W
elcome, ALDI’s!
SUPERMARKET PLACES WEEKLY INSERTS IN HOMETOWN ONEONTA
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
!
E RE
F Volume 7, No. 16
City of The Hills
2014 Coldest In Decades Year Narrowly Missed Breaking All-Time Record
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014 was the coldest year in Greater Oneonta in more than 30 years. Thank goodness temperatures began to modify, at times, beginning in May, or we could have been putting last year into the record books, as one of the coldest ever. Records have been kept Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Proud grandmom Cindy Seward holds up her newest granddaughter, Vivian Thomas, 6 months, who was the hit of the afternoon when state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, and count Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. were sworn in for new terms on New Year’s Day in Courtroom #1 in the county courthouse/ MORE PHOTOS, A2
Gibson Turns Eyes Toward Governorship
Complimentary
Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, January 9, 2015
DAVID MATTICE
daily in our area since 1854, (and no, I’ve haven’t been doing the observing since then!) Temperatures averaged 2.4 degrees below the normal mean for the year and that is significantly colder than normal. Only three months during the Please See COLD, A7
ALDI’S WIN, WIN, WIN FOR ONEONTA COMMUNITY
W
elcome, Aldi’s! Today’s edition is a historic one for Hometown Oneonta: Aldi’s, the national supermarket, begins inserting its weekly flier in our newspaper – your newspaper – the first major grocery to do so. Since, under our model, advertisers underwrite all the news and information people tell us they love, this is a big deal for us and our mission of serving the community. It’s also a huge service to you, our readers – 22,000 in 10,000 households, plus others who pick up Home-
town Oneonta at newsstands. Everyone will now have ready, dependable information on Aldi’s impressive weekly specials. And it will be a boon to our friends at Aldi’s as well, giving them access to all customers and potential customers – every single one – within miles of the Southside supermarket on Route 23, right next to Lettis Highway. Thank you Aldi’s, for providing a win, win, win to all of us. See you at the cash register! JIM KEVLIN Publisher, Hometown Oneonta
THOUSANDS AT FOOTHILLS CELEBRATION
Revive Parade, 1st Night Asked
O
tsego County’s congressman, Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, he won’t run for a third term in 2016. Instead, he will work with the state Republican Committee, seeking to develop the party’s bench, and may run for governor in 2018. On Election Day 2014, Gibson decisively turned back a challenge from Democrat Sean Eldridge, who helped finance his campaign with $4 million from his husband’s Facebook fortune. PIPELINE HEARING: The state Department of Environmental Conservation is convening a hearing on the Constitution Pipeline at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at SUNY Oneonta’s Lecture Hall IRC #3, 108 Ravine Pkwy. CANCER CHECKS: Bassett’s Mobile Mammography Coach will be in the Southside Mall parking lot 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, offering free cancerscreening clinics for women 40 and over who are uninsured. Call 1-888-345-0225 for an appointment.
Hundreds of revellers clamor for 900 balloons dropped in Foothills’ Atrium during First Night Oneonta festivities on New Year’s Eve.
