The Freeman's Journal 12-14-17

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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 14, 2017

‘I

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really love Cooperstown. I loved it enough theoretically to move here. And, in real life, I love it a lot.’

JEFF KATZ • Retiring Cooperstown Mayor

KATZ RETIRING Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Volunteer John Ferguson, Cherry Valley, ladles wassail for Candlelight Evening-goers Saturday, Dec. 9, at The Farmers’ Museum/MORE PHOTOS, A3

Governor Set To Announce CFA Winners

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overnor Cuomo was planning to announce his annual CFA economic-development grants at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Local officials have been invited to the ceremony but, as usual, they have been asked not to discuss the announcements until they are made public.

Otsego County has received $40 million over the past few years but, with turmoil at Otsego Now, it was unclear how much may be forthcoming. Details at

AllOTSEGO.com

www.

HELP FOOD PANTRY:

Through December, The Scriven Foundation is matching donations made to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, up to a total of $7,500.

Donations may be sent directly to the Food Pantry at 25 Church St., Cooperstown NY 13326. Checks may be made out to Cooperstown Food Pantry. For more information, call the Pantry at 607-547-8902.

Tillapaugh Plans Run For Mayor

By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

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eff Katz, an out-of-towner who came to represent Cooperstown in many nonCooperstown Americans’ minds, is stepping down as mayor after three less-andless tumultuous two-year terms full of achievement.

And Ellen Tillapaugh Tillapaugh Kuch, born and raised here and the consummate Cooperstonian in many natives’ minds, is running to replace him.

As Katz’s deputy mayor, she could assure a seamless transition.

“I’ve been mayor for six years, trustee for seven before then,” said Katz, when called by The Freeman’s Journal Monday, Dec. 11, to sound him out on his election plans. “Thirteen years is a pretty long time to do this – and they were pretty intense years. I feel it’s time.”

Please See KATZ, A7

Incumbents In, Saying Work Incomplete COOPERSTOWN

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ayoral candidate Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch and two other trustees, Cindy Falk and Jim Dean, all give the same reason for running again in the March 20 village election: Much remains to be completed.

“We have a lot of things in the pipeline that are important,” said Tillapaugh, an art conservationist who, except for college and a few years in Ohio, has lived here all her life.

“I really want to see the TEP project completed,” said Falk, referring to the village’s first federal funding, through the U.S. DOT’s Transporta-

New County Representative Decided To Run 2 Years Ago, And Got Ready

tion Enhancement Program, for the Main-Chestnut intersection and other downtown work. She moved here with her family in 2000 on joining the faculty of the Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies.

“There’s a staggering amount of work being done,” said Dean, propri Please See CANDIDATES, A2

SEWARD ANNOUNCES $100K GRANT

Touch-Screen Will Enhance Cooperstown Tourist Kiosk

By JIM KEVLIN

By PARKER FISH MORRIS

SPURBECK’S BACK:

New owners Mike Swatling and Carrie O’Brien will be reopening the historic Spurbeck’s corner grocery Monday, Dec. 14, after completing renovations of the Railroad Avenue store.

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Mayor Jeff Katz poses on the front steps of the family’s Chestnut Street home with First Lady Karen and sons Robbie, right, and Nate after revealing he won’t run for another term.

MICHELE FARWELL District 2

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COOPERSTOWN

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n 2011, when the fracking debate was at its height, Michele Farwell ran with Heather Covington for Morris Town Board.

And they won.

“Within a week, there was a letter to the editor that basically said, they won, but they are one-issue candidates, and that’s unfair to the town,” said Farwell, who was elected Please See FARWELL, B8

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Michele Farwell in front of the Otsego County quilt in board chambers.

The Major’s Inn, in her district, is in the square over her left shoulder.

he popular tourist kiosk in Pioneer Park may continue to feature a friendly attendant to direct you around Cooperstown, but soon there will be a futuristic touch: A touch-screen, that is.

“Basically, we’d like to have the kiosk available

to help tourists 24/7,” said Matt Hazzard, executive director, Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. “That way, guests aren’t limited to the hours of whoever is in the kiosk.”

On Monday, Dec. 11, state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, announced the $100,000 grant to upgrade the kiosk during a press conference at The Fenimore Art Museum. “This is a rePlease See KIOSK, A2

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

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, december 14, 2017

Work Unfinished, Candidates Say

LOCALS NEW FLAGPOLE RAISED AT MAIN, PIONEER, ON PEARL HARBOR DAY

Cooperstown VFW Post 7128 President David Sanford, top, raised Old Glory on the new pole at Main and Pioneer Streets for the first time, but only to half staff, to honor soldiers and sailors who died at Pearl Harbor as the new flag pole was installed Thursday, Dec 7. The new flagpole, 15-feet taller than its predecessor, tops out at 50 feet above Main Street.

Parker Fish/The Freeman’s Journal

Stacey Smith New Food Pantry Executive Director

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fter 40 years as a volunteer organization, the Cooperstown Food Pantry, has hired Stacey Smith as its first paid Executive Director.

“We believe Stacey will carry on the spirit and work of our founder, Ellen St. John, and will capably continue the excellent work and progress made under the leadership of volunteer co-directors Audrey Murray and Antoine Bour-

Life is calling

bon-Parme,” says Sharon Oberriter, president of the Food Pantry’s Oversight and Advisory Board.

Smith has twenty years of experience dealing with the needs of children and families, primarily in New York State and Otsego County.

“I am looking forward to joining this team of volunteers that really drives the operation of the Food Pantry,” said Smith. “It is remarkable to see the dedication and compassion that

each individual brings to working with the individuals and families that utilize the Pantry.”

Each month the Pantry serves over 200 families representing over 800 people. The Pantry serves people who live in the northern two-thirds of Otsego County. The Cooperstown Food Pantry, located at 25 Church Street, is open 10 am- 4 pm Monday - Friday and 10 am - 2 pm every Saturday.

CANDIDATES/From A1 etor of Architectural Stair Building & Hand Railing, who moved his young family to Cooperstown in 1977.

The campaign officially begins when party caucuses are convened next month – the deadline is Jan. 30 – to nominate candidates, according to Village Administrator Teri Barown, who oversees village elections.

Independent candidates need to collect at least 50 signatures on petitions, which must by submitted to Barown’s office at 22 Main between Feb. 6 and 13, she said.

According to Barown, if Tillapaugh is elected mayor, she can then appoint her successor as trustee, who would serve until the next election in March 2019.

The winner of that election would serve until March 2020, when Tillapaugh’s three-year trustee term expires, then would have to run again for a three year term.

In recent years, the village Republican Party hasn’t fielded candidates; chair Vince Casale did not return a message by press time on the party’s plans for this cycle.

Ellen Tillapaugh was the daughter of George and Marjorie Tillapaugh, and was raised above the family

Falk

did graduate work at the University of Delaware.

She was still working on her Ph.D when she joined SUNY Oneonta at the CGP, where she teaches courses associated with “material culture.” She published “Barns of New York” in 2015.

She and husband Glenn, a contractor, have two children, Lizzy, 17, and Isaac, 15, a senior and sophomore respectively at CCS. A trustee since 2012 and chair of the Streets Committee for much of that time, she has overseen the major street projects of the past six years.

Jim Dean was familiar with Cooperstown through family lore: His father had waited on tables at The Otesega during summers in the 1920s. While basing Architectural Stair Building here, much of the work continued to be in New York City.

He first ran for trustee in 1978, one year after arriving, with the goal of convincing the Village Board to acquire then-vacant land at the end of Pioneer Street and add it to the village’s Lakefront Park. He didn’t win, “but I didn’t get the least votes,” he recalls.

He and wife Eileen raised three children here, Colleen, then in fourth grade, and Janice, 18 months; son Jeff was born at Fox Hospital.

Dean

funeral parlor on Pioneer Street with brothers Martin, now village attorney, and David, a contractor.

At Skidmore College, she met her future husband, Gary Kuch, now director of the Clark Foundation Scholarship Program and an Otsego town justice. They have two grown children, Maggie, 31, an R.N. and certified nursing midwife in Providence, R.I., and Rachel, 27, a medical doctor and psychiatrist in Syracuse.

A trustee since 2012, she has chaired Finance, Public Safety and Parks. She said political office was an “offshoot” of her community involvement, in the League of Women Voters, FOMA (the Friends of Music & Art) and the Girl Scouts.

“This is just an extension of service to the community,” she said. “Once the election’s done, it’s just service to community.”

Falk grew up in Wolcott, Wayne County; northern Virginia and West Chester, the Philadelphia suburb, attended Penn State, then

$100K Grant To Upgrade Kiosk, Visitor Center KIOSK/From A1 ally good economic driver for us, and a great investment of state dollars,” said Seward.

It’s the second such improvement grant Seward has secured this month to enhance the Cooperstown tourist experience. Last week, he announced $250,000 to install a public-access Wi-Fi at 25 points downtown.

The kiosk will advertise local attractions and offer information about the region, not just the village. According to Hazzard, the kiosk will still be staffed by volunteers.

In addition to the upgrades at Pioneer

Park, the money will pay to continue renovations of the Cooperstown Chamber building on Chestnut Street this spring.

The project includes upgrading men’s and women’s bathrooms, now located outside the visitor’s center, and making it part of one larger, fully enclosed building.

The building will get another doorway along the back wall, new signage and a “colonial style” brick pathway around the entire structure.

Hazzard hopes to have the kiosk in for the 2018 season and the visitor center renovations done that fall.

Audiology appointments available.

Cooperstown: 547-3060

Joy to you and yours.

Oneonta: 432-6300

The holidays are always hopping, but take time to savor the sweet moments with friends and family. Here’s hoping your home is filled with warmth and your heart with happiness in this special season.

From our merry crew to yours, Happy Holidays.

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THURSDAY, december 14, 2017

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-3 The Walton Central School Quartet – from left, Olivia Armao, Sabastian Frette, Tom O’dell and Liv Spina – sing Christmas Carols on the porch of the Bump Tavern.

Cooperstown’s Tulip Bailey ladles up cups of warm wassail for Candlelight Evening celebrants.

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Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Let there be light. Attendees at The Farmers’ Museum Candlelight Evening, a highlight of the Christmas season, were drawn to the Green that is the centerpiece of the 19th Century village. Just as darkness fell, a light snow began to dust the scene.

Doug Preston, Greene, and friend Charlotte Szczesh, Walton, go for a spin on the Empire State Carousel.

Cooperstown’s Ron Johnson leads carolers inside a Farmers’ Museum homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Fezzywig – Mary Fralick, Oneonta, and Don Raddatz, Cooperstown – were promoting The Farmers’ Museum upcoming production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

thank you for your support!

