The Freeman's Journal 12-21-17

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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 21, 2017

COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND

For 209 Years

Newsstand Price $1 Milford’s Christmas elf Jerry Van Winkler is flanked by his kids, Kyle and Kaitlyn.

VAN WINKLERS BRIGHTEN ROUTE 28 COMMUTE

Lighting Up Holiday Darkness

By PARKER FISH MILFORD

I

t can be a long, dark drive up Route 28, but as you enter the Village of Milford from the south and look closely through the trees, there’s an oasis of light.

The Freeman’s Journal

No, it’s not the Star of Bethlehem – it’s the Van Winkler homestead.

It’s hard to miss the Van Winklers’, illuminated by thousands of holiday lights and decorations, at the corner of Grove and Division streets.

“I’d say between all of the holidays, I’ve probably invested $20,000 in decorations,” Please See LIGHTS, A6

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

At Christmas, Tragedy

Mezzo-soprano Helen Karloski sings “Sleep The Now, My Dearest” creche as the Voices of belies Cooperstown performed what its Christmas Concert hapto – again – a full house. pened This year, Bach’s inside “Christmas Oratorio”; 400 New next year, Handel’s Road, “Messiah.”

Laurens.

Best Laid Plans Gang aft a-gley, Brewery Finds COOPERSTOWN

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ood ideas don’t always end well.

Brewery Ommegang had something of an inspired idea, and filmed a beer commercial around Santa’s Cottage in Pioneer Park, to be aired online and in social media. Then, nothing happened.

“The brewery learned right after we shared the video that one of the participants was under 21,” brewery spokesperson Alison Capozza responded to queries. “So we immediately pulled the video ...and have decided that we are not going to air it. We in no way ever want to promote underage drinking.”

JULIE’S BACK: CCS basketball standout Julie Ford, injured Nov. 13 in an accident on Wiley Town Road, scored 16 points Monday, Dec. 18, to lead the Hawkeyes to a 76-21 win over Westmoreland.

Son Faces Murder Counts After Parents Found Dead

By LIBBY CUDMORE LAURENS

T

he last time Rebecca Perry saw her dad, he passed her in his red Chevy Colorado pickup, heading back to the home they shared after picking up a Christmas tree, her daughter Alyssa by his side.

Timothy A. Perry Sr. waved.

But when she returned to the family’s New Road home that night of Tuesday, Dec. 12, she found him and her mother, Solveig, dead, each of a single shotgun wound.

Tim and Solveig Perry

“I walked into the kitchen and dad was on the floor with blood all around his body,” she would tell a felony hearing the following Monday in Oneonta Town Court. Her brother, Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal Kevin Perry, 23, sat unmoving, Kevin Perry enters his arraignment on murder charges Wednesday, his head down, a few steps Dec. 18, in Oneonta Town Court, West Oneonta, led by sheriff’s away.

Investigators Jason Munson, left, and William Henn.

Please See 2 DEATHS, A7

Things Happen; Shannon Learns, Adjusts, Advances while a student at Oneonta High School would lead, ONEONTA a few years later, to an administrat may not have seemed so tive job with the going forward, but looking federal Youth LIZ back, Liz Shannon’s life to SHANNON Conservation date makes a lot of sense: One Corps improving District 14 thing keeps leading to another.

Fahnestock State A summer week on a conserva- Park in the Hudson Valley. tion project in the Adirondacks Please See SHANNON, A3

By JIM KEVLIN

DAYS BRIGHTER: After 11:28 a.m. local time Thursday, Dec. 21 – the Winter Solstice and, thus, the shortest day of the year – days will be one minute longer until Jan. 7, then two minutes longer.

I Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Liz Shannon in her reZILience studio.

OMMEGANG, VILLAGE WIN CFA GRANTS

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mmegang won $525,000 for a Hospitality Center expansion and the Village of Cooperstown $1 million for its sewer plant in 2017 CFA grants announced by Governor Cuomo. Details, type “cfa 2017” in search line at

AllOTSEGO.com

www.

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

Lynn Krogh, Vince Casale Wed At Otesaga Ceremony

THURSDAY, december 21, 2017

LOCALS Barbara Shields Featured In Quilting Arts Magazine RICHFIELD SPRINGS

W

hen she opened up the newest issue of Quilting Arts magazine, Barbara Shields was surprised to see her own quilt on the page.

“I had seen an article on artist trading cards and they were asking for 2-by-3 inch quilts,” she said. “The theme was ‘Cup of Comfort’.”

Inspired, she made her own, featuring praying hands on a hand-dyed pink base material, with a sun in the corner, stars and graceful lines. “Comfort, to me, is peace and quiet,” she said.

Though she’s always been a traditional block quilter, lately, she said, she’s been getting into art quilts.

In addition to the tiny quilt, she sent in $5, which would cover shipping to send another tiny quilt piece back to her. “Mine came from Lori G. Sargent in Louisville, Kentucky,” she said.

And her quilt was among the 40 samples featured in the magazine, out of over 100 squares sent in by readers. “I thought it was so exciting,” she said. “I’d never done anything like this before. I’ve only shown in local shows. I didn’t think

they’d publish it.”

But she’s working on a second piece for their next call, “A View From the Window,” seeking 10-by-10 inch squares for their June issue.

Since publication, she’s also connected with other quilters. “A woman saw my piece in the magazine and called me up,” she said.

“She had been looking to meet other quilters in the area. She came by and I showed her my quilts, and Shields, with her nowI’m going to go see hers famous quilt square sometime soon.”

Goodbye, Dan, And Good Luck!

Dr. Wetzel Named Chief of Orthopedics

Lynn Krogh and Vince Casale, for the past seven years associates in The Casale Group, the political consultancy firm, became associates in life Saturday, Dec. 2, in a celebration at The Otesaga. Both longtime political aficionados, Lynn has worked on statewide and national political campaigns, and, before that, as a press secretary in Governor Pataki’s office. Previously, she was public relations director for world-renown architect Daniel Libeskind, working on redevelopment of the World Trade Center site after 9/11. A graduate of Hunter College, she is the daughter of Robert and Janice Krogh of Troy.

Casale, who is the Otsego County Republican Chairman, founded The Casale Group 11 years ago, managing political campaigns statewide. A graduate of Ithaca College, he previously was Herkimer County Community College director of development. He is the son of former assemblyman Tony and Theresa Casale of Cooperstown. The couple resides in Cooperstown.

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rthopedic and spine surgeon F. Todd Wetzel, MD, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as Chief of the Department of Orthopedics.

Wetzel Wetzel comes here from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia where he was professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery since 2004 and the vice chair of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department since 2008.

Seasons Bieritz i Bieritz insurance

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Wishing continuing success to departing county treasurer Dan Crowell, left, after a farewell party Wednesday, Dec. 13, are his successor Allen Ruffles, center, and the Treasurer’s Office staff, from right, Bernadette Atwell, Jess Becker, Rose Laraby, Mieko Rowley, Lisa Wilcox, Julia Vanca, Larry Hammond and Dave Fraser. Crowell, who lives in Fly Creek with wife Dee and son Paul, is pursuing a career in the Army National Guard.

Greetings Season’s Greetings

Happy Holidays!

Drop by to see us before our Winter Break starts Monday, January 8th!

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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Things Happened, And Shannon Finds Self On County Board SHANNON/From A1 Working on OHS’ student newspaper, The Echo, she developed an interest in graphic arts, which led to a year at Alfred, then a year at Mohawk Valley Community College’s program in photography and graphic design.

And, after a year at the YCC, two more years of study and a bachelor’s of science in textile design, magna cum laude, from the Philadelphia College of Textiles & Design.

All along, she most enjoyed programs that were “very practical, preparing you for a job.�

After 13 years, where industrial experience in textile mills led to the creativity of pursuing the art of textile making – one of her handwoven shawls is in The Smithsonian’s permanent collection – she returned home to help her ailing mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Now, even that is opening new doors after, having won the City of Oneonta’s District 14 seat on the Otsego County Board of Representatives, she prepares to take office Jan. 1, succeeding Kay Stuligross, who is retiring.