Joe Judd To Retire From Arc
Longtime Deputy Pat Knute To Succeed 34-Year Director By LIBBY CUDMORE
I
n the 39 years since he started at Arc Otsego, executive director Joe Judd has seen the program grow to support almost 500 individuals and become one of the Joe Judd largest employers in Otsego County. “Joe has done an unbelievable job for many individuals,” said Ann Marie Peterson, deputy director for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Broome District. Judd joined Arc in 1975 as the director of the agency’s sheltered Please See JUDD, A2
SWOT Exercise Assists Council Focus On Goals By LIBBY CUDMORE
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
By LIBBY CUDMORE
INSIDE: Johnna Peachin and Al Cleinman were among those delivering tributes to Mayor Dick Miller/SEE A4
T
he Foothills’ Atrium was packed with all the elements of the First Night Parade – dancing puppets, music, the Cosmic Karma Fire Troupe – the parade had been shifted to the Fourth of July. Now, conversations are under
way to march the parade back down Main Street next New Year’s Eve. “We listen very closely to the needs of the community,”
said First Night organizer David Hayes. “If we hear that they want the parade, we would bring it back.” First Night, a non-alcoholic welcome to the new year, had been staged in venues around the downtown. This year, though, it was relocated under the one roof after concerns about declining atPlease See FIRST NIGHT, A3
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trengths: Good schools, stable workforce and potential for rail yard growth. Weaknesses: Unbalanced budget, lack of good-paying jobs, lack of population growth. Opportunities: Airport, colleges, growing hops industry. Threats: Fear of change, retiring staff, possible absorption by the town. Please See STRATEGY, A7
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
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A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
HOMETOWN People
Pat Knuth Will Succeed Joe Judd As Arc Otsego Executive Director JUDD/From A1 workshop, now the vocational training center. When he began, there were 16 enrolled individuals, and before he was promoted to executive director in 1979, there were 58. Under his Pat Knuth leadership, the program began adding additional services, including the Main View Gallery and Center for Self Expression. Arc Otsego now serves over 20 agency sites in Otsego County, as well as in schools, individual homes and at businesses.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
IF YOU GO: An open house to celebrate Joe Judd’s service to Arc Otsego is planned 1:304:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14. at 35 Academy St., Oneonta. “I leave my position with a great sense of pride for what The Arc Otsego has been able to accomplish towards opening our community and its many resources to people with intellectual disabilities,” said Judd. “Over the last 35 years, so many people have been able to realize their true rights as citizens not just in Otsego County, but throughout New York State and the country.” “Joe’s knowledge, insight
Seward, Devlin Sworn In On New Year’s Day State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, is sworn in for a 15th term by state Supreme Court Judge Michael V. Coccoma as the senator’s wife Cindy and their granddaughter Norah Thomas bear witness on New Year’s Day in historic Courtroom #1 in Cooperstown.
and managerial qualities have been instrumental in the success of this agency,” said Walter “Jim” Hogan, president of the Arc Otsego board. Pat Knuth, assistant executive director, will succeed him. “My anticipation is bittersweet as I will miss the leadership, wisdom and camaraderie shared with Joe over the past 28 years,” she said. “The challenge going forward is to sustain these advances and to further enhance life’s experiences for each individual that we have the honor to support,” said Judd. “I have the greatest confidence in Pat’s skills and our shared vision for the future.”
Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., Milford, left, is sworn in for a third term by county Judge Brian Burns while his wife Laurie and daughter Kimberly looked on.
ONEONTA TOWN BOARD MEMBER SWORN IN
Below, Drue Quackenbush hits those high notes in the National Anthem which she sang at the beginning of the ceremony. She is the daughter of county Rep. Janet Quackenbush, RTown of Oneonta.
Trish Riddell Kent, who was elected in November to a term on the Oneonta Town Board, was sworn in with the New Year by Town Justice Bruce Smith, right. Riddell Kent’s husband, Steve, holds the Bible. Thirty town residents showed up to help the new Town Board member celebrate.
An InvITATIOn TO OTSegO COunTy CITIzenS All around us, young men and young women are creating Otsego County’s future.
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That observation inspired Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce to recognize these future leaders.
]
40 20
TwenTy under forTy In next week’s edition, you will find a nomination form to help us identify and celebrate Otsego County’s future. We hope you will participate, suggesting an admired employee, co-worker, friend, family member, or simply someone you’ve observed who is excelling and inspiring. Of the nominees, 20 will be selected by a panel of community leaders to be honored Thursday, February 26, at a reception.
•F
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1808 BY
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31 Chestnut Street • Cooperstown, NY 13326 • 607-547-9983 • www.cooperstownchamber.org
Cooperstown’s Newspaper
R
IN
Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce
O M C O PE
See next week’s Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal for details.
For 206 Years
&
HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A3
Above, Anissa Wilkens and Sophie Wang, members of the Tinny Wilkens Dancers, demonstrated traditional Thai steps. At right, Cosmic Karma’s Greg LeBlanc, Oneonta, trains a fire-eater of the future, son Malachite.
HOMETOWN ONEONTA Photos by Ian Austin, Jim Kevlin
Elite Dance Acedemy standouts Lola Olson and her partner Jordan Mason, both of Delhi, have the audience rapt.