County ManaGEr or County EXECutIVE 8 a.m. | Thursday, December 14 | Springbrook’s Family Engagement Center | Route 28, Milford Center

Featuring DR. GERALD BENJAMIN | Moderated by Margaret Drugovich Kathleen Clark Chair, Otsego County Board of Representatives Anthony J. Casale Retired Assemblyman Gary Herzig Mayor, City of Oneonta

HoNoRARy HoStS Ellen tillapaugh Kuch tara Barnwell Deputy Mayor, Village of Cooperstown General Manager, Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal David Brenner Former County Board Chair; Kay Stuligross Former Mayor, City of Oneonta Representative, Otsego County Board; League of Women Voters, Oneonta Patricia Kennedy President, Springbrook Duncan Davies Senator Seward’s Chief of Staff

Maureen Murray League of Woman Voters, Cooperstown Barbara Ann Heegan President, Otsego County Chamber Danielle Henrici Board President, Cooperstown Chamber Adrian Kuzminski Moderator, Sustainable Otsego

SPoNSoRED By

Co-SPoNSoRED By The League of Women Voters, Oneonta & Cooperstown Chapters · Otsego County & Cooperstown Area Chambers of Commerce PuBLIC WELCoME · Coffee and pastries will be served. · For more information, call Larissa at 607-547-6103.

Perspectives

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

EDITORIAL

(Sometimes) WITHSTAND PRESSURE, KEEP MOVING FORWARD

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Let’s Keep Applying Lessons Of Jeff Katz Mayoralty

s it a stretch to say Mayor Jeff Katz brought President Obama’s ability to understand government and President Trump’s determination to 22 Main, Cooperstown’s Village Hall?

In his early days, Katz did have a bit of a bull-in-the-china-shop attitude that rubbed some people the wrong way. Thinking back a decade, however, he needed that kind of determination to withstand the withering barrage of criticism leveled at the Village Board on Nov. 19, 2007, when it voted, 4-2, to imposed paid parking during the summers on downtown streets and the Doubleday Field lot.

Someone actually shouted out, “Go back to Chicago!”

• After 2012, when the seven-year trustee was elected mayor with a dependable Democratic majority – soon joined by Lou Allstadt, a bi-partisan ally – the Trump side Mayor Jeff Katz calls meeting Barack Obama during the president’s visit to the Hall of Fame took a back seat to the Obama in May 2014 perhaps THE highpoint of his six-year tenure in Village Hall, when he met braininess and, eventually, even many VIPs. consideration and diplomacy in dealing with people he disagreed tinuous improvement that powered elections: “Increase revenue, cut After all, bureaucrats have with or who disagreed with him. the Japanese automotive juggercosts, get grants.” There’s much bosses, too. There’s cachet in The braininess in terms of naut against the U.S. Big Three. more, but that’s not a bad place to granting “Cooperstown” funds understanding what’s needed to He made it sound simple the start. for a high-profile project with run an efficient, forward-thinking, other day in announcing he won’t • the assurance the work will get modern local governnment – or run for a third three-year term as He also understood the power of done. The completed project, with embracing kaizen, the idea of con- mayor in the March 20 village the brand: “Cooperstown.”

Otsego Lake in the background,

makes a great cover for any annual report.

As mayor, Katz made a point of developing as many contacts as he might, on the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Commission and in Albany. Looking through our files, how many photos are there of the mayor, often with county Democratic then-chair Richard Abbate, escorting Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul down Main Street, or sharing a laugh with state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli at the annual Democratic dinner.

Katz made a point of attending Governor Cuomo’s CFA announcement each December at The Egg, the architectural oddity in Empire State Plaza, and make the rounds of post-announcement parties in the state Capitol. (CFAs are “comprehensive funding applications,” pretty much the sole vehicle for obtaining state economic-development funding).

The goal was getting Cooperstown’s story out – its dreams, its needs, its challenges. And hearing them, people wanted to help.

• Mayor Katz was also a pioneer in building a relationship with his Oneonta counterparts, a relationship that previously had been Please See EDITORIAL, A5

LETTERS

Don’t Blame XNG, Blame State’s Ill-Considered Pipeline Ban To the Editor: Your editorial of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, ”At Base, XNG Trucks Bring Nothing Positive Here,” was informative but ultimately misleading.

It characterized the transport of CNG (compressed natural gas) by trucks on local roads as unproductive in jobs and property taxes, a nuisance at best, and perhaps dangerous. Gas trucks traverse Otsego County on the way from

Pennsylvania to the Town of Manheim, near Little Falls. From there the Iroquois Pipeline delivers the gas to New England and downstate New York.

Otsego County held an informational meeting Nov. 17 at Milford Central School to address concerns after a tip-over Sept. 12 in Hartwick. The forum included XNG (the trucking company), the state police, the county’s Office of

Emergency Management and the state DOT. A small, vocal minority in the audience tried to hijack the meeting, targeting primarily the company reps and peppering them with “gotcha” questions.

They didn’t succeed. The state police reported that XNG had no speeding tickets and other vio lations were “nothing to negligible.”

The county Emergency Ser-

Leaders Must Stand Up To Juggernaut Of Moral, Social And Political Decay

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brilliant deal maker ever.

This self-assessment coupled with his unbridled hatred for President Obama and his desire to erase all vestiges of his presidency, convinced enough voters that he could “Make America Great Again!” Nevertheless, with Republican

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To the Editor: Ever since Donald Trump questioned the citizenship of Barack Obama, anyone with a moderate interest in politics has been trying to figure out what makes Trump tick.

He touts himself as a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and as the most

For 209 Years

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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

majorities in both houses of Congress and a Supreme Court slanted to the right, Donald Trump has failed to implement a single piece of significant legislation to support a bloated agenda that is antithetical to traditional American values.

His personal antics and those of his revolving-door staff of incompetent and inexperienced advisers have baffled the Congress, the news media and all of us seeking a single thread of logic in anything he has atPlease See VELEZ, A6

To the Editor: John Muehl for putting this all The recent conviction and sentogether. tencing of Casey Callahan for the To our friends and neighbors 17-year-old murder of Elizabeth who supported us throughout this Welsh helped close a long painodyssey, thank you so very, very ful chapter for our family. much. Your support will never be This would not have been posforgotten sible without the resourcefulness Thanks also to AllOTSEGO and dedication of a very able publications for reporting of Otsego County district attorney proceedings and, in particular, Elizabeth Welsh to Parker Fish whose follow up and members of our local lawenforcement community. pieces helped put a human face Our heartfelt appreciation goes to BCI on the sister/aunt/mother taken from us by Senior Inv. Terry Shultz, retired investigathis senseless act. tors Bob Fernandez and Ken Sosnowski; The world is a bit darker without Lizzie, retired Otsego County D.A. Office Inv. but the memories and the stories along with Mike Ten Eyck; state Department of Finanfaith in the justice system help light the way. cial Services Investigators Sean Ralph and GARY WICKHAM Chris Lehenbauer, and to District Attorney Goodyear Lake

AllOTSEGO.com

Tara Barnwell

WHERE NATURE SMILES

Libby Cudmore

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Of Christmas Catalogues And ‘Sharrows’

t is once again that time of year when we are overwhelmed by the deluge of catalogs which arrive Thom Rhodes Parker Fish Ian Austin seemingly daily in our mailbox. And Advertising Consultant Reporter Photographer while we have long railed against the tide of unwanted mail, as we have Kathleen Peters & Andree Baillargeon • Graphics & Production grown older we had tended to adopt a more benevolent attitude to the onJudith Bartow Tom Heitz slaught of catalogs.

Billing Consultant Instead of just moving them from IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 the mailbox to the recycling bin, we stack them up so we can look through OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Milford • Town of Middlefield them at our leisure.

Cooperstown Central School District And, if we should happen to come across something we think we simply Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $48 a year. All other areas, $65 a year.

First Class Subscription, $130 a year. cannot live without, we cut it out so we can determine if the item is availPublished Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. Amanda E. Willsey Business Manager

Larissa Ryan Office Manager/Circulation

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.

Accidents happen. By all means, take precautions along the truck route through road maintenance, reduced-speed restrictions, radaractivated MPH signs and diligent enforcement. A re-routing that almost doubles the mileage and labor costs – not so helpful from a reality-based, cost/benefit perspective.

The editorial noted three XNG Please See DOWNEY, A6

Dedicated Law Enforcers Kept The Faith, Brought Peace To Elizabeth Welsh’s Family

Advertising Director & General Manager Managing Editor

vices director noted the training of local emergency personnel and described the science that made explosions of gas trucks highly improbable. The various levels of the truck inspection process were reviewed. The company outlined its extensive safety protocols, from driver training to GPS monitoring.

This was met with accusations of greed and lying from a core group of frequent-flier fractivists.

able with free shipping online.

We suspect this is most definitely not the goal of the companies sending out the catalogs, but nowhere on these catalogs have we ever read “not apCATHERINE propriate for online LAKE shopping.”

ELLSWORTH • Of course, catalogs are not the only deluge which seems to be descending upon residents of the village. There also seems to be

a veritable bevy of plans for various projects within the village.

The most recent one seems to be the pilot program, for which the village has received $300,000 to set up a WiFi hot spot somewhere on Main Street.

Such a hot spot will allow people to use the basic internet connection for free.

We gather, from what we have read about this project, that it is just one more of the changes which the village is undertaking to not only make it more business-friendly but also to enhance the lives of residents and the experiences of tourists.

Please See COLUMN, A5

AllOTSEGO.com

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME. E-MAIL THEM TO info@

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

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

200 YEARS AGO

100 YEARS AGO

(From the Buffalo Journal) Something Novel – Yesterday morning, seven young warriors of the Seneca nation of Indians left this village in the stage, under the charge of Mssrs. A.C. Fox of this village, and W. Brigham of Chatauque, for New York – from whence, we understand, they are to take passage for Liverpool, England. Their object is to exhibit themselves in all the important towns in England, whence they will proceed to Paris, and afterwards, probably, complete the grand tour through Europe. The Indians are all fine looking, active young men, and will undoubtedly afford the Europeans a very novel and interesting exhibition.

December 18, 1817

175 YEARS AGO Vermont on Slavery – The legislature passed a series of resolutions, setting forth that no State should be admitted into or annexed to the Union, which tolerates slavery; that Congress has the right to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia and the territories of the United States, and that if Congress refuses to abolish slavery in the District, then the seat of government should be removed to some point in a free State; that Congress has the power to prohibit the selling of a slave from one State into another, and ought to exercise the power; that the Constitution of the United States ought to be amended so as to prevent the existence of slavery in any of the States; and lastly, the Senators are instructed, and Representatives requested, to present the resolutions to Congress and use their influence to carry out the principles thereof.

December 12, 1842

150 YEARS AGO Holiday Presents – “What shall we buy for holiday presents?” This is now the perplexing question to hundreds of households. Well, we shall not undertake to answer it – but will say this: Our merchants are now opening bales and boxes of things almost innumerable, suitable to such purpose. Why, there are two stores in Cooperstown which contain more fine jewelry and choice fancy articles than can be found outside of them in the whole County of Otsego. And then, those who wish to invest in the “substantials” have an excellent opportunity, for here are dry goods, grocery, hardware, furniture, fur, and clothing stores, all with large stocks of goods. The opportunity for making selections of Presents is unequalled in any other country village. Last but not least, if you have

Lake George? Fear Not; Perhaps, Disneyworld?