At one of the county

board meetings she’s been monitoring, Shannon advised Tamie MacDonald, the new Office for the Aging director, “I have 14 years taking care of elderly people, either because of rehab or whatever. Mom in Chestnut Hill; Dad in Fox. I also have experience with at-home care agencies. All the decisions you have to make. “The Health & Education Committee,� she already knows, “that would be my top priority committee.�

Plus, having benefited from MVCC, and from Haywood Community College’s one-of-a-kind Professional Crafts/Fiber program in Clyde, N.C., “I’m a big proponent of community college� – an idea the county board is considering. “That would be a good fit for me.�

Lizabeth A. Shannon was raised in Oneonta with siblings Maureen and John, children of Jerry Shannon, former SUNY Oneonta Science Education Department chair, and Collette Shannon, a teacher and homemaker.

With her B.Sc., she worked at mills in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, then at a design job at Forstmann & Co. in New York City, before returning to a mill in North Carolina.

#

Typically, people pursuing textile careers became designers, immersed in marketing and design trends, said Shannon. “But I was more interested in the nuts and bolts of how to put a piece of fabric together.� Even before NAFTA delivered the final blow after 1994, the U.S. textile industry was under stress. Forstmann occupied a full floor of a New York City skyscraper – but it had once occupied the whole building. Competition from China was rising, with handembroidered clothing selling for a fraction of U.S. prices.

So Shannon’s career took another turn. She moved to Ashville, N.C., immersing herself in the arts-and-crafts scene. In addition to Haywood CC, she took specialty training, from nearby Penland School of Crafts to Nature’s Dye Conference in Fort Collins, Colo.

She experimented with fabric that shrank at different rates to create three-dimensional textiles. And with Merino wool and alpaca, and with indigo and other natu-

ral dyes that had minimal impact on the environment.

She participated in shows from Fiber With Altitude in Denver, All Things Organic in Chicago to CRAFTBOSTON. As her mother began to fail, she returned home in 1999, renting an apartment on Hickory Street, tending to her parents in their West Street home, and renting space above The Novelty Lounge on Main Street for her reZILience studio – ZIL being LIZ backwards.

Then, in 2003, controversy arose. Neighbors raised the alarm about a proposed redevelopment in around Silver Creek, one of the city’s last wooded tracts.

(A bit ruefully, she reflects that’s where Housing Vision recently opened a 140-unit apartment complex.) “I was learning more about how the government ran,� she said. “I thought I could make more of an impact from the inside.� Shannon ran, and joined Common Council on Jan. 1, 2008.

Mayor John Nader put

Pet Food drive to benefit St. James Food Pantry Drop off non-perishable food items, pet toys, and bedding to Petco, Applebee’s, and Turning Point (22 Elm Street, Oneonta)

by January 15.

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Unlimited Potential Society

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Alumni of Otsego County Drug Treatment Court

Seasons

her on the Finance Committee, and Dick Miller, who succeeded him in 2010, kept her there. That was before the city-manager system: “All the department heads would come to us if they had financial requests. We were very involved.� “Dick Miller,� she continued, “he was very realistic about the money situation.

That’s where you realize, no matter what your politics are, it doesn’t hurt to be fiscally conservative.�

In 2012, as her mother’s Alzheimer’s advanced, she decided not to run again. “I would have liked to stay. But it wasn’t practical to go on.�

Her mother passed away that December. When Cooperstown Village Trustee Richard Sternberg and Council member David Rissberger approached her last spring about the county board, her father was ailing.

He died in June, but she was already committed and, despite the demands of settling his estate, stuck to her commitment.

She said she likes research, evident at the candidates’ forum Oct. 23 at

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SUNY’s Morris Hall. All the candidates supported broadband, of course. But only Shannon drilled down: Before Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable were allowed to merge to become Spectrum, they agreed to provide broadband to 140,000 rural homes.

Spectrum still hasn’t designated the homes, she said, even though the deadline is passed. Until it does, the state program is stalled.

She has a similarly detailed understanding of economic development. “We all want to move in the same direction, but somehow people – the educators and the employers – are not connecting. There’s a problem with current jobs that we have: A lot of people are retiring, and there’s no one to replace them. “Economic development is not just bringing more jobs in,� she continued. “There has to be a trained workforce, and there has to be affordable housing. If the county can play a larger role in seeing that bigger picture, maybe that would help.�

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas X

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours

AND

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Oh! Why leave the Christ out of Christmas?

Why substitute X for his name?

There is naught else on earth or in Heaven Can ever make Christmas the same.

Be it thoughtless, hate or indifference By the fault I grieve and offend; When I leave the Christ out of Christmas I’m slighting my very best friend.

When I leave the Christ out of Christmas In vain is my holiday mirth.

For the Christ, God’s gift to His children Is the Christ who brought Christmas to earth.

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God forgive me the thoughtless omission, I would not that Christ should depart.

Not only the Christ at the Yuletide, But all of the year in my heart.

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Christ is the Reason for the Season.

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WISHING YOU AND YOURS A WARM AND HAPPY HOLIDAY Office (607)-353-8060

Perspectives

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

EDITORIAL

Peace On Earth, Good Will To County Board, And All Of Us

I

n this season of peace, good will toward all persons, it was gratifying to see the storm and drive of this year’s campaign for Otsego County Board of Representatives set aside the other day at “County Manager v. County Executive,” a presentation by SUNY New Paltz vice president Gerry Benjamin last Thursday, Dec. 14, at Springbrook.

Our managing editor Libby Cudmore, who was watching the crowd, was impressed by how intent the 13 of the 14 sitting or incoming county reps were on every word uttered and concept detailed by the speaker, who is perhaps the foremost expert on local governance in New York State.

Why wouldn’t they be? This is the sea they swim in or will soon swim in. The more responsive they can make county administration, the more their priorities can be implemented.

The session was in Springbrook’s elegant new Family

David Brennan, an “honorary host,” wrote a study 10 years ago that laid the groundwork for a county manager.

Engagement Center – elegant on purpose. Springbrook President Patricia Kennedy has said of the bright, high-ceilinged Great Room, “We wanted to set the bar really high for the community” – i.e., to present Otsego County as a first-rate place for residents’ parents and prospective employees to

A

nd she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, “Holy Family,” by behold, I bring you good Carlo Maratti tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 King James Version

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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

live and work.

Isn’t that what county government – and the representatives at “County Manager v. County Executive” – and are about: making Otsego County ever more pleasing and prosperous?

• Since The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta and AllOTSEGO.com organized the event – with sponsorships from the Oneonta and Cooperstown Leagues of Women Voters, and the Otsego and Cooperstown Chambers of Commerce – let’s be explicit in our thanks.

To county board members who will begin new terms Jan. 1: The current county board chair and vice chair, Kathy Clark and Ed Frazier, Andrew Stammel, Margaret Kennedy, Peter Oberacker, David Bliss, Andrew Marietta, Keith McCarty and Gary Koutnik.

Plus the four newcomers, Michele Farwell, Adrienne Martini, Danny Lapin and Liz Shannon.

Yes, Editor’s Note: The New York Sun’s Francis Pharcellus Church penned this famous response to 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon in 1897.

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e take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor— I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety Fifth Street Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe Parker Fish/The Freeman’s Journal except they see. They think Genevieve Lamp, 4, of Milford, received proof that nothing can be which is there’s a Santa Dec. 3 at the community center. not comprehensible by their Yes, Virginia, there is a no childlike faith then, no little minds. All minds, VirSanta Claus.

He exists as poetry, no romance to make ginia, whether they be men’s certainly as love and gentolerable this existence. or children’s, are little. In erosity and devotion exist, We should have no enjoythis great universe of ours, and you know that they ment, except in sense and man is a mere insect, an ant, abound and give to your life sight.