First Night Tops, 2,000 Celebrants Discovered At Foothills CELEBRATION/From A1 tendance in the December cold. With temperatures hovering around 19 degrees this Dec. 31, the space offered a welcome reprieve from bundling up between venues. “Last year, everyone was sick, had the flu and didn’t want to go out,” said First Night President Carol
Mandigo. “But now, everyone was coming in from the cold!” The conversations about the parade didn’t mean this year’s event wasn’t a hit. Foothills was packed – perhaps 2,000 people passed through over the course of the evening, Hayes estimated. “Any time I looked around, I saw kids with big
Organizers Carol Mandigo and David Hayes resolve a logistical point.
smiles on their faces,” said Hayes. “It was a great way to welcome in the New Year.” Over 120 volunteers – double the numbers from last year – helped put together the event, which Hayes estimated nearly 3,000 people attended. “The events in the atrium were free, which helped boost at-
tendance,” said Hayes. Under 2,000 balloons sculpted by BJ the Clown to read “Life Enjoyed,” the city gave tribute to late Mayor Dick Miller. “It was very gratifying to do a little something for him, because he did so much for us,” said Mandigo. And then, to open the festivities for fun, 900 balloons dropped from the ceiling. “It really was a festival, carnival atmosphere,” said Mandigo. With 3,000 people in the civic center, space was at a premium, and some thought the event was too crowded. “I feel like that was my fault,” said Mandigo. “The dancers were originally supposed to be in the main stage, but they got relocated to the Atrium. It won’t happen again.” “Normally we’re a venue and we have a lot of people, but this year we only had a few stop by,” said Bob Brzozowski, Greater Oneonta Historical Society executive director. “I don’t know if we’d even be
open next year. I wonder if there’s a way they can do both ways, where events for families are in one location and other people can enjoy the diversity of Main Street. Being downtown was part of the draw.” Though the events in the Atrium were free, buttons were required for the music, poetry reading and other events in the Foothills theater spaces. “By the end of the night, we were so overwhelmed with people and they couldn’t find a place to buy buttons, so we were just letting people into the paid events,” said Mandigo. The paid acts were just as well attended, said Hayes, especially the Café Theater upstairs, which hosted a poetry reading and acoustic music. “Every time I went by, it was full,” he said. And no one had to go home because of wet shoes or chilly cheeks. “People stayed the entire time,” said Mandigo. “Kids were in the bounce house until it was time for the fireworks.”
Gabriel Vadney, Otego, drums to the Caribbean beat to the admiration of his mom, Christine. At right are Hunter Oldick and Gabriel’s dad, Clint.
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HOMETOWN Views
A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
ALAN CHARTOCK CAPITOL CONNECTION
Chartock Recalls ‘Conversations In Candor’ With Mario Cuomo ALBANY
M
ario Cuomo has passed. We all knew it was coming, but no matter how prepared we think we are, it still comes as a shock. He was a huge part of my life. It started after I wrote a column headlined, “Meet Governor Koch,” during their gubernatorial primary. For years, Cuomo told me that he kept that column in his top drawer just to torture me. It seemed impossible that this obscure Queens lawyer could beat the bal-
listic, bombastic Koch who was Mr. New York and had won a previous primary for the New York mayoralty. There I was, a youngish professor running a series of public radio stations and feeling sorry for myself. Cuomo would never talk to me because I had picked the wrong horse. Then one day I got a call from a Cuomo press secretary, Steve Morello, who wanted to talk to me. I went down to the Capitol, hat in hand, to meet Morello and, as we were talking, the phone rang.
“Guess who’s here with me? Alan Chartock,” he said, and then told me that it was the governor on the phone and he wanted to see me. Within moments of my arrival, he asked whether he could be on my radio show. “Anytime,” I said. “No,” he said, “I mean every week.” Thus began our 12-year run, a weekly conversation during which we argued, we bantered, we had fun. He was simply the brightest, WAMC photo funniest, cleverest man in Mario Cuomo jousts with Alan Chartock durthe world. Yes, I mean that ing weekly radio shows that aired for years on – in the world. WAMC, Northeast Public Radio.