COLUMN/From A4 And while we are still working on just how it might enhance our life, we do wonder, once the project is up and running, just who is going to foot the bill for its operation. We find it rather hard to believe it will run forever on a mere $300,000.

However, the answer to our question so far has not been forthcoming in anything we have read.

• Plus, in terms of village planning, there was a recent meeting held regarding the second phase of the Main Street project, the first part of which was completed several years ago.

Although we were unable to attend the recent meeting held at the fire hall, we were most happy to discover that the information presented at the meeting is available online at the village website: http://cooperstownny.org.

Once on the website, click on “Live” where there will be links to the TEP Project Power Point Presentation and the TEP Project Drawings. For a quick look at what is being proposed for this next upgrade, we would recommend looking at the project drawings as they include the overall scope, time frame and expected features of the project.

And while the village is accepting comments on the project until Dec. 15, we suspect, as is often the case, the project is in reality a done deal.

• Entitled the “Village of Cooperstown Downtown Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvement Project,” the goals are to: “Enhance the overall experience throughout downtown Cooperstown; improve the safety, accessibility and functionality of the Main and Chestnut intersection for all users: improve pedestrian accessibility and safety; continue the aesthetic design concept and materials of GIGP Project recently constructed; promote the use of bicycles; complement ‘sharrows’; and unify the existing streetscape utilizing a cohesive set of streetscape furnishing (benches, receptacles, bike racks, signage).”

Construction on this next phase of work is scheduled to begin in September 2018, continuing until May 2019. Construction will halt during June, July and August of 2019, continuing again from September until November of 2019.

And since it includes sidewalk work in the business parts of Pioneer Street, those businesses which have been affected by the work on Pioneer Street this fall can now look forward to more disruption starting next year.

• We must say that there was once a time when residents of the village were concerned that the village was headed on its way to become just like Lake George. However, as far as we can tell, that that should no longer be a concern.

A comparison with Lake George is no longer the issue, as it would almost seem that residents should be concerned about being just like Disney World.

Instead of having what has long been a living and working community, the powers at the village now seem bent on turning Cooperstown not into the most perfect village but rather into the most synthetic village outside of Walt Disney World.

December 12, 1917 a child or friend at a distance to whom you would make an acceptable present, lasting all the year round, and every week new, send them The Freeman’s Journal.

December 13, 1867

125 YEARS AGO An Income Tax – Do the great body of American mechanics and farmers want this new burden placed upon their shoulders? As it is not proposed to levy an income tax on people who receive under say $10,000 a year – and it should not go lower than that – not many American farmers and mechanics are likely to be directly interested. It is said that 200 people in this country own not less than one-half the property in the United States. Such people do not pay taxes anything near their proportionate share.

December 15, 1892

75 YEARS AGO Among the cash contributions to The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund are the following: Senator and Mrs. Walter Stokes, $25.00; In Memory of H.R.T., $15; A Friend, $5; Grace Scott Bowen, $5; Mrs. H.S. Fenimore Cooper, $15; Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Atwell, $5; A Friend, $2; Mrs. A.J. Parker, $5; Edward Seymour, $1; Mr. and Mrs. Webster Tilton, $25; Miss Florence Wardwell, $25; Woman’s Club, Cooperstown, $10; Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Welch; Otsego Chapter O.E.S., $10; Mrs. Harold Otis, $50; A Friend, $5; An Old Scout, $5; Lippitt Bros., $10; Cooperstown Study Club, $5; Mrs. Arthur Clarke, $10; Dominick Tucci, $5; Grammar Dept. CHS, $2; Miss Mary Cunningham, $2.

December 16, 1942

50 YEARS AGO To The Editor: I wish to express my thanks to Edward Costello for his comments in last week’s paper concerning my article on Pearl Harbor. In his critique he posed the question on how I could “attack the right to speak out against any government policy?” The answer is whenever I see the privilege being abused. When the “Teeny-Boppers” jump into protest lines because it’s the “thing to do,” and when the derelicts burn their draft cards without realizing that it was a privilege for them to have in the first place – then I feel I have the right to question their sound judgment being dominated by immature emotions and irresponsible acts. If our government is too demanding for the protestors, then why do they not leave our country for one that would better suit them? I have noticed that very few have. Is it because they are merely attempting to attract attention to themselves and are being hypocritical in their beliefs? Or is it because they just don’t want to get too far away from old Dad’s pocketbook and Uncle Sam’s almighty dollar? After all, being such staunch advocates of peace, they should realize that not only would they be doing themselves a favor, but the American people as well. Sincerely, Carl J. Gus, Jr. December 13, 1967

25 YEARS AGO The Cooperstown Redskins recorded their third win of the boys’ basketball campaign with a 68-52 drubbing of the Little Falls Mounties at Bursey Gym. Led by junior guard Seth Schaeffer (31 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals) the Redskins held off a third quarter charge by the Mounties who had pulled within two points at 42-40.

As the Mounties came up the floor with a chance to tie the score or take the lead with a three-pointer, Schaeffer stepped up and converted a steal at mid-court with a slamdunk to make it 44-40. “That was the turning point,” Coach White said.

December 16, 1992

10 YEARS AGO Girls on the Run is a life-changing learning program for girls 8 to 12 years old. It has a 6 to 12 week curriculum to challenge and encourage pre-teen girls, whatever their fitness level, as they prepare for a 5K run/walk event. Among the girls participating are Mary Iversen, Annie Hage, Ginny Aswad, Elizabeth Millea, and Kristin Ratliff.

December 14, 2007

NYSHA Strengthened As Fenimore, Not Lost The NYSHA Library.

(Still there, last time we looked: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.)

Editor’s Note: This is Fenimore Art Museum President Paul D’Ambrosio’s response, issued Tuesday, Dec. 12, to a letter widely distributed by Peter Feinman of the Center for History, Archaelogy & Education in Purchase, questioning last spring’s announcement that the New York Historical Association (NYSHA) would continue under The Fenimore Art Museum name.

T

his is in response to the letter sent in the name of the New York Academy of History to the Board of Regents, the Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and the entire New York State Legislature. The letter, to which your name was attached, was unfortunately misinformed and inaccurate, and it is regrettable that no one from Fenimore Art Museum (the “Museum”), formerly PAUL known as the New York State Historical D’AMBROSIO Association, was approached for comment prior to its publication. Accordingly, I write to you now to correct the record and provide an accurate description of the Museum’s current and future activities.

Most crucially, the notions that NYSHA is “defunct” or “ceases to exist,” or that any of its programs are “at risk,” could not be more incorrect. The organization formerly known as NYSHA has simply changed its name (formally adopting the name that it has legally used as a “d/b/a” for many years), while continuing to carry on a wide range of activities promoting an appreciation of art, history, and culture. The Museum thus has been, and remains, a private, non-profit organization chartered under the New York State

Parker Fish/The Freeman’s Journal

Education Law and recognized by the IRS as exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Indeed, the Museum’s status as such was re-affirmed by the IRS on October 17, 2017 in response to a submission including the Museum’s amended charter.

The charter amendments were driven by the Museum’s desire to reflect the broad range of its long-standing activities, to avoid the misconception that it was a state agency, and to correct the ongoing confusion with the New-York Historical Society in Manhattan. The Museum also desired to address the fact that its collections have never been limited to New York State and, in fact, our important art collections, including our American Folk Art and American Indian Art, have been national in scope for decades. The charter amendments thus allow the Museum to present an institutional identity to the public that fully reflects its collections and the experience it offers.

Most important to the concerns in the letter is what the charter amendments did not change – the scope or quality of our educational programming. We still host more than 7,000 school children each year in organized tours on a range of historical and artistic topics. We continue to operate our Research Library, a vital resource for the region with more than

100,000 volumes and a large collection of unique original manuscripts. The Library continues to be staffed by professional librarians as it has been for many years.

We continue to serve New York as the statewide coordinator of National History Day, a competitive program that reaches more than 10,000 students throughout the state. We maintain a close partnership with The Farmers’ Museum, a living history museum dedicated to promoting an understanding of the rural and agricultural history of New York.

We share most of our professional staff with this prominent history museum.

Please know as well that we are committed to ensuring the continued publication of the journal New York History, and that its future is not in jeopardy. Finally, of course, we bring world-class art exhibitions to New York State every year, including artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Ansel Adams, and (upcoming in 2018) Thomas Cole.

In short, our museum campus continues to thrive as Fenimore Art Museum, and we maintain the same reverence for our state’s rich past as we always have.

We are firmly committed to providing cultural enrichment and a better quality of life for New Yorkers, and critical educational opportunities for the youth of the state.

Recognize Cooperstown’s Variety, Vitality And Others Will EDITORIAL/From A4 ignored – even scoffed at on this end of Route 28.

Jaws dropped in 2011 when, at state Sen. Jim Seward’s annual New Year’s Day-after State of the State breakfast, that year at Foothills, there was Katz sitting next to Hizzoner Dick Miller of Oneonta.

After Dick Miller’s passing, his successor Gary Herzig and Katz were Frick and Frack, it seemed, together at every gathering of any countywide significance.

Given both were Democratic mayors in a Republican county, with a Democratic governor in Albany, it can’t have hurt Otsego County’s cause – or causes: There are many local needs in need of attention.

In our now-departed primo economic developer, Sandy Mathes, Katz saw, not a threat in that savvy, hard-driving operative, but an opportunity. Mathes knew where money was, and how to get it. Katz was an attentive student, and the CFA money flowed.

Watching Jeff Katz over most of his 13 years in village government as he learned, and grew, and charged ahead, and strategically retreated from time to time – infuriating, sometimes, but less and less so as time went on – and solved the puzzle of local government piece by piece, was a lesson to anyone with an open mind.

Perfect? Heck no. But instructive and, occasionally, inspiring.

Here’s one thing he learned, and any

one paying attention learned, during the Katz Era, which he repeated the other day as he contemplated returning to private life: “Yes, Cooperstown is a hometown with 1,800 people who live here and raise families, but it’s also a medical center, and a tourist center, and a retirement community. Yes, that village of 1,800 is many things, and that’s how you get sewer plant money, and that’s how you get Main Street money.”

Add commercial center. And outdoorrecreation hub. And spiritual center of the Sport of Baseball. And literary mecca. And environmental icon. And on and on.

And the sky’s the limit.

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY-Friday, december 14-15, 2017

Governor Cuomo Must Stop Playing Political Games: OK Constitution Pipeline considerable savings for a DOWNEY/From A4 accidents. There was one lo- small business that employs local workers. We can cal accident. The other two expect more of this type of were elsewhere, not local local benefit as natural gas as the editorial seemed to imply. These incidents were becomes readily available in the future. in a universe of over 25,000 LETTERS The main round trips. That’s 50,000 flaw in the point-to-point destinations. editorial is the omission of The editorial overlooked the fact that 20 to 30 percent the reason the trucks have to off-load in Manheim in of XNG deliveries out of the first place. The reason is Manheim are to local and simple: a lack of inter-conregional businesses and nective pipelines. institutions. One such is a New York and New EngDelaware County agribusiland need low-cost energy. ness that saves $120,000 A source of that energy a month in energy costs, a

lies just 60 miles south of the people of New York and Coast states, even ships it in Build the Constitution Otsego County in the MarNew England pay more for from Qatar.