The external light in his intellect as compared its highest beauty and joy. with which childhood fills with the boundless world Alas! how dreary would be the world would be extinabout him, as measured by the world if there were no guished. the intelligence capable of Santa Claus! It would be as Not believe in Santa grasping the whole of truth dreary as if there were no Claus!

You might as well and knowledge.

Virginias. There would be not believe in fairies. You

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Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant

Larissa Ryan Office Manager/Circulation

Parker Fish Reporter

Ian Austin Photographer

Kathleen Peters & Andree Baillargeon • Graphics & Production Judith Bartow Billing

Tom Heitz Consultant

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Milford • Town of Middlefield Cooperstown Central School District Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $48 a year. All other areas, $65 a year.

First Class Subscription, $130 a year.

Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: (607) 547-6103. Fax: (607) 547-6080.

E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?

Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

WHERE NATURE SMILES

Libby Cudmore

for a county-manager system a decade ago.

Also, Tony Casale, the former assemblyman; Oneonta Mayor Please See EDITORIAL,A5

There IS A Santa Claus, Editor Wrote 8-Year-Old

Tara Barnwell

Amanda E. Willsey Business Manager

And to the honorary hosts, leading off with David Brenner, the former county board chair and mayor of Oneonta, the eminent citizen who developed a template

Virginia...

Advertising Director & General Manager Managing Editor

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Retiring County Board member Kay Stuligross, D-14, speaking at “County Manager or County Executive,” has been working for the hiring of a county managers for 30 years, and joined the county board 10 years ago in that pursuit.

W Carol...

The Hopes And Fears Of This Our Year... ith apologies to “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” we offer the 2017 Cooperstown

O little Village of Cooperstown Where tourists visit each year.

They arrive in droves and pay to park The Hall of Fame to cheer.

Yet do they notice the storefronts With empty spaces around.

The hopes and fears of all the years For the business climate abound.

O little Village of Cooperstown Redoing Pioneer street.

It was a huge, long, dirty undertaking

CATHERINE LAKE ELLSWORTH

With no pavement beneath the feet.

But now it’s almost done.

The flagpole has risen in the wind.

The hopes and fears for all the years Will still see the noon whistle end.

O little Village of Cooperstown Which produces lots of trash.

The transfer station closes for repair In a move that seems so rash.

The county board takes the blame.

The people grumble and groan The hopes and fears of all the years Dissolve when the finished project is shown.

O little Village of Cooperstown Where alcohol seems to thrive.

Open containers are banned throughout the parks Yet at some potlucks they are quite alive.

Alcohol is part of Cooptober Fest; Enjoyed by everyone.

The hopes and fears of all the years Wonder what’s coming next for fun.

Please See COLUMN, A5

AllOTSEGO.com • SEE PAGE A6

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 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

Another Elephant – In addition to the one arrived at New York in the Trident, a few days since, the ship Columbus, arrived at Boston, in 115 days from Calcutta, has brought a fine Elephant, in good order, to S. Reyden & Co., of Boston. The New York Gazette says that the elephant at that place, on landing, exhibited a pleasing proof of sagacity by trying the strength of the stage which had been erected for her passage from the ship to the wharf, with one of her fore feet five times, before she ventured to descend. The elephant at New York is a female and the one arrived at Boston, a male.

December 22, 1817

75 YEARS AGO

serve their annual chicken pie supper at Grange Hall, December 20th – supper from 5:30 p.m. until all are served.

Price 35 cents. There will also be offered for sale a few articles, including bed quilts and aprons.

The Universalist Sunday School in Cooperstown will celebrate Christmas this year as a “giving” Christmas rather than a “receiving” one. Gifts of money will be given to the Syrian and Armenian Relief and the Red Cross.

December 19, 1917

50 YEARS AGO

A segment of the Senior Choir at Cooperstown Central School, directed by Franklyn H. Rollins, CCS music instructor, sang a program of Christmas music for members of the Cooperstown Rotary Club and their wives at the club’s annual Christmas husband-and-wife meeting at the Hotel Otesaga. It was the final meeting for the club at the Otesaga until after the first of the year.

Guests during the holiday season at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest R. Lippitt will be their daughter Sally of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Lippitt’s brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Bennett of Southhampton and nephew and niece, the Rev. and Mrs. T. Twyman of Syracuse. Mr. and Mrs. Lippitt and Sally will spend Christmas Day with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Johnson and family at their home in Cairo.

Wednesday, December 20, 1967

175 YEARS AGO

Miss Hamblin Acquitted – The trial of Miss Hamblin for the murder of her reputed husband, Ewing, at Mobile, Alabama, has resulted in her acquittal. The death of Ewing, it will be recollected, took place during the performance of a play, in which he and Miss H. had parts – the latter that of a page. After one of the acts, Miss H. it appeared, went to Ewing’s dressing room, where there was an altercation between them and blows interchanged – she using a dagger (part of her stage equipment) and wounding him twice in the arm and once in the side. The testimony of the physician who made a post mortem examination, settled the question. His opinion was that Ewing died of the rupture of an aneurism, and not from the wounds.

December 19, 1842

25 YEARS AGO

150 YEARS AGO

The Black Constitution of Alabama – The Radical Convention of Alabama has presented a Constitution for the action of the people of that State, which does credit to the source from which it emanated. After excluding from the ballot box a number of classes of persons, it provides that before anyone can be registered, he is to take an oath “to support the Union and the State of Alabama, to accept the civil and political equality of all men and to agree not to deprive anyone on account of color, race or previous condition, of any political or civil right.” There are in Alabama thousands of men who are not yet prepared to accept the political and civil equality of all men. They do not honestly regard the Negro, so lately a slave, as fit to exercise the franchise, to sit on juries, and to become legislators and governors. The Union League branch at Montgomery, Alabama have repudiated the proposed new Constitution on the ground that it will, “if ratified, inevitably result in the debasement of the white race and the destruction of the black race.”

December 20, 1867

125 YEARS AGO

The Maddox Wire Belt Co. is to remove its plant to Hope Factory, in this town, about two-and-a-half miles south of

December 23, 1942 Cooperstown. This company has a capital of $75,000, and the stock is distributed as follows: The eastern stockholders hold $40,000; Cooperstown and vicinity $20,000; reserve treasury stock $15,000. The establishment of this enterprise so near Cooperstown will be of benefit to its local interests, as has been the Index Mills at Phoenix. J.P. Doane, owner of the Hope, is of the opinion that it will lead to the occupancy of the two upper stories of that large building by other manufactories.

December 22, 1892

100 YEARS AGO

In Our Town – It is requested that the members of the Cooperstown Suffrage Club who have not paid the annual dues for 1918 (due October 1917) will do so as soon as possible. Payment should be made to Miss Ellen Clinton, 10 Chestnut Street.

The ladies of the Universalist Church at Fly Creek will

The Cooperstown Central School Class of 1992 has donated a Nintendo Entertainment System to the Pediatric Unit of Bassett Hospital. After graduation, class officers and student council representatives decided to use funds left in the class treasury to purchase the gift. “We’re very grateful for their thoughtful donation, which will provide many hours of entertainment for children and teenagers in the hospital, especially those who must stay here longer periods of time,” said Jean Cramer, Nurse Manager for Maternal and Child Health. In addition to the system, the class donated several Nintendo game cartridges, a Super Bases Loaded, a baseball game, Super Mario World, and Zelda.

December 23, 1992

10 YEARS AGO

Portholes through frosty windows show a crystalline universe. The eves are heavy with icicles. Each one, I later discover, has whiskers. Over the radio, perched against the dining room window, straddling two flower pots, for better reception, comes “The Writer’s Almanac.” I catch Emily Dickinson’s quote on the way to the kitchen. “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” I ponder this and begin to watch for illustrations of her thesis. (Quoted from “Winter Solstice” an essay by Lonni Sue Johnson.)