M ‘ aster’s Hand’ Enriched Oneonta
LETTERS
County Should Share NEW Tax Revenues To the Editor: Recent letters have stressed the importance of recognizing and distributing county bed tax revenues fairly. This is an important topic, as it speaks to a central issue of fairness in the county’s dealings with its municipalities and tax revenue distribution. However, the bed-tax distribution line is not the only one on the budget where changes should be considered. Otsego County’s tax experience is better than its immediate neighbors with the highest sales-tax revenue and lowest real-property tax levy relative to its budget. One could simply argue that the low tax levy is due largely to the magnitude of the sales tax driven by tourism and by Oneonta as a regional economic center whose many inroads come from outside the county’s borders. However, sales tax is not collected evenly across the county, and about a quarter of the $34 million sales tax pool is generated in the Town of Oneonta. This is a significant amount of traffic and activity taking place in the town, for which it receives less than 2 percent of the distributions. My claim is not to send a larger check to the town, at least not just yet. Consider these business developments: The IDA is preparing Pony Farm Industrial Park as a marketable “shovel ready” site
for large warehouse and/or distribution centers; Northern Eagle Beverages has broken ground on a new facility; Cooperstown All Star Village has increased its capacity from 40 teams per week to 72 teams starting in 2015, and Bettiol Enterprises is sketching plans for a commercial complex off I88 intended for retail service and a hotel. These are wonderful investments coming to Otsego County, and will surely deepen our sales and bed tax pools, and stretch and strengthen our tax rolls (good for curbing school and city/town taxes). All of these projects are in the Town of Oneonta. As these investments take shape, I argue that our county needs to proactively plan for managing the new (I want to stress new) revenues when they are realized. When sales- and bed-tax receipts increase, how will the county respond? The burden of shouldering the associated costs of the increased traffic is not evenly spread across the county, so it does not seem reasonable for the same distribution formula to apply for much longer. It is fair for Oneonta to expect an allocation model from the county that does not result in an imbalance of tax responsibilities and promotes a municipality’s ability to engage in economic development. DAN BUTTERMANN Town of Oneonta
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
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Accountant Johnna Peachin addresses a packed Foothills’ Atrium New Year’s Eve, where First Night Oneonta celebrations began with a dedication to the late Mayor Dick Miller.
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
► JOHNNA PEACHIN AND AL CLEINMAN WERE AMONG A NUMBER OF LEADING CITIZENS OF
ONEONTA WHO DELIVERED TRIBUTES TO DICK MILLER AT FIRST NIGHT ONEONTA, WHICH WAS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE FORMER MAYOR.
Can We Bring Mayor Miller’s Vision To Fruition? By JOHNNA PEACHIN
I
am a sixth-generation Oneontan. Perhaps that’s why a business colleague from Rochester and boyhood friend of Dick’s called me one day – “Johnnie, take care of Dick. He’s moving to Oneonta.” I attended the very next Hartwick event to reach out to him. It didn’t take but a minute, however, to look around the room and grasp that he had already made his mark. Dick wouldn’t need help from me or anyone else to get acclimated. As we all know, Oneontans embraced him so much they “Picked Dick” and elected him mayor. Then he turned the tables and pulled
me into a much deeper involvement with the city. • Collaborations with the city and the YMCA on children’s and recreational programs • Wooed me – my arm is almost normal now after all the twisting – into becoming a Foothills board member. Foothills wasn’t even on my radar screen. • Assigned responsibilities at Foothills that were outside my comfort zone. Dick became my “boss” – handing out tasks and expecting results. He was irreverent and told it like it was. Neither of us had the patience for the political dance or political correctness. We were both comfortable calling it as we saw it. It was what we
Tom Heitz Consultant
MEMBER OF New York Press Association • The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly 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
loved about each other and the glue of our mutual respect for each other. Dick became my friend. My office was his office – my staff was his staff. We miss him popping in to ask: “Is Johnnie here? Does she have a minute?” We would meet – it would result in a memo needing to be typed - he gave it to Ramona ...They all loved and treated the mayor with the respect of a big city mayor... His legacy, if not gift, to Oneonta is the enthusiasm he brought to the table. He was everywhere. He got so many other “locals” moving with tasks/missions important to this community. In many respects, we picked Dick and he became the soul of the city. I hope we all can bring his vision to fruition.