Pipeline and New England Governor Cuomo must cellus shale of Pennsylvaheat and electricity. gets affordable energy. nia. Pipelines are the logical When a governor blocks stop playing games with his New York lowers energy means of transport from energy efficiency for politiphony, politically motivated costs through distribution source to end-user but the cal gain, businesses, public denial of water permits. He lines like the proposed low cost and flexibility of institutions, utilities, and must allow more interconLeatherstocking. Local gas undercuts renewables. even existing pipelines look necting pipelines such as roads revert to local truckthe Constitution Pipeline.

A powerful renewable for other means (trucks) to ing. The gas truck problem It’s built to deliver 600,000 is solved. It’s that simple. energy cartel has demonized save on energy transport costs. Currently, New Englow-cost gas and mobilized dekatherms of gas a day to DICK DOWNEY the Iroquois Pipeline. That “environmental” groups in land imports gas from great Otego distances – Canada, the Gulf replaces a lot of trucks. opposition. A politically ambitious governor has joined them in preventing gas from reaching markets.

To the Editor: Unlike a driver’s license, a handgun permit Pipeline construction has The bill that Congressman John “Redis not a necessity for interstate commerce. been targeted. The result is Cap” Faso has co-sponsored on gun-permit I have had a concealed-gun permit in reciprocity between the states does not pass Texas since they first started issuing them. the smell test. It stinks. The problem with One of my partners was murdered with universal reciprocity - allowing anyone a gun, another partner was involved in a shooting. I have had two people shot on my with a gun with any state permit to carry it of consequence done, he anywhere in the U.S. is that the permit stanproperties, been shot at once and have shot squanders his time initiating dards vary from severe (NYS) to non-exat burglars. Just another day at the ranch. and supporting discord and istent (N.H.).

In Texas, gun permit holders Under no circumstances does a New hatred. The Ku Klux Klan, York congressman need to support a federal and even the American Nazi can carry the gun openly, hanging from their belt. law on state reciprocity on a wide range of Party have “gone public,” Eleven states grant permits to people who state standards for carrying firearms. The marching openly through have not undergone safety training. Twenty states already do that - they either recognize our streets in support of states allow permits for people convicted of another state’s law, and allow reciprocity or Donald Trump’s isolationviolent crimes, and a dozen do not require they don’t. ist and white supremacist any kind of permit or license to carry a That’s entirely up to the state - per the agenda. Like a petulant concealed firearm.

10th Amendment. There’s certainly no child, Trump has threatened Congressman Faso’s argument is that a need for the feds to coerce a state to honor to shut down the entire government if Congress fails to gun permit is like a driver’s license. It’s not. another state’s license, when there is no You don’t have to have proof of insurance uniform standard of licensing, and in some finance his Mexican border for a gun permit.

In many states, there is states, no license whatsoever. wall. no proficiency (i.e. drivers’) test.

In some CHIP NORTHRUP Nevertheless, there Cooperstown states, there’s no license involved at all. seems to be a method to this madness. Donald Trump’s primary concern is his personal financial, political and narcissistic benefit. He takes credit for all successes and blames others for all failures.

To compensate for his stunted intellectual and moral development, he hides behind others and demands absolute loyalty. In exchange, he exercises for their benefit, his unilateral sunday, December 17 presidential powers includ10 am – 1 pm ing pardons for criminal acts.

294 Bowen Road To stop this juggernaut of moral, social and politiCooperstown cal decay, we must demand that our political, social and Price reduction! religious leaders develop $259,000 the backbone necessary to set the common good above MLS #111871 political and personal gain, Quiet, secluded and just a short drive to Cooperstown (part of the CCS system), and then, act accordingly. this 2-story, 4-BR, 2-bath single-family residence features brand new and refinished RANDY VELEZ wood floors, oversized LR w/hand-hewn beams and a beautiful view of the neighbor’s Cooperstown pond. Laundry room/office or mud room, pellet stove, covered front porch and a nice, shady front yard. The property includes a hops barn.

Must Texas Gunplay Become National Norm?

Who Are Leaders To Save Us From Trump?

VELEZ/From A4 tempted.

Nevertheless, Trump’s fans say he thrives on chaos and suggest this is what made him a success in real estate. They want Trump to be Trump.

It doesn’t take a degree from the Wharton School to understand that success in any major business enterprise depends on well-conceived plans and well-ordered strategies, carried out by expert personnel.

So how do we account for Trump? This is my theory.

In the fast-paced world of international commercial real estate, Donald Trump is a dinosaur at 71 years old.

His general mental acuity is diminished along with his attention span. It could be that he has lost interest in deal-making or perhaps there are mental infirmities at work. Either way, Donald Trump is no longer a power house of commercial real estate, if indeed he ever was.

His businesses may have been put into the hands of his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, long before Trump entered the White House. It seems reasonable that his sons, who apprenticed under him, would be very adept at growing the business for their father.

In this model, Trump Sr.’s function would be reduced to socially schmoozing the principals during negotiations and showing up again to sign the final documents.

Having played his part, Trump could return to watching TV, playing golf and tweeting. This would be a perfect way to shield Donald Trump from public exposure of his growing incompetency.

In the White House, the Trump team has tried something similar.

His daughter and son-inlaw have moved to Washington D.C. and have taken positions as “senior counselors” despite their complete lack of experience. With the aid of other incompetent Trump loyalists, they have attempted to protect him from public exposure.

To their dismay, it hasn’t worked.

Guiding the ship of state has proven to be a task far broader and deeper than they ever imagined. In addition, much of it requires the personal involvement of the President on the public record.

Trump and his minions are clearly out of their depth and a large part of the world’s future hangs in the balance.

Of course, this is simply my theory. Nevertheless, it does seem to bring that thread of logic to what has passed for governance since Jan. 20.

Donald Trump continues to entertain the world with sophomoric and dishonest tweets, as though being President of the United States is the lead role in a reality TV show.

The Congress has passively abdicated the role of a co-equal branch of government and failed to impose constitutional restraints on an administration run amok.

As Trump continues to complain, threaten, equivocate and lie outright, our friends and enemies in the international community, are disengaging from the United States and charting independent courses. Simply put, they can’t trust Trump.

Domestically, he has done no better. Beside his inability to get anything

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Walk-out basement, washer and dryer, woodstove and plumbing for bath. Potential for finishing. Up-to-date drilled well and septic. Private backyard w/wood steps leading to lake. Owned by the same family for over 34 years. Enjoy with your family for generations to come.

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THURSDAY, december 14, 2017

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-7

In Front Of Angry Crowd, Trustees OK’d Paid Parking, Money Flowed KATZ/From A1 “If he were still interested, I would support him 120 percent,” Tillapaugh said.

But, she added, “I certainly understand. He’s served quite a few years now. I think this (Village Board) is a really strong board, and Thinking of Remodeling?

Think of Refinancing!

we have a lot of things in the pipeline that are important to complete.”

Katz, a Mets fan since his New York City and Long Island boyhood, got to know Cooperstown while attending SUNY Binghamton. A floor trader on the Chicago LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM www.leatherstockingmortgage.com 607-547-5007 (Office) 800-547-7948 (Toll Free)

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Mercantile Exchange, he was successful enough to retire at 42, and he and wife Karen moved sons Nate, now 27, Robbie, 25 and a CGP student, and Joey, 22 and a SUNY Purchase senior, here in 2003.

A cheerful, social man who enjoys debate, even argumentation, he was soon asked to run for office and, a Democrat, he became the youngest member of a Republican-majority Village Board in the 2005 elections, serving with Mayor Carol B. Waller, Deputy Mayor Glenn Hubbell and Trustee Stu Taugher, himself a former mayor.

With Village Hall strapped for funds, what

Then-trustee Jeff Katz, seated in gray sweater, fields complaints from constituents after the Village Board voted 4-2 in favor of paid parking at a packed meeting in CCS’ Sterling Auditorium on Nov. 19, 2007.

would become the overriding issue of the next decade – on-street paid parking – always simmering, would come to a boil on Nov. 19, 2007. After weeks of debate and public meetings, 350 residents packed CCS’ Sterling Auditorium,

Freeman’s Journal file photoParks

and, for a period, Finance and 50 of them decried the – allowed individual trustidea of charging drivers to ees to develop expertise park on Main Street and the and implement ever-bigDoubleday Field lot. ger grants and complicated Nonetheless, the Village projects. “The past six years Board voted 4-2 to proceed, are an amazing example evoking cries of “Election’s of common cause between coming,” “Shame, shame, the board and myself,” said shame,” and – not very Katz. “I don’t mean to say subtlely – “go back to Chiit’s all me, because it’s not.” cago!”

A highpoint of being Two tumultuous years mayor, Katz said, was the followed, as the Village chance to meet great AmeriBoard enacted paid parking cans, foremost President over community resistance Obama on his visit to the and installed “P&D” (pay and display) machines along Hall of Fame in May 2014.

“There are so many people Main Street. Katz ran for I’ve met,” he said, “Dorothy mayor in 2010 and was Hammill, all the ballplaydefeated by Republican Joe ers, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Booan; but he was enticed to That’s part of the job.” run again in 2012, defeating The novelty of Katz, a Booan (who had approached New Yorker and Chicagoan, the county Sheriff’s Departand a baseball writer (his ment about absorbing village second book, “Split Season,” police) and witnessing the about the 1981 baseball collapse of the village GOP. That same years, Tillapaugh strike, was published in 2015) serving as mayor of was elected trustee.

Baseball’s Mecca attracted In retrospect, though, national attention. He’s that 2007 vote made all the been covered in the New difference, allowing the York Times, the Chicago renovation of Main Street Tribune and many other in 2014, vast improvements newspapers and TV stations. to decrepit 22 Main (the He also sought every Village Hall), this year’s chance to talk about Cooperstown and its need (as well as how, an international tourism magnet, it benefits the whole county and surrounding Freeman’s Journal file photo region) to Unsure he wanted it after losing the the Momayor’s race the year before, Katz hawk Valley is nominated again by acclamation Regional at the Democratic caucus in JanuEconomic ary 2012. He went on to win after Development a hard-fought campaign and served two three-year terms. At left is his Commission, wife, Karen. at Governor Cuomo’s annual CFA economic-dereconstruction of Pioneer velopment announcement at Street, next year’s upgrades The Egg in Albany, and to at Main and Chestnut and funding agencies in Albany enhancements throughout and Washington, D.C. the downtown, and a $16 The one project that million reconstruction of the remains elusive, he said, is sewage-treatment plant on Doubleday Field redevelopthe Susquehanna, (assisted ment, which he’d hoped by state grants from state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, to accomplish by its 100th anniversary in 2019. and Assemblyman Bill MaThe best day he rememgee, D-Nelson.) bers was the morning after Katz pointed out the other day that, since his first his Chicago Cubs won the budget as mayor, when taxes World Series at Cleveland – as mayor of Cooperstown, rose slightly, paid-parking he had been recognized at (between Labor Day and Progressive Field – and Columbus Day, and only he was driving home. His on Main and surroundphone rang: It was Magee’s ing downtown streets) has office with the news the generated $400,000 a year assemblyman had found $2 and kept the tax rate steady.