December 21, 2007

On County Governance, County Representatives Have Common Purpose EDITORIAL/Fron A4 Gary Herzig, Cooperstown Deputy Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Patricia Kennedy, Kathy Clark and retiring county rep Kay Stuligross, the Cooperstown League’s Maureen Murray, Barbara Ann Heegan for the Otsego Chamber and Danielle Henrici of the Cooperstown Chamber, Adrian Kuzminski of Sustainable Otsego, and this newspaper’s General Manager Tara Barnwell.

And to the sure-footed Dr. Gerald Benjamin moderator, Hartwick Coloutlines the options. lege President Margaret L. for the county board to do Drugovich, who seamlessly nothing, to continue as it shepherded the content-rich has.

Q&A. But there are intriguing To Dr. Gerald Benjamin, alternative, including five who fulfilled the goal of the variations of a county-like session: to provide a founmanager, if you will, that dation of objective knowlcan all be implemented in edge about the management fairly short order under the options available to the new state’s County Law. county board, due to reorgaMore complicated is the nize Jan. 3. county-executive option, And finally, to the who’s which would require a charwho in Otsego County lead- ter commission, approval ership, from Bassett Vice of a charter by a majority of President Bill Stamp, coun- City of Oneonta voters, and ty Treasurer Dan Crowell a separate majority of the and Bank of Cooperstown rest of the county. Then canPresident Scott White to didates must be identified, Ron Feldstein, who as followed by a campaign and county board vice chair election. in 2007 championed the The county executive is county manager idea – and intriguing. It would require many, many more, 100-plus an individual to win supattendees in all. port of a majority of county One option, of course, is

FOR VIDEOTAPE of presentation, type “benjamin” on search line at

AllOTSEGO.com

www.

voters, and thus, at least at the outset, to govern with a mandate. (Benjamin emphasized a few times that county government, ultimately, receives its authority from the people – the “demos,” as in democracy.

Amen.)

Conversations with county reps after the session suggest there’s an eagerness to act now, to obtain the help of that general manager in resolving the stand-off with county Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., to implement the strategic plan, to pursue promising ways to limit homelessness, to focus the fight on opioids and so on.

Then, the question of a county executive can be decided in the middle term.

Regardless, all of that remains to be decided in the New Year. For now, there’s renewed hope for a county board, collegial, with, elections over, politics set aside until the next election two years hence, purposefully focused on the greater good of our special county, with its so many unique assets but so many challenges.

Merry Christmas.

Oh (My) Little Town Of Cooperstown...

COLUMN/From A4/ O little Village of Cooperstown Where resolutions abound.

Now violence, bigotry and hateful rhetoric In the village cannot be found.

Nor is it a “Sanctuary City,” For fear of losing funds.

The hopes and fears of all the years Make us think there will be other ones.

O little Village of Cooperstown Where change seems to be in style.

New CVS, redone Clark Sports Center, Plus The Railroad Inn for staying a while.

NYSHA is no more;

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Anticipating the start of “County Manager v. County Executive” Thursday, Dec. 14, are, from left, county Reps. Peter Oberacker, David Bliss and Meg Kennedy, Springbrook’s Patricia Kennedy, Hartwick’s President Margaret L. Drugovich and Dr. Benjamin. And behind them, from right, county Reps.

Andrew Stammel, Adrienne Martini, Liz Shannon and Gary Koutnik.

Bank of Cooperstown President Scott White and county Treasurer Dan Crowell

Hartwick President Drugovich, moderator, sets the ground rules for the Q&A with Dr. Benjamin.

It’s the Fenimore Museum of Art. The hopes and fears of all the years, Wonder when the next change will start.

O little Village of Cooperstown With its CCS dress code, Pink hatted protesters, Be Positive Fest; The Vet’s Club sans NFL is the mode.

Twenty-seventeen has been quite the year And it’s not really over yet.

The hopes and fears of all the years, Will Cooperstown have more about which to fret?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As county Rep. Andrew Marietta makes a point, listening from left are “honorary hosts” Tony Casale, Seward Chief of Staff Duncan Davie, Oneonta Mayor County Board Chair Kathy Clark, left, and Oneonta community leader Gary Herzig, and the Cooperstown Chamber’s Danielle Henrici.

Laurie Zimnewicz.

THURSDAY-Friday, december 21-22, 2017

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

It’s Cold. It’s Dark. Then, Suddenly, You’re In Milford

LETTERS

Guns Aren’t Cars. Reciprocity Of Pistol Permits A Bad Idea To the Editor: I take this opportunity to thank Chip Northrup publicly for his powerful letter attacking Congressman Faso’s co-sponsorship of the bill on gun-permit reciprocity between the states.

Although I cannot fathom the rationale that Faso had in mind when he chose to cosponsor the bill, I do know one thing: I do not want people having the legal right to walk on the streets of my town with a gun in their pockets.

Unlike our congressman’s apparent reasoning on this issue, it is NOT true that a gun permit is like a driver’s

license. Though both cars and guns can kill, the similarity between gun permits and drivers’ licenses stops there, as most of us certainly understand.

At this time in our country’s sad current history of mass killings, let us not add to this senseless violence by allowing anyone with a state permit from one state to carry a gun into any other state. Such a spread of gun ownership can only enlarge the circle of meaningless misery we have come to feel so powerless to control today.

HILDA MADER WILCOX Cooperstown

President Can Clear The House To the Editor: Congratulations to Randy Velez on an excellent article regarding Donald Trump (editorial page, Dec. 14) – accurate, comprehensive and totally on the mark!

Ironically, the latest AP poll underscores Velez’s point.

Trump has now “achieved” the plateau of “the most unpopular president on record”. The significant reversal in what is deemed to be his base is also noteworthy. One might say that hope springs eternal.

Not so long ago as I was sitting in Stagecoach waiting for Louise to join me, another patron sat down and asked, “What do you really think of Trump?”

“Well besides being a pathological liar, an egomaniac and a blow-hard (as per George Bush’s reference to him), he’s a great guy.”

Suddenly the seat was once again available for Louise.

As I say, hope springs eternal.

KEN KAVANAGH Cooperstown

Ingalls Blueberry Hill

Liked The Movie?

Enjoy The Books

FROZEN BLUBERRIES NOW AVAILABLE ALL WINTER LONG!

To the Editor: Anyone who enjoyed the recent local film on Jane Jacobs at The Otesaga can find her classic, “Death and Life of Great American Cities,” at our Cooperstown public library. The library also has a good Jane Jacobs biography, “Eyes on the Street.” SUNY Oneonta’s library has several more technical books by her.

GERRY WEINBERGER Cooperstown

Pick them up at Cooperstown Natural Foods 61 Linden Ave., Cooperstown 607-547-8613

LIGHTS/From A1 said mastermind (and dad) Jeff Van Winkler. “But I have no idea how many lights there are in the whole thing.”

The display can be seen from a full block away, and is becoming something of a local landmark in the Milford community. “I started putting these displays up probably 15 years ago,” said Van Winkler. “I really just

to handle. “I try to break up everything into 8 or 9 different zones, just so I don’t kick the breaker,” said Van Winkler. “The lights certainly take a lot of energy, but the inflatable displays really use a majority of the electricity.”

While at first glance it may just seem like a bunch of lights, the longer you look at the display, the more you see just how detailed the entire setup actually is. The Grinch is in a sleigh on the roof.

A deer rides a bike across the lawn. Giant snowflakes hang from trees. “I HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal make a lot Snowmen at the Van Winklers’ ranch of these are armed with hair-dryers. Get it? decorations myself,” he said. started it for the kids.”

This year, the scene is The display now covcentered around a group of ers the Van Winklers’ front snowman cut-outs wearing yard, climbs up the large cowboy hats and bandanas, tree in front of the house, front and center on his and extends across the lawn. “People don’t usually porch and onto the garage understand this one until I roof, takes over a month point it out to them,” said to assemble. “I’m still not Van Winkler. “I made it so done yet,” said Van Winthe snowmen are shooting kler pointing to his truck in hair-dryers at each other.” the driveway. “I’m putting But it isn’t only ChristSanta in a hot-tub in the mas that the Van Winkler back of my pick-up truck. household goes above and The display probably won’t beyond for. Every year actually be completed until for Halloween, the Van just before Christmas.”