‘Life Enjoyed’ Park Fitting Tribute To Fallen Leader By AL CLEINMAN
Editor & Publisher
I ended up writing a book about that relationship, “Me and Mario: Conversations in Candor,” that chronicled our adventures, from his years as governor and beyond. He could do any dialect and there was no better storyteller. There was the one about the giant blue spruce in front of the family’s home in Queens. The tree was felled after having been struck by lightning but Cuomo’s father exhorted the boys to get shovels and rope, telling them, “Comeonna boys, we’re a-gonna Please See CANDOR, A6
A
s others have said, it is only fitting that we honor Dick Miller at this First Night event, within this institution that he was so instrumental in turning around. Thank you, First Night Committee, for this special and well-deserved tribute. I’m honored to share some words about this special individual, although I must say that I didn’t know Dick Miller as intimately as many others. We shared many beliefs about the Oneonta community and our pride in resid-
Al Cleinman recalls collaborations with former mayor.
ing in Center City. I had the pleasure of working with Dick on the beautification of the intersection of Main, Maple and Lettis Highway. I came to have great admiration for Dick as an entrepreneur, educator and leader. He worked to understand our unique firm and was instrumental in referring several employees to us. Like so many others in this room, it didn’t take long nor many interactions to understand that Dick was a very special man with a unique combination of talents that added up to what I can only describe as
“thoughtful action.” And as Dick was so unique, I felt it appropriate that I honor Dick, and his actions, in a unique way. (At this point, Cleinman read the poem, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” of a violin master who played a worn instrument at auction and its price rose. See A5) This poem by Myra Welch epitomizes the Dick Miller I knew. He took tired buildings, worn processes and strained relationships and worked them with the touch of the master’s hand to change their worth. Our community’s worth. On the Wednesday prior Please See TRIBUTE, A5
AllOTSEGO.com • LETTERS TO EDITOR, A6
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
HOMETOWN
History
Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library
125 Years Ago
There is among the inhabitants of neighboring towns a kind of jealousy of the growth and enterprise of Oneonta. This feeling has even been known to manifest itself in unconsidered ill-wishes regarding the town. We say unconsidered, for no one who stops for a moment’s thought can fail to be struck with the immense benefit that accrues from our town to other localities in the vicinage. There is nothing that their farms produce, from a pound of butter to a load of stone, which does not find a ready market in Oneonta. One has only to watch the carts and wagons which rumble daily through our streets loaded with poultry, grain, potatoes, fruits, hay, dairy products – in short with every surplus product of the farm, all of which are quickly and advantageously sold, to realize this fact. January 1890
100 Years Ago
40 Years Ago
The gold rush that generally started as a slow walk resumes Thursday after a oneday holiday break. Thomas W. Wolfe, head of the Treasury’s Office of Domestic Gold and Silver Operations, said the first day of legal sale of gold bullion to American citizens in 41 years showed that demand was extremely slow and almost nonexistent. Specialists had predicted that the end of the ban on private ownership of gold bullion might create a modern gold rush. But, with the precious metal selling in most areas at more than $200 an ounce, there were more curious questioners than buyers. The London fixing fell to $186.50 per troy ounce equal to 1.097 regular ounces. January 1975
80 Years Ago
The basketball playing students of the City of the Hills partly atoned for a double defeat at the hands of Cooperstown last season when they walloped the Hub quintet last night by a 30-22 score to run their winning streak to five games. Some 600 basketball fans, about half of whom were from Oneonta, filled the gymnasium of the Cooperstown high school to witness the contest between the undefeated leaders of the Schohanna League. Oneonta led from the outset and built up an 11-point lead before the intermission and maintained this advantage through a close second half. Oneonta’s sharp-shooting aggressive juniors, Captain Anthony Scott and Frankie Super, along with center Fred Church were mainly responsible for the victory. Scoring for Oneonta: Scott 7; Lattaco 0; F. Super, 13; Church, 9; Goodrich, 0; E. Super 0; and Kosoc 0. January 1935
T