The money also addressed a million for the sewages plant reconstruction; 45 minutes perennial complaint – delater, Seward’s office called teriorating streets – with a with another $2 million. record nine streets repaved “OMG,” he said, “this is in the fall of 2016. the best drive ever.”

It wasn’t all revenues.

The Village Board in the Katz years shrank the village crews and the police department, and outsourced 22 Main maintenance and other functions.

In reviewing his tenure, Katz pointed out numerous other steps, from allying with Otsego Now’s former president Sandy Mathes to get state money to upgrade the village’s Comprehensive Master Plan into a plan of action, to professionalizing village government by promoting Village Clark Teri Barown to village adminisThe Freeman’s Journal trator.

Mayor Katz accepts a Stability on the board – Trustee Cindy Falk chair- $250,000 state grant last week from Senator ing Streets; Lou Allstadt, Seward to create championing 22 Main 25 Wi-Fi hotspots repair; Tillapaugh chairing downtown.

AllOTSEGO.homes

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

lis NE tiN W g!

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

MLS#113323 $295,000 Beautiful! 6 BRs, 4½ baths on 12.5 acres w/in-law apartment. 12.5 acres, 2 outbuildings and amazing views overlooking the valley. Great opportunity!

Call Rodney Campbell @ 315-868-0148 (cell)

MLS#113853 $110,000 Lovely Country Setting Spacious farmhouse w/2 barns on 3.35 acres w/several recent improvements.

Priced to sell well below assessed value.

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MLS#111454 $279,000 11.54 acres, custom-built 3-BR, 2½ bath ranch, attached over-sized heated 2-car garage, full insulated basement, double shower, recessed lighting, central air.

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MLS#110422 $110,000 Country Bliss, Affordable Price! Charming home offers 3 BRs, attached and detached garage, 2 decks, screened porch, fenced backyard! Co-op Electric.

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MLS#113964 $125,000 Edmeston School District 3 acres. 2+ BR home has open floorplan, large kitchen island, custom-made cabinets. Pool, covered pavilion, 2-car garage.

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MLS#112504 $129,900 Fabulous Fly Creek home features 3 BRs, 2 baths, 2,000± sq ft, 2-car/2-story barn on 1+ acre!

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

MLS#113553 $205,000 Feel like you’re on vacation every day in this charming lakeside home. New roof and solar panels. Enjoy days and evenings on the deck or coffee on the patio.

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

MLS#107322 $249,000 4,000± sq ft, 3 - 5 BRs, 2 - 3 baths, finished basement, 2-car garage, barn w/concrete floor, garden shed, paved drive. 3.27 surveyed acres. Otsego Lake rights.

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

MLS#109732 $225,000 Great Deal! Spacious 3-BR, 3-bath house w/extras!

3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, paved parking, large 3-car garage, 3 sheds, in-ground pool.

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1 M 00% Bg

MLS#95721 $169,000 Low Taxes! Panoramic views of Otsego Lake!

Zero-turn lawnmower, refrigerator, generator, freezer will be included.

Call Pamela Andela @ 315-717-1907 (cell)

MLS#111336 $89,900 New roof, furnace and windows. Babbling brook just off your screened-in back porch. The home has 5 BRs and plenty of space to rearrange to meet your needs.

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

MLS#112858 $1.4M Rare As It Gets! Some of the best water frontage on Otsego Lake! Almost 6-acre estate w/main house, guest house/boathouse. Developers, investors, call!

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MLS#112769 $199,900 Cozy, Bright, Airy Beautiful lake and mountain views, large decks. Big enough for you and your guests, yet small enough for a comfortable home.

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MLS#112842 $1.35M A Kingdom of One’s Own Secluded large tract of 345+ acres at the end of a dead-end road. 50-mile views, small lakes, deep woods, perfect log cabin.

Call Stefan Marikovics @ 516-974-8882 (cell)

MLS#108620 $49,900 Cherry Valley Views 28 wooded acres w/2,115'+ along County Hwy 32. Build your dream home on this property and hunt from the back porch!

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

MLS#108867 $345,000 Price Reduced! Canadarago Lake. 30 acres, 58’ lake frontage, amazing views. Hiking, boating, hunting, snowmobiling. Built in 1999. A rare find!

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MLS#109943 $1,175,000 Beautiful luxury 5-BR, 4½-bath home on 67 acres in Oneonta. Custom designed country estate. Radiant heat, sunroom, central AC, security system,generator, oversized, 2-car, radiant heated garage. Relax w/your in-ground pool, waterfall and entertaining patio!

Within 3 hours of Manhattan, this is the perfect weekend or leisure-time retreat.

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PR NE iC W E!

MLS#110968 $269,000 Price Reduced! This year-round home has beautiful Spacious 4 BR,access 2 bathtohouse is close to I-88.InLarge lawn, easy Canadarago Lake. your free backyard, workshop/garage, small shed.

Make your time kayak to Deowongo Island right out front. appointment Priced go this week!(cell) Call Rodneytoday.

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MLS#105929 $74,200 Hunter’s Dream 40 acres on Panther Mountain overlooking Canadarago Lake comes w/hunting cabin ready for your weekend getaway. Call now!

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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, dECEMBER 14-15, 2017

PAGE B-1

400 SANTAS

NISSAN

woulUn d de likrethe tobig co

NIS ng

SA raNtu sig lante 5IF '55SFOnFN eidBO a St. Oneo T ,+P VSnta OBM 607.432.28 00 www.countryclub nissan.com

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO

BEST BETS

...Rockin’ Around Millie Douglas’ Christmas Tree

Naomi Wagner, Cooperstown, who plays Annie in Orpheus Theater’s upcoming production of “Annie”, rehearses the song “N.Y.C” along side Casey Thomas, Oneonta, who plays Oliver “Daddy’ Warbucks at SUNY’s Goodrich Theater. The classic show features 41 local cast members.

I AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Since receiving her first Santa from her husband Gordon on their first Christmas together in 1949, Millie Douglas of Garrattsville has expanded her collection to more than 400 figurines and images of the Jolly Old Elf.

By LIBBY CUDMORE

F

GARRATTSVILLE or their first Christmas in 1949, Gordon Douglas gave his new bride, Millie, a ceramic Santa Claus figurine with a flocked red suit. “I think he got it at Bresee’s,” she said. “He’s my pride and joy.”

Almost 70 years later, Millie, now 87, has expanded her collec-

This may be the last year she displays a collection built over almost 70 years, including these Santas from around the world.

tion to over 400 Santas, including figurines, cookie jars, pillows, mugs – even nightlights, candlesticks and salt and pepper shakers. “I’ve lost count!” she said.

“One day, a friend noticed that I had a few, and she said, ‘Do you collect them?’ I said, ‘I don’t, but that’s a good idea!’”

Now, there are Santas in every corner of every room of the Garrattsville home she’s occupied since 1956. “It’s my thing,” she said. “I really enjoy them.”

The Santas are stored in tubs Please See SANTAS, B3

QUINN BERNEGGER HOME FOR VOICES

His Career Accelerating, Native Son Returns In Bach ‘Christmas Oratorio’

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

Q A hit as solo tenor at last year’s Voices of Cooperstown “Messiah” performance, Quinn Bernegger is the tenor Evangelist this weekend in Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio.”

uinn Bernegger is making a name for himself in opera houses across the Northeast, but for the young tenor there’s no place like home.

“The special thing about performing with Voices of Cooperstown is that it’s a chance to come home and

performance at the Boston Conservatory, will return to sing as the Evangelist in Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” to be performed this Saturday, Dec. 16, at the annual Voices of Cooperstown concert at Christ Episcopal Church. (The Evangelist in Bach oratorios is a tenor who narrates the exact words of the Bible, as translated by Luther.)

“Any time you do an oraPlease See BACH, B3

IF YOU GO: Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Christ Episcopal Church, 46 River St., Cooperstown.

Tickets $25 adults; $15 students, available at Cooperstown Art Association, Cooperstown Chamber, Riverwood.

sing,” he said. “It’s not just another gig.”

Bernegger, now pursuing a graduate degree in opera

Orpheus Theater Presents‘Annie’ On SUNY Stage

t may feel like a hard knock life sometimes, but the sun will come out as Orpheus Theater presents the classic musical “Annie.” 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 15 - 17, with 2 p.m. matinees Dec. 16 - 17. Tickets, $20/adult. Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta. Call 607-432-9392.

CHRISTMAS CEILI: Participate in a traditional Irish Dance performed by the Iona Troupe. Tickets, $10/adult, $5/child. 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15. Cooperstown Art Association. Call 607-547-9777.

LOVE THE 90s: The dream of the 90s is back with a costume dance party. $3 with costume, $5 without. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Call 607-431-2080.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: The 25th anniversary of the Bright Hill Press & Literary Center is marked with reading by 20 contributors, messages from Governor Cuomo and Sen. Seward, and a speech by Congressman Faso. 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Bright Hill Press & Literary Center, 94 Church St., Treadwell. Call 607-829-5055.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS: “Our Lady of the Lake” presented by St. Mary’s Church.

Features traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation. St. Mary’s Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Call 607-547-2213 or visit www.stmaryscoop.org FINAL CONCERT: Driftwood plays folk, rock and country in the final concert of the Cooperstown Concert Series. The Otesaga, Cooperstown. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Call 607-547-1812.

UPCOMING OPERA: The Glimmerglass Festival presents the family-friendly opera “The Little Prince” with local chorus. $15 general admission. $5, 12 and under.

7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday Dec. 19 - 20, Cooperstown High School Auditorium.

Info, tickets, glimmerglassfestival.org.

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Christmas Also Inspired Couple To Open Christmas Tree Farm SANTAS/From B1 in the garage. Just before Thanksgiving, she gets them out and begins to set them up around her home.

She keeps track of where each one came from and the date she acquired it. “I get them all over; garage sales, Salvation Army, QVC. I had one friend who lived in Rye, and every time she came to visit, she’d bring me a Santa from the city.”

She’s made several of them too, ranging from 11inches to 3-feet tall. “I’m a seamstress, so whenever I would make a dress, I’d save the leftover fabric,” she said. “I made red velvet bridesmaids dresses, so I made a coat for a Santa.”

She also made a Santa face pillow with lace for 



 

a beard, and several out of bottles and soup cans.

“When I see a pattern in a magazine, I go upstairs and get some fabric,” she said.

Millie moved to Cooperstown from Pennsylvania when she turned 16.

“My dad died when I was 2 or 3, and my mom died when I was 10,” she said.

“But growing up on a farm, we never did any decorating.”

Tasked with providing for herself, she worked at a factory in Cooperstown making men’s underwear, as well as at the Knox School for Girls Millie Douglas shows off she made herself. at The Otesaga, where she met Gordon. tral Petroleum, and he knew “That first Christmas, we a farmer who had trees. He didn’t have a tree topper, so offered him $10 for one, and I found a snowman that you when he came home, he said put lollypops in,” she said.