Winkler’s spooky lawn With thousands of display is one of the local Christmas lights, dozens of favorites. And this year, he inflatable characters, and incorporated the skeletons a handful of floodlights to into his display, creating a illuminate the whole thing, scene from Tim Burton’s the electricity flowing to holiday-spanning classic, the Van Winkler household “The Nightmare Before becomes nearly too much

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Christmas.”

The Halloween decorations go up at the beginning of October, and are all completely gone by Thanksgiving, just in time to start putting up the Christmas decorations. This means that from October until mid-January, Van Winkler is working all over his house

to prepare it for the next upcoming holiday.

With a stream of cars slowly rolling past the house to admire the lights, another awe-struck child in each new car, the Van Winkler’s home is certainly a must-see for Christmas lovers.

“I’m still adding lights on,” he explained.

State of the State Breakfast Tuesday, January 2, 2018 8:00 am Breakfast 8:30 am - 10 am Program SUNY Oneonta • Morris Hall • Otsego Grille Join us to learn more about the State of Otsego County in this informative breakfast meeting!

Discussion Panelists

Senator Jim Seward

Assemblyman Bill Magee

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig

Congressman John Faso

The Business Council of New York will present 2018 NYS Legislative Priorities and Challenges Reservations $25 per person ($35 for non-members)

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From All of Us at Ashley Connor Realty We Wish You The Spirit of the Season Today and Everyday

AllOTSEGO.homes Greetings of the Season What is Christmas?

It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.

It is a fervent wish that every cup overflows with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

At this time of year we reflect on our lives and the blessings we have received over the years. Our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. In this spirit, we say thank you for your patronage and for allowing us to be of service to you.

•

No Matter What No Matter Where It’s Always Home If Love Is There.

May you enjoy a joyful holiday season and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

• Don Olin

Margaret, Marion, Eric, Cathy, Mike, Tim and Madeline

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, december 21-22, 2017

Suspect’s Sister Finds Parents’ Bodies In Laurens Mobile Home

From our family to yours....

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!

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L to R back row: Mike Welch, Cathy Raddatz, Marion King, Tim Donahue, Eric Hill L ro R front row: Madeline Sansevere, Margaret Savoie

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Front row: Jim Kevlin, Libby Cudmore, Tara Barnwell, Larissa Ryan Back row: Parker Fish, Ian Austin, Kathleen Peters, Tom Heitz, Thom Rhodes.

Not pictured: Amanda Wilsey, Andree Baillargeon, Judith Bartow

HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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close an uncharacteristically violent year in Otsego County, when five people were killed and a 16-yearold murder came to trial.

According to testimony, Kevin lived in the two-bedroom home with his parents, as well as Rebecca and her family. His parents, who had married in August, had worked together for years in Oneonta’s Walmart Superstore.

According to his Facebook, Kevin himself married in August 2013, but both he and his wife each list their Facebook status as “single.”

In a July 6, 2011, Facebook posting, Kevin wrote, “I love my dad. He is the world’s best dad.”

Greetings

Here’s wishing you have all the happiness your holiday can hold!

Rocket, Kaden, Corlissa, Jack, Rick, Blue, Demi, Winston and Violet

and friends of the deceased.

For his part, the Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Getman disagreed: “It’s easy to connect the dots at this point.”

Farrell concurred: “It is reasonable to believe that he committed a felony, and I am recommending this case to the grand jury.”

In an interview, District Attorney John Muehl said he will bring the case to the grand jury in January.

“I would just like to know some explanation,” he said.

“But the only thing he’s said is, ‘I want a lawyer.’”

If Perry’s case does go to trial, Muehl anticipates that would happen “in late summer.”

The tragedy brings to a

O M C O PE

Seasons

Jr. confirmed his deputies had responded to calls to the New Road in 2015 and 2016.)

For his part, defense lawyer Andrew Puritz argued the evident was “thin, circumstancial,” insufficient to present the case to a grand jury.

“No one saw him in possession of the gun relative to the time of death,” said Puritz. “We were told by hearsay that he was found in the red Chevy Colorado, but no witness testified that he was operating it. And even if we take it as evidence that he was driving, there is no evidence presented here that he fired the fatal shot.”

“What?” came a reaction from the audience of family

IA

Six adults and two children were living in the two-bedroom single-wide home set off from New Road, which cuts across from County Route 10, south of Laurens village, to County Route 11.

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal

Rebecca Perry, the suspect’s sister, describes arriving home at 400 New Road, Laurens, to find her parents’ bodies. Her children were in the home, but uninjured.

L

she said. “He didn’t like how my boyfriend’s brother Richard was staying with us, and that dad was sick of it. He said my mom treated my dad horribly. He was kind of screaming.”

At around 4 p.m., Rebecca left with her boyfriend, Lee Jackson, and his brother to visit a friend. It was after she dropped off Rick elsewhere around 8 p.m. that she returned home and found her parents’ bodies.

She couldn’t find the phone – her parents often hid it to prevent Kevin from making lengthy toll calls – and ran next door to her

E WIL

T

wo fundraisers are being held for the Perry family: ►a GoFundMe.com drive to raise $5,000 for “The Perry Support Fund” ►A spaghetti dinner 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at the Laurens Fire House.

uncle Joe Perry’s house to call 911. “There was no one else in the house,” she said. “My father’s truck was gone.”

According to sheriff’s deputies, Perry took the truck, and they issued a “Be On The Lookout” order.

The suspect was spotted heading eastbound on I-88 near Richmondville and, following a 100 mile-perhour chase by Schoharie County Sheriff’s deputies, was taken into custody after crashing the truck at Exit 23.

Three “long guns” were found in the pickup, Otsego Sheriff’s Deputy Deputy Frank Koren Jr. testified.

The guns were emptied and logged into evidence at the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department. The shotgun had six rounds, one slug and five rounds of buckshot, one rifle had two rounds and the other had four.

Perry’s hands were reportedly swabbed and the guns sent to the labs to be tested, but the results were not available by the hearing.

Koren said he also observed a wallet with a hunting license and a stateissued non-driver’s identification, both for Kevin Perry.

“To my knowledge, there was no other person in the truck,” the deputy said.

Summoned to the scene, Otsego Deputy Kris Solovitch testified he recognized the address. “I’d had prior dealings with Tim, Sue and Kevin,” he said.

(Sheriff Richard J. Devlin

DG

2 FUNDRAISERS TO HELP FAMILY

JU

2 DEATHS/From A1 “I started screaming, ‘Dad, Dad, wake up!’ and that’s when my kids came out of the back bedroom,” said Rebecca. “I took them outside and went back in to find my Mom. She was face down in her room, not moving.”

Rebecca, who testified first, told Town Justice Sean Farrell that when she and her father came home to the yellow single-wide twobedroom mobile home from their WalMart shift at 2:30 p.m., Kevin was drunk in the living room, listening to oldies with the volume up.

“I could tell he was intoxicated,” she said. ““He was stumbling all over, his eyes were bloodshot and he said he’d been drinking since 10:30 in the morning. That was normal for Kevin.”

She also found her mother in her bedroom, crying, upset that Kevin was agitated. “(Kevin) kept saying how he wanted my dad to have his house back,”

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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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lis NE1 tiMN W00% gB!g

MLS#113345 $569,900 2 Year-Round Homes on 2 Separate Parcels Being sold together: Colonial farmhouse (1880), and modern ranch (2009) w/4 BRs, 2 full baths. Both in impeccable condition. 250’ of lake frontage and dock at Canadarago Lake Association.

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PR NE iC W E!

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Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land

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Welcome Home to Serene Country Living! 99-acre farm suitable for organic farming, lots of fields for hay or the crop of your choice. Post-and-beam farmhouse totally rebuilt (new framing and floor joists) in 1958. 4 BRs, 1½ baths, 2-story barn plus two spotless 2-story windowless, insulated barns. 2,716’ of paved road frontage on both sides of road. Two tranquil spring-fed ponds and stream. Perfect situation for home-based business, woodworking shop, small animal breeding…

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May Your Home Be Blessed with Love and Laughter! Happy Holidays!

Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

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Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405

Laura Coleman 607-437-4881

Mike Winslow, Broker Madeline K. Woerner 607-435-0183 607-434-3697

THE REGION’S LARGEST REALTY SECTION/SEE MORE ADS ON PAGE A6

Kristen Bellois 607-282-2251 Debbie Watkins-Parker 914-489-3523

o

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YOUR NISS A

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OTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, dECEMBER 21-22, 2017

PAGE B-1

NISSAN

Inspired By Inspired by John Hayen’s ambition, Dakoda Buzzy, 13, is starting his own lighting display on nearby Country Club Road.

The

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woulUn d de like r thto e

bico g NI ng SSra ANtu sig lante 5IF '55SFOnFN eida BOSt T., +On Peonta 607.43 2.2800VSOBM www.countr

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO

BEST BETS

ights

With Jill’s Help, Oneonta Display Gets Even Better

By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

J

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

John Hayen stands in front of a tree that belonged to State Trooper Jill Mattice, who died when her cruiser crashed in 2010. Her fatherin-law’s family gave Hayen the tree last year after he decorated his Tillie Avenue home in Oneonta with more lights than the Chevy Chase character did in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. This year, Hayen put 3,000 more lights on Jill’s tree alone.

LIGHTust after John Hayen put away HEARTED his Christmas lights last year, he was approached by an older gentleman who had seen the record-breaking display.

“He told me his daughter-in-law loved Christmas, but she had passed away,” Hayen said. “He had this beautiful tree, and was Hayen even wondering if I would has lights like it.” on his ugly When he went to sweater.

Southside to pick up the IF YOU GO: The tree – it looks just like a real one – he realized Hayen family’s light display may the daughter-in-law was fallen state trooper be seen 8-11 p.m. seven days a Jill Mattice, who died week at 10 Tilley Jan. 20, 2010, when Ave. on Oneonher cruiser crashed in ta’s West End. Morris. “My daughter Jarrin went to school with her,” Hayen said.

“And my son Chris is a state trooper in Stony Brook, so we have it as our tribute to law enforcement.”

The Hayens’ 10 Tilley Ave. house gained holiday notoriety in 2017 for surpassing Clark Griswold’s ostentatious display in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

Please See HAYEN, B2

LITERARY CENTER OF CATSKILLS IS 25

TREADWELL

T

here were some, said Bertha Rogers, who doubted that a literary organization could thrive in Delaware County, with a population of 40,000 people.

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

There’s still time to meet with Santa Claus before he loads up his sleigh.

Here, Mason Rice, 9 months, and sister Arianna, 3, cap off the 2016 Christmas season with a visit to Santa’s Cottage in Pioneer Park.

This Is It, Kids, Last Time To Sit On Santa’s Knee

M

ake sure you’re on Santa’s nice list before he takes to the skies!

In Oneonta, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Southside Mall. In Cooperstown, 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

COMMUNITY DINNER: Enjoy a homemade community Christmas dinner, free. Transportation to the meal and home delivery available. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call Ann Steen, 607-432-1283.

CHILDREN’S PARTY: 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. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Santa arrives at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 21, The Gym Floor, The Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown.

Call 607-547-2800.

TEEN FESTIVITIES: Show off your ugliest Christmas sweater and win a prize, watch a Christmas movie marathon, and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. 7 - 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Oneonta Teen Center, 4 Academy St., Oneonta.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Celebrate the holiday with a family-friendly Christmas pagent. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta. 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Call 607-432-3491.

A Refuge From City Life Became Busy Bright Hill

By PARKER FISH

yclubnissan.co m

“It’s a foolish undertaking,” she said. “There were never enough people to pack the house.”

Except, she said, when there were enough people to pack the house, as there were during the 25th anniversary celebration Parker Fish/ OTSEGO.life of Bright Hill Press & Literary Bertha Rogers entrances celebrants at the 25th Center on Saturday, Dec. 16. anniversary of the Bright Hill Literary Center SaturPlease See BRIGHT HILL, B5 day, Dec. 16, in Treadwell.

All

COOKIES FOR SANTA: Create unique cookies for parties or to leave out for St. Nick. Cookies, frosting, & sprinkles are provided. 12:30 - 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, Springfield Library, 129 Co Rd 29A, Springfield Center. Call 315-858-5802.

JUST AROUND THE CORNER: First Night brings the New Year’s Eve festivities back to Foothills, with music, dancing, fireworks and more on Sunday, Dec. 31. Info, www.firstnightoneonta.com.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.com EVERY DAY

FOR NEWS UPDATES, VISIT OUR NEW www.

A gift subscription is the perfect gift! $48 In-county/2 years−$90 · $65 outsIde county/2 years−$120 $135 FIrst-class Postage

Mail check or money order (with name address, phone number) 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 · 607-547-6103

Happy New Year Help Us Ring in 2018! ~Live music starting at 8 pm ~Complimentary champagne toast

B-2

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017

Last year, John Hayen hung 25,500 lights on his Tilley Avenue home, besting Clark Griswold’s record in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

This year, he outstripped the Chevy Chase character by 5,500, hanging 30,500.

~Drink and dinner specials

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Hayen Adds 5,000 Lights, Wins Disciple 22 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown 607-435-7062 Reservations recommended

HAYEN/From B1 Last year, Hayen decorated his property with 25,300 lights, topping Griswold’s 25,000 lights after 25 years of trying.

“My brother, Mike Duheme, took a picture from his place on Franklin Mountain,” he said, “You can see the glow of our house from way up there!”

And he’s topped his own record again this year, adding 5,000 lights to his annual display for a total of 30,300 twinkling lights.

“Jill’s tree adds 3,500 lights alone,” he said. “It’s huge; it takes three of us holding hands to get our arms around it.”

This year’s big additions are a tribute to the classic Rankin/Bass “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” TV special, with Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snowman.

“My neighbor Liam Casey” – he’s now 10, and helps Hayen out – “wanted to put up some Rudolph stuff,” he said.

And what is a winter wonderland without penguins? “I found these blue

penguins online,” he said.

“They’re my wife Sue’s favorite animal.”

The Christmas Tree Lot down the side of the house has been expanded, and the poles atop the fence lit up on homage Hayen’s dis- to “Seinfeld.” “It’s play is, in part, a com- my tribute memoration to the Fesof Trooper tivus Pole,” Jill Mattice. he said.

He also hung what has become known as the “Tilley Star” at the end of their driveway.

“We had one couple from California ask if they take their Christmas card photo here,” he said.

And he’s inspired the next generation to pick up the mantle of Christmas cheer.

Dakoda Buzzy, 13, has begun making a name for himself with his displays, including winning first prize in WZOZ’s Christmas Lights contest last year with a light-up holiday soccer

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“We used to take the kids by the Hayens’ every year,” said his mother, Heidi.

“John gave him a music box, taught him how to restring his lights. He’s really helped him a lot.”

“It’s not just Christmas,” said his dad, Brett. “He wants to decorate for every holiday.”

This year, the lawn of their Country Club Road home is home to “Santa Bowl,” a football game of reindeer vs. toys. He used the $100 Munson’s gift certificate from the contest to buy the PVC for the goal posts, as well as a mailbox to put candy canes in, just like Hayen does.

“Christmas lights seem joyful,” he said. “I like doing it. I start planning in September.”

“He doesn’t even tell his sisters what he’s planning,” said Heidi. “He doesn’t want them to tell anyone.”

Back on Tilley Avenue, Hayen’s next goal is 35,000 lights. “We could turn our driveway into another tree lot,” he mused. “And I could line the Nutcrackers along the fence, like they’re guarding the fortress.”

The lights are on from 8 p.m. until midnight, seven days a week, and there are always candy canes in the mailbox if you’re in the mood for a holiday treat.

You might even see Hayen come out to wish you a “Merry Christmas” in this year’s homemade Ugly Sweater, complete. “I make one every year!” he said.