Olin said more than 350 tons of sand and mixed salt were used to alleviate slippery road conditions in Otsego County. Injuries from automobile accidents did more damage to cars and property than to drivers. January 1955
30 Years Ago
Velcro was invented by a man who had to pull burrs off his dog’s coat and thought he could duplicate the effect with synthetic materials. Velcro, a plastic material is made January 1915 up of two parts – fabric embedded with tiny hooks and a matching pad covered with a dense web of matted fibers. And, Hartwick College art instructor Terry Slade has a Most area schools closed, cars skidded vision and a lot of sticky Velcro. Soon, and crashed, driving and walking became the Hartwick campus will become Slade’s hazardous and the weather mixed rain, Velcro canvas for the launching of the First freezing rain, sleet and snow as a severe ice National Velcro Art Show, a kind of artistic storm hit Otsego and Delaware counties and free-for-all for the masses. The idea to use most of Central New York. An estimated Velcro as a medium of artistic expression 16,000 school children stayed home yester- occurred to Slade last year as he and other day as some 35 schools closed in Otsego, professors brainstormed ideas for Velcro at Delaware and surrounding areas. Icy roads a meeting in the cafeteria. “You can Velcro made roads too dangerous for school bus anything,” Slade said. “You could Velcro a travel. Highway superintendent Francis S. stuffed turkey. You can Velcro on a toupee
60 Years Ago
or a tomato on a sandwich.” Not only is Velcro a tactile phenomenon. It also produces a distinctive ripping sound that some may find annoying. “A zipper zips. A snap snaps,” Slade said. Entries for Slade’s art exhibit are being solicited through notices in art journals. Slade has also received a case of Velcro from a manufacturer. He plans to use it to decorate Hartwick College elevators, hallways, offices and dorms. January 1985
20 Years Ago
Liz Callahan, 29, of Cooperstown, successor to Linda Norris last October as Director of the Delaware County Historical Association, has plans for celebrating DCHA’s 50th anniversary year that will culminate in a special September celebration. Along the way DCHA programs during the year will feature multi-generational farms, cake-decorating, Prohibition and Walton’s Italian families, humanities seminars, and a Restoration Fair focusing on a variety of restoration techniques that can be applied to furniture and homes. A native of Buffalo, Callahan is a graduate of LeMoyne College. She first joined DCHA last April as the museum’s program coordinator. January 1995
10 Years Ago
The Violence Intervention Program of Opportunities for Otsego is offering training to be a rape crisis counselor. “Training is free,” Jonathan Allen, education coordinator for Violence Intervention, said. “All we ask is that you commit yourself to four hours a month to offset the cost of training.” The training will cover topics such as service provision for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, legal and medical advocacy, the cycle of violence and crisis intervention. “We are really looking for community members,” Allen said. January 2005
The Touch of the Master’s Hand
was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his
while To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile: “What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried, “Who’ll start the bidding for me?” “A dollar, a dollar”; then two!” “Only two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it three? Three dollars, once; three dollars twice; Going for three..” But no, From the room, far back, A gray-haired man came forward And picked up the bow; Then, Wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening the loose strings, He played a melody pure and sweet As caroling angel sings.
• The music ceased, and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low, Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?” And he held it up with the bow. “A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two? “Two thousand! And who’ll make it three? “Three thousand, once, three thousand, Twice, and going and gone,” said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, “We do not quite understand what changed its worth.” Swift came the reply: “The touch of a master’s hand.” Myra ‘Brooks’ Welch
‘Life Enjoyed’ Park Fitting Tribute To Mayor Miller TRIBUTE/From A4 to Dick’s passing, we met with my team, members of the Garden Club and city leaders to dedicate the garden placed within the small island at the head of Lettis Highway. This garden was a continuation of the beautification project that Dick and I worked on for several years, starting with the replanting of Curtis Park.