‘We need to start a Christ“He drilled out a hole, and mas tree farm.’” we put him on top.”

They planted trees at their And Christmas, it seemed, farm in Garrattsville, and, was her fate. “In the 1960s, after 15 years, began to sell we couldn’t find a Christthem. “I’d be inside, 9 at mas tree,” she said. “My night and someone would husband delivered for Cenring the bell looking for

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

one of the Santas that

a tree,” she said. “So I’d have to go out and sell them one. People would say they wanted a tree ‘just like they had last year,’ and I would always remember.”

Her own tree, she said, as well as her growing Santa collection, would have to be up by Thanksgiving. “Otherwise, there wouldn’t be any time to decorate!” she said.

In addition to the trees, she also worked behind the counter at Schneider’s Bakery for 20 years. “The girls always gave me a Santa for Christmas,” she said.

She and Gordon were married for 55 years before his passing in 2005. “After he died, I really started collecting more,” she said.

Also included in her collection are several vintage pieces, including a light-up ceramic Nativity scene and a tiny paper village. “I still have the boxes,” she said.

“They’re marked 59 cents each.”

And she’s begun the process of passing along her collection to family and friends. “People have asked for different ones,” she said.

“But there are a few I can’t give away.”

But she believes this will be the last year the full collections is on display, even though, “when I put them away, the house seems so empty.”

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The Voices of Cooperstown and Christ Episcopal Church present selections from J.S. Bach’s

Christmas Oratorio with Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra

Saturday, December 16 at 5 pm (Doors open at 4:30 pm)

Christ Church, Episcopal 46 River Street, Cooperstown TiCkETS: $25 | STuDEnTS: $15 Available at the door and at these outlets: Cooperstown Art Association - 22 Main Street Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce -31 Chestnut Street Riverwood - 88 Main Street

B-3

Bernegger, Voices Singing ‘Oratorio’ Christmas Concert BACH/From B1 torio, it’s very stylized storytelling,” he said. “There are these dramatic moments, operatically, these moments of light and dark, and the best thing you can do is feel as though you are speaking what you’re singing. It’s all about the words.”

Bach was espeQuinn percially fond of forms in “A “malismas,” Little Night Music” in groups of many notes DesMoines over the sung over summer. one Please Sesyllable of text. “With so many notes in rapid succession, it becomes like you’re outside yourself,” he said. “You have to give yourself over to it.

You get possessed by it, like it’s singing you.”

Complete, the “Christmas Oratorio” is three hours long, but the Voices will perform an abridged version. “If performed in full, it’s usually done over a couple of days,” said Bernegger.

Bernegger first sang with the Voices in 2014, in the chorus. He returned as a soloist in last year’s performance as well, singing with Jolene Lachance, another young local talent seeking to build a singing career in the outside world. “Because so many churches do ‘The Messiah’ at Christmas, soloists are often selected because of who you know, rather than auditions,” he said. “I’ve only ever done it in Cooperstown.”

He’ll be home Friday night and do one rehearsal with the chorus ahead of Saturday night’s performance.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking, and invariably, there will be one or two things to buff out,” he said. “But that’s how these things are sometimes. You just go and do it.”

Bernegger, a 2009 CCS graduate, has been steadily making a name for himself following his graduation from Middlebury College in 2013. He was a finalist in the FAVA Grand Concours competition in 2015, and first place in the American Prize in both opera and Art Song.

Last year, he starred as Beadle Bamford in “Sweeney Todd” and as part of the Jazz Trio in “Trouble in Tahiti” at Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton and as NankiPoo in “The Mikado” at Chautauqua Opera. This past summer, he sang as Henrick in “A Little Night Music” at the Des Moines Metro Opera in Ohio.

When he returns to Boston after Christmas, he’ll be preparing for a production of Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

“It’s a crazy opera with a very small cast,” he said.

“I’m the only tenor.”

And this summer, he’ll be an apprentice artist at Opera Saratoga, singing in “The Merry Widow” and the professional premiere of David T. Little’s “Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera.”

“It’ll be great,” he said.

“I’ll be so close to home.”

B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

All OTSEGO. opportunities

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14-15, 2017

Friday, December 15

STRESSBUSTERS – 2 3:30 p.m. Color Me Zen workshop to relieve stress. Color a mandala with the Stress Busters team. Free, open to the public. Friends of Recovery of Delaware & Otesgo, 22 Elm St., Oneonta. Call 607-267-4435.

MUSICAL – 7:30 - 10 p.m.

The Orpheus Theater presents “Annie.” Tickets, $20/ adult. Also Saturday, Sunday.

Goodrich Theater, SUNY

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO Oneonta. Call 607-432-9392.

Saturday,

December 16

COOPERSTOWN FARMERS MARKET – 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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CHRISTMAS MARKET – 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Main St. Walkway, Oneonta. E-mail oneontafarmersmarket607@

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Fire Chief & Asst. Fire Chief

The Oneonta Municipal Civil Service Commission announces open-competitive exams for Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Oneonta on January 20, 2018. Application deadline is December 29, 2017.

Applications and announcements are available at the Personnel Office, 258 Main St. or at www.oneonta.ny.us/personnel EOE

Legal

Legal

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of

of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name:

HINMAN HOLLOW, LLC.

OAKVIEW LODGE, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/08/17.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Meagan O’Brien, 1202 County Highway 45, Milford, NY 13807.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/29/2017.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 182 Toy Farm Road, Hartwick, NY 13348 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

PUBLIC NOTICE OF LAW

NAME: King Kuupa LLC, Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 08/22/2017.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 1740 State Highway 7, Unadilla, NY 13849.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18

NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego at a meeting thereof held on the 6th day of December, 2017, duly adopted a Local Law 4 of 2017 entitled: A Local Law to amend Local Law No, 2 of 1990 Ethics Law. This Local Law adds a section on Nepotism.

Legal nOtice

The full text of this Local Law of 2017 is available for inspection in the Clerk of the Board’s Office in the County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours.

Notice of formation

Dated: December 14, 2017

Legal

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.14 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of WOODWARD LAKE PROPERTIES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/01/17.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Bob Lesperence, 297 River St, Ste 3, Oneonta, NY 13820, which also serves as the registered agent address.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Livingston Rentals & Management LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/30/17.

Office: Ulster Co. SSNY design agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to 95 Canal St Ellenville, NY 12428 General Purpose 6LegalJan.11 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Sawtooth Shelf System LLC Articles of Org.

LEGALS

Legal

Legal

Legal

Legal

filed N.Y. Sec. of State (SSNY) 09/28/17 Office Location: Otsego Co. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and ssny shall mail copy of process to U.S. Corporation Agenst Inc. 7014 13th Ave., Suite 202, Brooklyn NY 11228 Purpose: Any lawfull activity 6LegalJan.4

Secretary of State on September 6, 2017.

The office of said entity is to be located in Otsego County, New York.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the limited liability company, upon whom process against it may be served, and the post office address within this State to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon her is P.O. Box 126, Edmeston, New York 13335.

The purpose of the business of such limited liability company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Limited Liability Company Law. 6LegalDec.28

whom process against it may be served, and the post office address within this State to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon her is P.O. Box 126, Edmeston, New York 13335.

The purpose of the business of such limited liability company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Limited Liability Company Law. 6LegalDec.28

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.21

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of GRIA HOLDINGS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/17.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 26 Myrtle Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The name of the entity is KAR 119 LLC, for which the Articles of Organization were filed with the

Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The name of the entity is VDR LLC, for which the Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State on September 6, 2017.

The office of said entity is to be located in Otsego County, New York.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the limited liability company, upon

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of HOME & AWAY COTTAGES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/03/17.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Steven Delcampo, 7 Chestnut Hill Drive, New Fairfield, CT 06812.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.28 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of 9 RR Ave LLC Filed 10/13/17 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 1208, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of a lIMITED lIABILITY cOMPANY (llc) Name: stumped llc, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/23/2017.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: C/O STUMPED LLC, 375 118th Ave Se Suite 118, Bellevue, 98005.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

6LegalDec.21

gmail.com CELEBRATION – 1 p.m. The 25th anniversary of the Bright Hill Press & Literary Center is marked with reading by 20 contributors and moreBright Hill Press & Literary Center, 94 Church St., Treadwell. Call 607-829-5055.

MOVIE NIGHT – 7 p.m.

Showing “Despicable Me 3.”

Admission, free. Snacks available. GMU Auditorium, 693 St. Hwy. 51, Gilbertsville. Call 607-783-2207.

CONCERT – 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy music rooted in folk, rock, and country by the band “Driftwood.” The Otesaga, Cooperstown. Call 607-5471812.

MOVIE NIGHT – 7:30 p.m.

Free screening of “Despicable Me 3.” Community Room, The Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. Call 607-5472800.

DANCE PARTY – 8 p.m.Midnight. Enjoy a night of Dancing in the 90s. Enjoy the music, wear a costume. Cost, $3/costume, $5/no costume.

The Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Call 607431-2080.

Monday, December 18

OPEN PLAY – 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tinker with 3-D printing.

Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

Call 607-432-1980.

FIGURE DRAWING – 6:30 p.m. Non-instructional drawing with live model. Poses chosen by consensus. Cost $12 per class. The Carriage House Art Studio, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Call 607-4358718.

Legal

Legal

HARTWICK HISTORIC PROPERTIES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was November 3, 2017.

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 4259 St Hwy 205, Hartwick, NY 13348.

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

6LegalDec.14 Legal nOtice

Notice of filing: Application for Authority (Foreign LLC).

Name:

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: WARDWELL PINEHURST FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was September 15, 2017.

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 294 Bellman Ave, Warwick, Rhode Island 02889.

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

6LegalDec.14 Legal nOtice

Helix Business Solutions, LLC.

Notice of formation of dannysadie, L.L.C.

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/27/2017. NY Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him is 8700 W. Trail Lake Drive, Suite 103, Memphis, TN 381257.

Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose.”

6LegalDec.14

Name:

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Fox Stone Works LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/2/17.

Office: Ulster Co. SSNY design agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to Po Box 624 Hurley, NY 12443 General Purpose 6LegalDec.21 Legal nOtice

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/08/17.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Emily Cooperstein, 1270 County Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.21

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14-15, 2017

Thursday, December 14

VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

PREVIEW PARTY – 5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy holiday treats, drinks, and a good browse through the creations of students and guests for the Holiday Marketplace. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Call 607547-8671.

Friday, December 15

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE – 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sip, Shop, & Enjoy at the Artisan Boutique.

Templeton Hall, 63 Pioneer St., Cooperstown.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find amazing ceramic arts & crafts for sale. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown.

Call 607-547-8671.

VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate

cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

PERFORMANCE – 7 p.m.

Enjoy this production of Charles Dicken’s classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets, $15/adult. The Farmers Museum, Cooperstown. Call 607-547-1453.

CHRISTMAS CEILI – 7 9 p.m. Participate in a traditional Irish Dance performed by the Iona Troupe. Tickets, $10/adult, $5/child.

Cooperstown Art Association.

Call 607-547-9777.