Maybe, he muses, he’ll reach 50,000 lights one day.

“That would be awesome,” he said. “We’ll shoot for 35,000, then 45,000, and maybe we’ll do 50,000.” 

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AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017

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The “Red Door” Church (First United Presbyterian) Welcomes You Join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 pm - Sunday, December 24 Main Street and Walling Avenue, Oneonta (across from Friendly’s) • Church Office: 607-432-7520 The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt

In a religion that was born in a barn, an open door goes without saying.

First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown 25 Church Street Cooperstown 607-547-8401

Christmas Eve

Our church invites you to join us in the worship and fellowship of Jesus Christ. The door is always open.

Sunday, December 24

10 am - Sunday Worship with Christmas Pageant

10 pm - Candlelight Worship with Celebration of Communion “This Luminous Darkness” The Rev. Elsie A. Rhodes, preaching

Our Schedule for Christmas is:

Christmas Eve

First United Methodist Church 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta

December 24, 2017

607-432-4102 • firstumc-oneonta.org

Family Eucharist - 5 pm Service of Carols - 10:30 pm Festival Choral Eucharist - 11 pm

Christmas Day December 25, 2017

Holy Eucharist - 10 am

Join us here at St. James’ Church as we celebrate the Coming of the Christ Child

St. James Episcopal Church

Join us Christmas Eve

10 am 7 pm 8 pm 10 pm

A Reconciling Congregation · Wheelchair Accessible · All are welcome

Rev. Teressa Sivers, Pastor

Monday, 25 December 2017 Mass during the Day – 8:30am and 10:30am The Feast of the Holy Family Saturday, 30 December 2017 Mass for the Vigil – 5:00pm Sunday, 31 December 2017 Mass during the Day – 10:30am The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Monday, 1 January 2018 Mass during the Day - 10:00am The Solemnity of the Epiphany Saturday, 6 January 2-18 Mass for the Vigil – 5:00pm Sunday, 7 January 2018 Mass during the Day – 10:30am Check out our new website at www.stmarysoneonta.org AND go to your APP Store to find the Saint Mary Church App.

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church

39 Walnut Street, Oneonta 607-432-3920 · www.stmarysoneonta.org

“For unto us a child is born...”

Elm Park United Methodist Church 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta

Service of Communion and Candlelight Sunday Dec. 24th 11 pm

Come and join us at Saint Mary’s Catholic Community for Christmas – the Birth of God,

The Solemnity of Christmas Sunday, 24 December 2017 Mass for the Vigil – 7:30pm

All are Welcome!

The Rev. Elsie A. Rhodes, Pastor

Prayer Service for Angels Amoung us Family Service with Pageant Christmas Tea Candlelight Service with Choirs and Communion

305 Main Street, Oneonta • 607-432-1458 www.stjamesoneonta.org • Like us on facebook

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our newly renovated church.

Beautiful musical offerings by the Chancel Choir

Service of Lessons Carols and Candelelight Sunday Dec. 24th 7 pm

Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday Dec. 24th 10:30 am United Methodist Church of Cooperstown

66 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown 607-547-9540 Rev. Thomas LeBeau, Pastor

elmparkumconeonta.org (607) 432-6552

Join us for

Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Services at 10:30 am, 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 11 pm

B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Part Time Laborer Oneonta Public Transit is seeking a part-time Laborer to clean buses. Available hours are evenings and weekends. Starting wage is $10.40/hr. Applications are available at City Hall, 258 Main St. or at www.oneonta.ny.us/personnel.

EOE

Heritage at tHe Plains at ParisH Homestead

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017

AllOTSEGO.classifieds LOST

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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

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 farm-

All OTSEGO. opportunities

Come join our senior living community team for a rewarding experience!

ImmedIate OpenIngs evening aide Ft dining aides pt Cooks Ft prep Cook/dishwasher Ft

Hartwick…Studio Apt 2nd floor $460 plus security and elec…Parking…no pets or smoking…newly redone… small deck…avail immed.

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

Forest technician Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District Otsego SWCD is hiring a Forestry Technician who will perform a variety of technical duties related to forestry practices concerning forest on public and private properties. Salary will commensurate with experience and benefits provided.

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

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

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

Contact: Otsego SWCD, 967 Co. Hwy. 33, Cooperstown, NY 13315 by phone (607) 547-8337 ext. 4 or www.otsegosoilandwater.com for complete description.

Deadline for resumes’ December 21, 2017

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of CC&S LAND HOLDINGS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/13/2017.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail to 333 County Hwy 2, Mt. Upton, NY 13809, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of NAP 58 MAPLE STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/14/17.

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, 19-43 77th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law establish-

Legal

ing the salaries of Director of Real Property Tax Service II, Personnel Officer, Director of Public Health, Commissioner of Social Services Group I, Commissioner of Elections (Rep) for the year 201 8.

NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 9:55 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment.

Copies of the Local Law are available for viewing at the Clerk of the Board’s Office, County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours.

Dated: December 21, 2017 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.21 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Chestnut Np, LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/29/17.

Office: Ulster Co. SSNY design agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to Legalinc Corp

LEGALS

Legal

Legal

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Svcs 1967 Wehrle Dr #1-086 Buffalo, NY 14221 General Purpose 6LegalJan.25

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

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

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Notice of formation of Sweet Sweat Fleet, LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/21/17.

Office: Ulster Co. SSNY design agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to Henning Grentz 67 Old County Rd 1 Kingston, NY 12401 General Purpose 6LegalJan.25 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of HINMAN HOLLOW, LLC.

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name: 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

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of formation of

NAME: King Kuupa LLC,

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

All positions require some weekends.

Training provided.

Please apply in person at The Heritage, 163 Heritage Circle, Oneonta, NY. 607-267-4013 eOe

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house 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

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

Office: Otsego

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. 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 Legal nOtice

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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 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

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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 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 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 un-

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der the Limited Liability Company Law. 6LegalDec.28 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 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.21 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:

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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 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

Notice of formation of dannysadie, L.L.C. 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 21-22, 2017

Husband Raised Funds, Wife Wrote Poetry BRIGHT HILL/From B1 “My husband Ernie always said, ‘If you build it, they will come’,” she said. “But it takes dedication. You have to believe that it’s important, and push through.”

An Iowa native, Rogers moved to Treadwell in 1989, seeking a quieter lifestyle from where she had been living in New York City. Though she had written poems when she was younger, she focused on her visual arts at the University of Iowa, and didn’t recon-

nect with her writing until she moved Upstate. “The first poem I wrote was called ‘The Lesson’,” she said. “It was about my father.”

That poem was included in her first full-length collection, “Sleeper, You Wake” (1991, Edwin Mellen Press, Lewiston).

Shortly after moving to Treadwell, Rogers met her husband, Ernest Fishman, and the two started a reading series out of their home in 1992.

“Then the next year we began

offering workshops, and then the next year is when we began publishing, and that’s when things really started to take off.”

The Thursday readers series is still around, and Rogers herself is a poet of considerable note; she has published 10 collections and translations and has been featured in dozens of anthologies and literary magazines.

The couple were married in 1993, and before long, their home wasn’t big enough to

continue to host the events.

They bought the building at 94 Church St. in 2003 and began renovations, receiving a capital grant from the state Council on the Arts to expand the library, and, in 2008, convert the twocar garage into an education wing.

“Ernie was really wonderful at fundraising,” she said. “He got the funding for the building through the O’Connor Foundation and the Walter Rich Foundation.”

As a press, they’ve published over 100 books, starting with Pamela Bernard’s “My Own Hundred Doors.” They

host an annual chapbook and full-length poetry collection contest annually.

The literacy center also features artwork exhibitions and artistic workshops for children and adults. The interests of Bright Hill Press truly reflect the interests of its faithful founder.

“I’m a poet, a teaching artist, and a visual artist. I have always loved the idea of combining literature with visual arts,” said Rogers. “I’ve always thought that if you have words and images, they should benefit each other and feed off each other.”

