginia. www.grummonsfuneralhome.com He is survived by his wife Barbara Wanek Pylinski, three sons, Kyle Pylinski, Norwich, Tyler Pylinski of Rome, and Ryan Pylinski of Norwich, a daughter, Sarah Pylinski of Norwich, two We are excited to offer for the 23rd year a program designed to prepare future leaders grandsons, two brothers in Otsego County. Please consider joining Leadership Otsego 2020 and becoming part Jack (Karen) Pylinski, Kentucky, and Toby Thompson, of our county’s powerful alumni network for economic development and innovation. South New Berlin, three sisters, Kristin Pylinski , Applications due by December 15, 2019 contact Barbara Ann Heegan President & Edmeston, Gretchen (Brian) CEO baheegan@otsegocc.com or call (607) 432-4500. Application can be Belden of West Edmeston, downloaded from chamber website www.otsegocc.com and Janelle (Fred Jr) Ross of South Edmeston. Also Register online at www.otsegocc.com or call surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his nephew Peter. A funeral with military honors was held Monday, Dec. 9 at the Delker and Terry Funeral Home. entrust- to info@allotsego.com SendArrangements calendarareitems ed to the Delker and Terry Funeral Home.
_________
The Otsego County Chamber is accepting applications for Leadership Otsego 2020.
A complete Guide to
what’s fun Brrrrr… in OtsegO COunty It’s freezing! _________ what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________
It’s time to refuel And we’ve got the heat! We Make Warm Friends! 3919 State Highway 23 West Oneonta, NY 13861 www.ReinhardtHomeHeating.com
►Thursday, Dec. 12 OPEN HOUSE – 5 - 6 p.m. Community is invited to visit Head Start center, learn about preschool program, volunteer opportunities, more. Community Center, 246 Main St., Unadilla. 607-433 8000. WINTER CONCERT – 7 p.m. Students of Oneonta High School present winter performance. Oneonta High School, 31 Center St., Oneonta. 607433-8200.
►Friday, December 13 PODCAST – Learn from
Gilbertsville & town of Butternuts historian Leigh Eckmair why the entire Village of Gilbertsville has been named a historic district. Visit bobcudmore.com RAILWAY HISTORY – 6 p.m. December meeting of National Railway Historical Society features look at trailers of great movies with railroad theme, classic Christmas presentation from Wayne Freed. Zion Lutheran Church, 630 French Rd., New Hartford. FILM – 7 p.m. Showing ‘The Muslims Are Coming’ followed by optional discussion led by Prof. Brett Heindl. Waterfront Room, Hunt Union, SUNY
_______ what’s fun in OtsegO COunty
Oneonta. 607-432-6988.
►Saturday, Dec. 14
FOOD DRIVE – 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bring food to donate for drive hosted by Cooperstown Emergency Squad, Cooperstown Food Pantry. Cooperstown Price Chopper, 113 Chestnut St, Cooperstown. 607-437-1747. WORKSHOP – 10 a.m. - 1
p.m. Bring your own device to learn coding in Javascript, Python, HTML5, other languages at Hour of Code program. Free for all, aged 6+. Village Library of Cooperstown. 607547-8344. WORKSHOP – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bring the kids out for 1-hour session demystifying computer code. Kids design apps, create games, earn certificates they can bring
607-432-6633
home from Hour of Code. A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, SUNY Oneonta. 607436-2011. POP-UP SHOP – 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy treats by Allison King, owner of newly opened Kings Kakery pastry shop. Available through 12/15. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main St., Oneonta. 607-4320960. ART SALE – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Find prints, artwork, picture frames, mirrors donated for sale to benefit Hear of the Catskills Humane Society animal shelter. Bushel Collective, 106 Main St., Delhi. 607-4371895.
BIRD COUNT – Noon - midnight. Join Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society for national Christmas Bird Count. All welcome for fun day of counting birds with your team. To participate call 607-287-4465.
►Sunday, Dec. 15 SUPPORT GROUP – 10 a.m. - Noon. Family, friends, & people with multiple sclerosis are invited to group. Open dialogue encouraged, no question is too big or small. Sunshine Room, Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call Phil Young 607-435-3653.