Saturday, December 16

HOLIDAY SHOPPING – 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Business invite the public to enjoy the snacks, sips, & holiday sales.

Oneonta. Call 607-432-2941.

VISIT SANTA – 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Get your picture taken with Santa. Southside Mall, Oneonta. Call 607-432-4401.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find amazing ceramic arts & crafts for sale. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown.

The FacTory STore DoubleDay fielD, Cooperstown · 315-717-5777

Holiday sale fashion base layer loungewear fleece · wool sportswear outerwear

boots snowpants accessories sox Gifts!

Peace and happiness to all this Christmas and Holiday Season.

Thank you for your patronage. God bless our troops!

··

SLEEP SHOP

Call 607-547-8671.

VISIT SANTA – 1 - 5 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

NATIVITY SCENE – 1 - 5 p.m. See magnificent art displays depicting Creche scenes by members of the community. On display thru 12/21.

The Auditorium, Calvary Hill Retreat Center, 290 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call 607-4324926.

PERFORMANCE – 2 - 4 p.m. Also 5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy this production of Charles Dicken’s classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets, $15/adult.

The Farmers Museum, Cooperstown. Call 607-5471453.

CONCERT – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy the Bach Christmas Oratorio as presented by the Voices of Cooperstown. Concert begins 5 p.m. Cost, $25/adult.

Christ Church, Episcopal, 46 River St., Cooperstown.

Sunday, December 17

VISIT SANTA – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Get your picture taken with Santa. Southside Mall, Oneonta. Call 607-432-4401.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find amazing ceramic arts & crafts for sale. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown.

Call 607-547-8671.

VISIT SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

NATIVITY SCENE – 1 - 5 p.m. See magnificent art dis-

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We have 24 styles to choose from (most in stock).

Fast Free delivery and set up removal of old bedding available

+ Tax • Minimum Purchase of 2

Floor Store & Sleep Shop

Since 1962

Krazy Tom’s 4316 County Hwy 11, Cooperstown

607-547-6038 · krazytoms.com · sales@krazytoms.com

Open weekdays: 9 am to 5:30 pm Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm Closed Sunday

A gift subscription… the perfect gift!

plays depicting Creche scenes by members of the community. On display thru 12/21.

The Auditorium, Calvary Hill Retreat Center, 290 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call 607-4324926 or e-mail calvaryhillretreat@yahoo.com.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – 2 p.m. “Our Lady of the Lake” presented by St. Mary’s Church. Features traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation. St. Mary’s Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. Call 607-547-2213.

CONCERT – 3 p.m. Bryan White Performs his greatest hits and Christmas favorites.

Cost $20. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Call 607-431-2080.

PERFORMANCE– 3 - 5 p.m. Enjoy this production of Charles Dicken’s classic tale “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets, $15/adult. The Farmers Museum, Cooperstown. Call 607-547-1453.

CONCERT– 4 & 6 p.m.

35-minute Christmas Cantata by the Edmeston-Burlington Area Church Choir. Burlington Flats Baptist church, 101 Arnold Rd, Burlington Flats.

Call 607-965-8914.

Monday, December 18

NATIVITY SCENE – 1 - 5 p.m. See magnificent art displays depicting Creche scenes by members of the community. On display thru 12/21.

The Auditorium, Calvary Hill Retreat Center, 290 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call 607-4324926.

VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

B-5

Happy, happy

Christmas Calendar A COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHAT’S FUN AROUND HERE

send calendar items to info@allots

ego.com

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate. Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS – 6 - 7:30 p.m. Create something fun for the holidays. Includes storytime and 4 themed art activities. Springfield Library, 129 Co Rd 29A, Springfield Center. Call 315-858-5802.

Tuesday, December 19

NATIVITY SCENE – 1 5 p.m. See magnificent art displays depicting Creche scenes by members of the community. On display thru 12/21. The Auditorium, Calvary Hill Retreat Center, 290 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

Call 607-432-4926 or e-mail calvaryhillretreat@yahoo.com.

VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

OPERA – 7 p.m. Enjoy a performance of family friendly opera, “The Little Prince,” this holiday season. Auditorium, Cooperstown High School.

Call 607-547-2255.

Wednesday, December 20

NATIVITY SCENE – 1 5 p.m. See magnificent art displays depicting Creche scenes by members of the community. On display thru 12/21. The Auditorium, Calvary Hill Retreat Center, 290 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call 607-432-4926.

VISIT SANTA – 3 - 6 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

Can’t make it? Donate cookies and hot chocolate.

Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

WINTER CONCERT – 3:30 p.m. The Catskill Chamber Singers present “Christmas In Our Hometown: Songs of the Season.” The Plains at Parish Homestead, 163 Heritage Circle, Oneonta. Call 607433-0999.

Thursday, December 21

CHRISTMAS PARTY – 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Get the kids dressed-up in their holiday finest for this pre-school party. Bring a snack for them to share with their friends and parents too. Santa arrives at 10:30 a.m. The Gym Floor, The Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. Call 607-5472800.

AllOTSEGO.classifieds LOST Boat Dock/Missing-Lost 25’x3’ wooden, floating, boat dock section from Cooperstown Country Club.

Contact Tom Barry @ 603568-0631 or 607-322-4008 3Class.Dec.28 BUSINESS FOR SALE TURN-KEY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Retiring owner is ready to sell building and business. Instant income from leases. Self motivated? Business is thriving - call for details.

Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC 607-432-4391 or Rodger Moran direct at 607-287-1559.

TFN

HOMES FOR RENT 5 bedroom/3 bath farmhouse with pond and stream on 8 acres. 3 miles from Cooperstown. $1500/mo plus utilities. Available immediately. 607-547-8192. Leave message if no answer.

3Class.Dec.28 4 Bedroom, 3+ Bath Town of Oneonta home on 32 acres.

Now thru 05/15/18. $1500 per month plus utilities. Call Benson Agency Real Estate at 607-432-4391.

TFN APARTMENTS FOR RENT Hartwick Studio Apt 2nd floor $460 plus security and elec…Parking…no pets or smoking…newly redone… small deck…available imme-

diately. Dave 607-435-2405.

TFN 1 Bed, LR, full kitchen, 1 bath, small office, garage.

City of Oneonta, walk to town.

12/1 Occupancy. $625/mo., utilities not included.

631-353-1324 2 Bed, 1 Bath in Fly Creek.

Heat, off street parking, snow removal included. $825/mo. Available Nov. 1 Contact Rob Lee at 434-5177.

TFN Cooperstown Village 2 Br Flat. $1,400/month plus 1 month security. includes heat, electric, water. 1,400 sq. ft.

No pets, No smoking. Year lease. Off-street parking.

Call Hubbell’s Real Estate 607-547-5740.

TFN

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Mail check or money order to the Freeman’s Journal, Box 890, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Call 607-547-6103, or stop by our offices at 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

In Cooperstown, everyone reads The Freeman’s Journal!

21 Railroad Avenue Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-6103

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B-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

OBITUARIES Robert J. Cornnell, 55; Bank Executive Was Also Thespian, Scoutmaster EDMESTON – Robert James Cornnell, 55, of Edmeston, an Eagle scout, bank executive and performer in local theater, passed away Dec. 6, 2017, at his home following a courageous eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Utica on May 13, 1962, the son of Allan and Shirley (Preston) Cornnell and grew up in Holland Patent. He was a 1980 graduate of Holland Patent Central School. He later lived in Brownville and Rome, before settling in Edmeston in 1985 to help care for his grandparents.

Robert attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam as a tuba major.

He received Robert AOS degrees Cornnell in Management and Accounting from the Utica School of Commerce, and a Bachelor of Finance Degree Cum Laude from SUNY Utica. He held life and health insurance licenses, as well as multiple investment product licenses.

Since 1854

Robert worked at Norstar Bank, later Fleet Bank, for 13 years following in the footsteps of his grandparents and father as a Branch Manager in the banking industry.

He also worked the next seven years as an Assistance Vice President and Branch Manager for Adirondack Bank in Holland Patent and Utica, and as an Investment Representative for M&T Bank in Norwich. For the past five years he was employed as a Commercial Underwriter with The Hartford.

Rob had a love of music, community theater, and sports, but there was nothing more he loved than spending time with his wife and children — particularly

spending time in Canada fishing and relaxing at Dalhousie Lake.

He lived vicariously through his children’s travels around the world and took great pride in talking about what they had experienced. He was an avid photographer, and always had a camera in hand to record his kids achievements, and enjoyed taking photos of the local youth sports teams in action.

The Edmeston community will long remember his performances in “Hello Dolly,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and numerous other Peet Hook Player musicals and plays he acted in and directed. He had also been a coach when his kids were

younger for many community youth sports teams.

Robert was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with 4 palms. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow. Rob served as Cubmaster of Pack 9 for five years, and was an Asst.

Scoutmaster with Edmeston Boy Scout Troop 9. He was a former Rotary member in Edmeston, Richfield Springs, and Norwich.

Robert is survived by his wife of 29 years Cynthia (Bolton), his beloved daughter Stefanie, and two incredible sons Jordan and Dante – the “Bud Club”; his father Allan Cornnell of Marcy, NY; his brother

Richard of New Hartford, NY; his sister Carole of West Exeter; 13 nephews and nieces and their family members, along with several aunts and uncles.

He was predeceased by his mother Shirley, and his grandparents Ralph and Carolyn Cornnell of Edmeston.

A funeral was held Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Second Baptist Church, with interment in the Edmeston Union Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Catskill area Hospice and Palliative Care 1 Birchwood Drive Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Delker and Terry Funeral Home.

Mary Louise Gray, 88; Worked In Hospitals In CNY Region Monuments • Markers Cremation • Memorials Lettering and Restoration Cherry Valley 607-264-8201 Gloversville 518-725-2012

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

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

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

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

COOPERSTOWN – Mary Louise Gray, 88, of Cooperstown, who worked in hospitals across the region before returning home to tend to her mother, passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 9, 2017, at her home on Walnut Street with her sister Connie and nephew Brent at her side.

She was born Jan. 13, 1929, at Bassett Hospital and graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1948. She was first employed as a parttime telephone operator at Bassett, where she also made formulas for the maternity and pediatric wards and the central supply department.

In 1957, Mary joined Herkimer Memorial Hospi-

tal, where she was responsible for setting up central supply, inventory, ordering supplies, Mary Gray making surgical packs, and supervising staff personnel. In November 1984, Mary left Herkimer for Fox Hospital in Oneonta, but after six months she took time off to care for her mother, Kathryn.

A determined individual, Mary took it upon herself to apply her education and experience in a new field and enrolled at Herkimer County Community College, where she eventually received a

teachers’ aide certificate.

For many years she was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.

She will be especially remembered for helping out with almost every rummage sale at the church.

In her leisure, Mary always enjoyed shopping trips to New York City, especially at Christmas time. On one of these trips, she and her nephew Brent decided to go to the top of the Empire State Building, and at the age of 83 Mary got off the elevator and climbed the stairs for the final 12 floors.

She also enjoyed horse racing and made several trips each summer to the Saratoga Race Course.