Fishman served as the president of the Bright Hill Press board until his death in March 2016.

At the anniversary celebration, Rogers announced that the center’s reading room would be named after her late husband Ernie, where a plaque bearing his name would be hung next to a photograph of Ernie.

U.S. Rep. John Faso, RKinderhook, was on hand, and called Bright Hill Press

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AllOTSEGO.life

Parker Fish/

U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-19, presents Bertha Rogers with a Congressional resolution.

“a crowning jewel of literary achievement, accomplishment and promotion in the Catskills Region.”

Rogers also announced that she would step down as the executive director at the end of the year, turning over the operations to Beatrice Georgalidis.

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO Friday, December 22

VISIT SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

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

AUDITIONS – 7 p.m. Try out for a part in Orpheus Theater’s production of “Osage County,” premiering in August. All roles available.

Rowe House, 31 Maple St., Oneonta. Call 607-432-1800.

Saturday, December 23

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

101 Main St., in Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown.

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

CHRISTMAS DINNER – 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Enjoy a homemade Christmas dinner.

Transportation to the meal and home delivery available.

The First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call Ann Steen @ 607-432-1283.

Sunday, December 24 Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES – 12:30 - 2 p.m. Create unique cookies for the holidays. Cookies, frosting, & sprinkles are provided. Springfield Library, 129 Co Rd 29A, Springfield Center. Call 315-858-5802.

VISIT SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m.

Visit Santa in his cottage.

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

Monday, December 25

LEGOS – 3 - 4 p.m. Play with the library’s LEGO collection. Cooperstown Village Library. Call 607-547-8344.

YARN WORKSHOP – 5 6:30 p.m. Work with instructor Tori to create something for yourself or loved one. All skill levels welcome! Create mittens, hats, more. The Turning Point, 22 Elm St., Oneonta.

Call 607-267-4435 or e-mail kyle@friendsofrecoverydo.org 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.

DRAWING GROUP – 7 9 p.m. Come practice drawing with a live model. $10 donation. To attend call the Cooperstown Art Association.

Call 607-547-9777.

Tuesday December 26

KNITTING GROUP – 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main St., Cooperstown. Call 607-5478344.

NARCAN TRAINING – 3 4 p.m. Free training to administer NARCAN. Leave with a free kit and a certificate.

FORDO, 22 Elm St., Oneonta.

Call 607-267-4435.

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

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boots snowpants accessories sox Gifts!

Peace and happiness to all this Christmas and Holiday Season.

Thank you for your patronage. God bless our troops!

Our Favorite Gift This Season:

Your Support Your business is the best gift we could ask for.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours,

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B-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

OBITUARIES

Timothy Sr., Solveig A. Perry Worked Together At WalMart

LAURENS – Timothy A. Perry Sr. 59, and his wife, Solveig E. Perry, 52, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at their home.

Timothy was born in Oneonta, the son of Samuel and Pauleen (McMullen) Perry. Tim married the love of his life, Sue, on Aug. 12, 2017.

Sue was born in Cooperstown, the daughter

of Michael and Liv (General) O’Mara.

The couple worked at Walmart for many years alongside their daughter, Rebecca..

Tim was an avid deer hunter, and the couple enjoyed collecting coins, Coca-Cola memorabilia and more. They enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Above all things, fam-

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

versar y Our 125th anni

Tillapaugh Funeral Service Our historic Family Room

Our Chapel comfortably seats over 200.

George M. Tillapaugh (1888-1913) · Revo and Anna Tillapaugh (1913-1958) George G. and Marjorie Tillapaugh (1935-1988) · Martin H. Tillapaugh (1988-Present)

dignity · tradition · continuity 28 Pioneer Street, cooPerStown • 607-547-2571 Proudly serving area families since 1888

ily was their true enjoyment.

They are survived by their loving family; his daughters; Bobbi-Jo Nye (Eric Wilcox), Nicole Stilson (Tim), and Rebecca Perry (Lee Jackson); sons Timothy A. Perry Jr. and Kevin A. Perry; grandchildren Kayla Perry, Taylor Nye, Kali Wilcox, Dylan Perry, Kalee Stilson, Conner Stilson, Alyssa Jackson, Logan Jackson, brother Joseph Perry along with many other brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and Sue’s mother, Liv O’Mara.

A funeral service was held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris, with Rev. Steve Fournier officiating.

Interment will take place in the spring, where together, they will be laid to eternal rest.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family at www.gofundme. com to “The Perry’s Support Fund.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Johnston Funeral Home, Morris.

Helen J. Forrest, 72; Worked At SUNY, Lakefront Restaurant MARYLAND - Helen June Collar Forrest, 72, who spent her career in the food industry, passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, 2017.

She was born June 15, 1945, in Oneonta, a daughter of Howard R. and Marlynn (Lints) Collar.

A graduate of Edmeston Central School, Helen was employed throughout most of her life as a cook in the food service industry. Through the years she worked at Robynwood and for SUNY Oneonta, as well as at the Lake Front Restaurant in Cooperstown.

On Aug. 10, 1990, Helen married Edward W. Forrest in a ceremony at her sister Judy’s home in the Town of Davenport.

In addition to her husband of 27 years, Helen is survived by her children, Jodi Norton of Johnstown and Brenda Carvin and husband, Wayne, of Maryland; three sisters, Marion Card and husband, Richard of Hartwick, Judy Utter and husband, Fred of Davenport, and Cindy Baxter and husband, Gary of Maryland; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, mother, she was predeceased bu a daughter, Wendy Sue Smith and a brother, Donald H. Collar Calling hours are 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. A funeral service wil follow, with with the Rev. Ken Zulkosky, associate pastor at Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta officiating.

Burial will be in the Spring of 2018 in Bennett Cemetery in West Laurens.

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

Mickey Ryan, 87, Milford Farmer, NY American Legion Commander MILFORD – Mickey Ryan, 87, a past state commander of the American Legion, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2017, at the state Veterans’ Home at Oxford.

Born Oct. 23, 1930, at home in the Town of Hamptonburgh, Orange County, he was the son of Edward and Helen (Cutler) Ryan.

He grew up in Maybrook where he was known for his baseball abilities. Mickey met his future wife, Carma Perrego, at a skating rink in Newburgh. On Oct. 21, 1951, Mickey and Carma were married in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newburgh.

He served in the Navy on the USS Van Valkenburgh during the Korean Conflict.

Mickey went on to run a dairy farm in Campbell Hall, which was located

next to the fire hall where he was proud to have always been the first one to answer alarms. In 1963, he fulfilled his dream by buying his own dairy farm on the Hinman Hollow Road, where he and his wife raised their five children.

Mickey was very active in the Milford American Legion Post No. 1566 – it was his second home. One of his favorite pastimes there was calling Bingo every Sunday night. He not only served as commander at the local level, but also served as the state American Legion Commander. Proud to be a lifetime member of the Milford Post, he was equally proud of being a lifetime member of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 in Cooperstown.

Mickey is survived by his dear sister, An-

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nie Snyder and husband, George of Campbell Hall; his five children, Patrick Ryan (Chris) of Campbell Hall, Deborah Kiser of Fly Creek, Mike Ryan (Chris) of Virginia Beach, Va., Sandy Strong (Mike) of Milford and Kelly Liner (Tom) of Cooperstown. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Mickey was predeceased by his wife, his mother, his parents; his sister, Sylvia Orman; his aunts Lucy Coville and Ida Berberick; and Ken Kiser,.

A funeral was held Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding.

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

• Eye exams • Fashion frames & contact lenses • Eyewear repairs

Visit the Bassett Eyewear Center

Clinic Building, Cooperstown Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm (607) 547-3142

We hope this holiday season delivers everything you’ve been hoping for and more!

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As we celebrate another successful year, we’re filled with gratitude for your support and trust in us. Friends and members like you make us feel truly fortunate. Happy Holidays!

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017

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THURSDAY-Friday, DECEMBER 21-22, 2017