It was on that day that we discussed plans to develop the right side of the Lettis Highway entrance, on property adjacent to Benson’s Insurance. It was our vision that this become a sculptor garden following the theme, “Live Enjoyed.” And in my opinion, it is only fitting that we work with our city leaders to dedicate this new park as Miller
Park, a small but permanent memorial to this visionary leader. Dick Miller, you were one of Oneonta’s bows...and for that we will always be in your debt. Thank you for all that you accomplished for our wonderful community and for the groundwork that you laid for our future. You will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Scenes From The Tribute Oneonta Common Council member Larry Malone, above, the Hartwick College economics professor, displays two charts Mayor Miller often cited. The one at right shows community interests in conflict. The one on the left shows them going in the same direction. Tony Avanzato, left, proprietor of Ristorante Stella Luna and a friend of the mayor, recounts how his mother, Guiseppa, was killed in an auto crash in 2013 near Goshen and his brother Vincent was hospitalized. Miller dispatched an ambulance to retrieve Vincent, Tony said, so his brother could attend their mother’s funeral in Oneonta.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-9, 2015
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Santa’s Elf Weewonder On Way To Help Village Planners To the Editor: It’s been a long time since I wrote a letter to Santa for the kids to place on the table next to the Christmas tree along with the cookies for Santa. Anyway, I wrote one this year and received a text message from Santa as he made his way back to the North Pole. He promised me an answer right after New Year’s Day. In my letter, I asked
Santa to LETTERS drop a bag of money down the chimney of the Cooperstown Village Offices to fix the potholes and trench-like depressions on Church, Elm and Pioneer streets. I added that the village needs more money to maintain equipment so work like picking up leaves before it snows could be done on time. I casually
mentioned the use of out-oftown firms to conduct planning studies which are “in vogue” here. The suggestion by the Saratoga firm to cut trees in Lake Front Park to provide a better view of the Lake really annoyed a lot of residents. Santa’s quick response arrived on Jan. 2. He said he wasn’t the federal government and didn’t give away bags of money. He promised
to send a booklet to the Village Office entitled “Basic Management for the Small Village.” Santa also mentioned he employed an elf named Weewonder who handles planning studies for the North Pole and would love to visit Cooperstown. Weewonder has a thesis. He thinks politicians always talk about planning studies to appear they are doing
Registration / Questions 607-547-8671 #1, Gallery@SmithyArts.Org 55 PIONEER STREET, COOPERSTOWN · SMITHYARTS.ORG
ITEMS FOR SALE 21st Annual Citrus Sale,
Oneonta First United Methodist Church. California large Navel Oranges, 23 for $10. Other quantities available; also Florida pink seedless grapefruit. Order by January 27th for February 12th and 13th pickup. Free delivery, Oneonta area. 432-4102 or 431-9029. 3ClassJan23
HELP WANTED TELEMARKETING - Now hiring! Two shifts available: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., salary, commission and bonuses. Computerized dialing system. Non-smoking environment. (607) 398-0060. 18ClassFeb 20
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Office Space for Rent Cooperstown Commons, starting as low as $500/mo. 300 sf to 1000 sf available. kris@glenwoodco.com or call 919-280-0070 13ClassJan15
HOMES FOR RENT Oneonta 2 Bdrm, 1 1/2 bath townhouse for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. No Pets. References and credit check
Two bedroom, two bath, LR, DR, one car garage, W&D hook-up, Rt.31, furnished, $850. per mo plus utilities, plowing, lawn care & garbage removal. No pets. References required. Call Patti at (607) 547-4045. TFN Fly Creek 3 or 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Fireplace, Sun Porch, Patio, Garage, Yard & Woods, $1500. plus utilities 607267-2683 Kathy Fistrowicz Broker Associate RealtyUSA Cooperstown TFN For Rent, Center Village Home. 3 BR, 2 baths, den, modern kitchen, laundry, DR, breakfast room, 1 car garage. Excellent Location. $1400. per month plus utilities, snow & garbage removal, lawn care. Lease. References required. One dog ok. No cats allowed. Call Ashley-Connor Realty 607547-4045 TFN
APARTMENTS FOR RENT Cooperstown 2 bedroom, first floor, edge of village $950.00 with heat and electric included. Lease. No pets. Dave LaDuke, John Mitchell Real Estate, (607) 547-8551. TFN Village Studio Apartment
AllOTSEGO.homes Cooperstown Commons
CHIP NORTHRUP SAYS: Mario (seen here as a Pirates minor leaguer) was Cooperstown kind of guy. SEE PENNSYLVANIAFRACK.COM
Chartock On Cuomo’s Candor
CANDOR/From A6 push her up.” Years later, that spruce was still standing proudly in front of that house. Needless to say, we all cried as the can-do story ended. Then there was the one about Ginger the dog. “Ginger is dying,” he read from his diary on the radio. Could he have treated Ginger better? Every animal owner’s heart melted. When had a governor ever shown a heart like that of Mario Cuomo? Simple answer: never. It sure wasn’t his predecessor, the dour Hugh Carey, or his successor, the plastic George Pataki. Nope, Mario
was one of a kind, an unreconstructed Rooseveltian social liberal who believed that everyone had to have a fair shot in life. When it came to things he really believed in, like his refusal to embrace a death penalty or his fight for a woman’s control over her own body, he didn’t give an inch. He stood up to his own church and to the cleric whose words on the front page of a New York tabloid threatened that he would “Burn in hell.” He once asked me whether I believed in the concept of hell. “Yes, sir,” I responded. “Where is it?” he asked. “Right here, Governor,” I answered. He allowed that I might make a good Catholic. One time he called me a “putz” available. Walking distance to on the radio. I told him that hospital. Ideal for one or two was a dirty word but, undepersons. Heat, electric, snow terred, he said it three more removal and lawn care includ- times, “Putz, putz, putz.” ed. Cooking facilities. Long When I told him the word or short term. $700/month. meant penis, he assured Contact: Robert K. Lee me that the correct Yiddish Benson Agency word was “schmuck.” I told 607-434-5177 him that was true but “putz” Two bedroom, one bath. Cen- was worse. Shortly after we ter of village of Cooperstown. recorded the show, he called In-house laundry, garage. No and said we needed to do it smoking, pets possible. Offover.