In addition to her sis-

ter Constance (“Connie”) Gray and her son Brent, of Cooperstown, Mary is survived by one aunt, Dorine Gray, and four cousins, Stephen, Michael and Jim Gray and David Austin.

She was predeceased by her mother, Kathryn Masten, who died Sept. 13, 1996.

Abiding by Mary’s requests, there will be no services.

She will be laid to rest in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.

Joseph Piambino, 78; Engineer Retired To Cooperstown COOPERSTOWN – Joseph Piambino, 78, formerly of Long Island, a manufacturing engineer who retired to the Cooperstown area, passed away early Sunday morning, Dec. 10, 2017, at his home on Hade Hollow Road with his family by his side.

He was born Aug. 1, 1939, in Brooklyn, a son of Frank and Frances (Ingargiola) Piambino. He married Linda Ketcham on Sept. 3, 1988, in Mount Sinai, Suffolk County.

For many years Joe was employed as a manufacturing engineer with Sperry Rand at their plant in Lake Suc-

cess. Following his retirement, Joe and Linda moved from Long Island to Cooperstown.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed fishing and boating as well as skeet shooting, and was a member of the Cooperstown Sportsmen’s Association and the Richfield Sportsmen’s Club.

He was lead guitar with Rhythm in 1970-1980.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of Cooperstown; two sons, Frank Piambino and companion, Connie, of Alplaus, Schenectady County, and Daniel Molyneux and wife, Berna-

dette, of Shirley, Suffolk County; four grandchildren, James, Emily, Thomas and Joseph; and one brother, Thomas Piambino and wife, Jean, of Island Park, Nassau County.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Connell, Dow & Dysenroth funeral home with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Giocomo Giardi, 95; WWII Navy Veteran, Retired Farmer RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Giocomo L. “Jack” Guardi, 95, a World War II Navy veteran and retired dairy farmer, passed away peacefully Monday evening Dec. 4, 2017, at his home, with his family by his side.

leWiS, HurleY & pietrobono

Heller & Skinner

Funeral Home

Funeral Home

51 Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com

155 Main Street Worcester, nY 607-397-9711 www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Proud to be family-owned John & Kathleen (Heller) Pietrobono

He was born on Nov. 15, 1922, in Deerfield, Oneida County, a son of the late Giocomo and Joseppina Genovese Guardi. He was raised and educated in Saquoit. He served during World War II as a seaman, first class.

On Feb. 7, 1948, he married the former Helen E. Goering in Annunciation Parish, Clarks Mills, a loving union of 69 years. In 1970, he and Helen moved to Richfield Springs, where he had operated a fruit stand and sold used cars.

He was a member of the National Farmers Organization, Richfield Springs Vets Club, the former Richfield Grange and St. Joseph the Worker Church in Richfield Springs.

Jack had a love for farming and tractors. He was

a friend to many and will never be forgotten.

Surviving him are, his wife Helen; a son Jude Thaddeus Guardi of Richfield Springs; three daughters, Nancy Renwick of Taberg, Darlene Wolford and her husband Paul of Mohawk, Gina Thompson of Salisbury Center; two brothers, Rosario Guardi of Richmond, Va., and John Guardi of West Winfield; many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Anthony Guardi; a daughter, Joanne Schramm; two brothers, Salvatore and Peter Guardi, and four sisters, Mary Gately, Congetta, Josephine and

Virginia Guardi.

Calling hours were last.

Friday, Dec. 8, in J. Seaton McGrath Giocomo Funeral Giardi Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph the Worker Church, 35 Canadarago St., Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Silvastar Sarihadula, pastor, officiating.

Interment with Military Honors will take place this spring in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J. Seaton McGrath

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14-15, 2017

AllOTSEGO.life

AllOTSEGO.automart

B-7

( 3 3 2 5 )

Car Talk Weekly Tip – TEST DRIVING YOUR NEXT NEW VEHICLE

By Rob Howard

Get behind the wheel. Make sure you can find a position that allows you to reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably. Is there enough headroom? Are all of the controls within easy reach?

General Manager Royal Auto Group, Oneonta, NY Email: robh@royalautony.com

Behind the wheel

Get prepared. While still at home, make a list of the trade-offs you may be willing to make. For example, list the colors you’re willing to accept in descending order from “to die for” to “could live with.” Another list should be the options or special features you just have to have, and those you’d like to have, but can live without.

Photocopies. Make sure you have photocopies of your driver’s license and proof of insurance. You’ll see why later.

On the lot

Regard the salesman as someone who’s working for you. He or she is there to help you with the 2nd most important purchase decision in your life-time.

The salesperson will ask if you have a trade-in. The best way to maintain control is to let the salesperson set up the appraisal process while you are on the test drive - this will decrease the time you need to spend at the dealership and make things run smoother on both sides.

Picking out the vehicle

Drive what you want. Always try to test-drive a version that is as close to what you want as possible. There is no point in driving a vehicle with a V-6 if you are shopping for one with a four-cylinder engine or driving a sedan if you want a convertible.

Get a demonstration. Before beginning the test drive, ask the salesman to demonstrate the vehicle’s features as if delivering the car to its new owner. Let him show you the finer points of the audio and heating and cooling systems as well as navigation, rear-seat entertainment system and any other special features. And don’t forget the cup holders.

Check under the hood. Ask the salesman to point out the oil dipstick and where oil is added. Is the battery easily accessible?

Locate the spare. Is it a full tire or a doughnut? Is it reasonably accessible? Do you think you can operate the jack?

Size up cargo space. Is the trunk large enough and properly configured for any special needs you might have, such as golf clubs or a toddler’s playpen?

Sit in every seating position. Will passengers be comfortable? Because of insurance requirements, the salesman will probably accompany you on the test-drive and may even drive the vehicle off the lot. If so, take that opportunity to check out the backseat.

Test the in and out. Enter and exit the vehicle, ensuring that you can do so easily and without hitting your head or banging your shin.

s e t a b e R

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Can you see clearly now? From the driver’s seat, check visibility. Do you have a clear view of the traffic around you?

Are there blind spots?

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THURSDAY-Friday, DECEMBER 14-15, 2017

Farwell, A County Representative For All Issues FARWELL/From A1 Nov. 7 in the county Board of Representatives’ District 2 (Butternuts, Morris and Pittsfield).

“My first reaction was to be angry at the person who wrote it,” she continued. “My second reaction was, I’m going to make sure that, every issue that comes before this board, I’m going to give it equal importance, whether I care a lot about it or not.”

Soon, the first issue arose: Whether the town should buy an excavator or a Badger, pieces of equipment used to dig ditches alongside roads.

“By the end of that decision-making, I called the Cornell Local Roads Program, called the state DOT, called the highway superintendent in New Lisbon. By the end,” she said, “I was wishing I WAS a one-issue candidate.”

In the end, the town bought the excavator, even though it was on tracks and had to be moved on a trailer; the Badger had wheels and could be driven around. Due to her research, she voted aye: “I felt we had a lot of culverts and bridges in town, and we would be able to use it for that, in addition to digging ditches.”

Farwell found she enjoyed serving the public in elective office, and others appreciated what she did, too. When she stepped down after two two-year terms, the Republican town supervisor, Linda Gover, appointed the Democrat Farwell as her deputy supervisor, to serve in her absence and help out with the budget.

That was 2015. County Rep. Jim Powers, R-Butternuts, had intended to retire, but – unable to find a successor candidate – local Republicans pleaded with him to run one more time and deny the seat to Teresa Winchester, a Gilbertsville Democrat who had run against him two years before.

It was then that Farwell decided she would run in 2017. Since, she’s attended every county board meeting, and a number of committee meetings, to prepare herself, and to confirm to herself that she was making the right decision. “I wouldn’t run if I didn’t think there were concrete ways that I could be a part in making life better for people here,” she said.

Michele Farwell was born in 1971 in Fort Dix, N.J., and spent her ba-

byhood “in Army bases all over the country.” Her parents met going to Bainbridge-Guilford Central School.

While not related, they had the same last name: Curtis. In those days, pupils were assigned seats alphabetically, so over the years they got to know each other.

After her father’s military service, the family moved to the Town of Pittsfield, and thence to Morris, where Michele and her brother, Joel, who now works at Springbrook, were raised.

She graduated from Morris Central and majored in biology at Cornell, intending to become a physician.

First Lady Hillary Clinton’s healthinsurance plan was all the news, and Michele kept reading that, due to all the attendant paperwork, 75 percent of doctors were sorry they’d chosen their profession.

Having second thoughts, on graduation she followed her future husband, Norm, a fellow Cornell student from Seattle, to Japan, where they taught English for a year.

“If you only stay in one place, you think things can only be one way,” she said, reflecting on her year overseas.

“If you get outside your own culture, you can see these are actual cultural decisions.”

For instance, “we have certain expectations of what a mother does when a child is born, and the father’s role.

In Japan, when a woman is about to have a child, she goes back home and lives in her mother’s house, and the mom is the prime helper.”

Her experience “makes it easier to see change, to see what works and doesn’t work.”

Back in the U.S., the couple lived in Providence, R.I., for three years – while there, Michele studied art and scientific illustration – then settled in Morris. Norm taught English at Sidney Central (he is now a home energy contractor). The couple has a daughter, Maya, now 12.

In 1999, Michele joined The Freeman’s Journal’s production department, then was promoted to managing editor. After a year, she joined Adelphia Paper Hangings, the custom and historic wallpaper manufacturer then in Milford, now in Sharon Springs, and has been there ever since. Working

four days a week, Wednesday is her day off – the day, as it happens, when the county board holds its monthly meetings Going door-to-door during this campaign – she was running against two Republicans, one who was on an independent line – the two issues that surfaced were: the need for broadband and better roads. (She found the Pittsfield/Burlington dump, off Route 49, a great place to meet a lot of people on a Saturday morning.)

In broadband, she’s already placed a call to Tim Johnson, Otsego Electric CEO, who in recent days announced a $3.9 million plan to strip fiber-optic cable along utility poles in its service area. That includes Morris and Pittsfield, but she’s not sure how far into Butternuts the service will extend.

On highways, she supports the direction the county is now headed, guided by participation in Cornell’s Highway Assets Management Program survey this past summer, which rated every road in the county.

A third issue of pressing concern is opioids. She wonders if the county should participate the class action suit against Big Pharma, which has generated some $500 billion in profits from painkillers at the root of the crisis.

That number is also the estimate of what it will cost to effectively combat today’s problem.

Asked if Democratic grassroots fervor following the election of Donald Trump over Hillary played any role in her decision to run, she pointed out, “Before Trump I had already decided I was going to do this. I’m not a fan of Trump, but a lot of people who voted for me also voted for him. I saw it more as a wake-up call to the Democratic Party, that they had forgotten about working people.

“It’s become too much the party of educated professionals. I don’t believe in everything Trump is or does, but at least he’s an outsider. He’s not afraid to shake things up.”

Regardless, “I have to focus on what I can do here,” said the new representative, who will be sworn in Jan. 3.

“People can talk about how that election was lost, but in Otsego County Trump won big time, and there was no voter fraud here.”

and

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