AllOTSEGO.classifieds required. $950 month + security. Call Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC at 607-432-4391. TFN
To the Editor: Thank you Jeff Katz re the article on Rick Hulse. Rather discouraging that this representative cannot see the issue at hand or at least offer some alternative. TOM DAHULICK Omaha, Neb.
Retail Space for Lease
Winter Classes at the Smithy Studio start on Jan. 12 & Jan.20. Experienced / Beginner / Adult / Kid $269 - 10 week adult classes with Karla $215 - 8 week adult classes with Normandy $170 - 8 week kid classes with Abbey $85 - 4 week kid classes (2 Sessions) with Abbey
something…and residents should be the prominent force on planning committees and doing future planning for the village. They know best and they pay the taxes. Ho Ho Ho! Happy New Year! From Santa Claus at the North Pole. STAN HALL Cooperstown
Talk The Talk, But Don’t Walk Walk
street parking. $950/month including heat. Robert K. Lee Benson Agency 607-434-5177 Cooperstown Apt. for rent. 1 br/1 ba, 175 Main St. $650/mo includes heat. No smokers. No pets. References req. Frank Leo 607-547-9611 3ClassJan23
ITEMS WANTED Wanted: Belgium, German and English Sporting Firearms. Call Henry: 315-738-1378. 3C lassJan16
ADOPTION #Adoption #Love #Stability #Happiness - We promise to give your baby the best in life. Vivienne & Phil, 1-800-818-5250 3C lassJan16
Join Tops Supermarket, Family Dollar, Subway, Bassett Healthcare, Pizza Hut & McDonalds Storefronts from 300 to 1000 sf, starting at $500/mo. Call for more information 919-280-0070 kris@glenwoodco.com
John Mitchell Real Estate
216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com
MLS#97569 Cherry Valley $136,500 This renovated center-hall Colonial home is situated in the heart of Cherry Valley. Many new upgrades including the kitchen, new windows, and new hickory hardwood floors installed on the main floor. The home has 3 BRs and 2 baths, with a possible fourth BR, if needed. A beautiful soapstone woodstove keeps the main house cozy. Most of the work has been completed but some projects still remain. Owner is a NYS licensed real estate salesperson. This home is priced to sell. Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405
Laura Coleman 607-437-4881
Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183
Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697
It’s Time to Move! Co-exclusively offered at $699,000
This Currier and Ives setting offers a 2-story, cottage-style home, barn, large pond, and detached garage w/apartment. The apartment offers 2 BRs, LR/kitchen w/stone fireplace, ¾ bath and private deck. The property has 80 acres of pasture and wooded areas with glorious views. ProPerTy DeTaIls —80 acres of land —Cooperstown school district —Private well —Septic —48' x 60' barn InTerIor FeaTures —4 bedrooms —2 full baths; 1 ½ bath —2,556 square feet
Don Olin REALTY
—Full foundation —1,000 sq ft basement —Eat-in kitchen —Living room —Master bedroom —Bonus room —2 fireplaces —Sunroom off of kitchen —Baseboard heat —Electric and propane heat
exTerIor FeaTures —Built in 1803 —2 stories —Cottage style —Detached garage —2 garage spaces —Thermopane windows —Large stone patio —Circular driveway
37 Chestnut street · Cooperstown · 607-547-5622 · 607-547-5653 (fax) parking is never a problem! For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Real Estate Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5557 Don DuBois, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5105
Tim Donahue, Associate Real Estate Broker – 293-8874 Madeline Sansevere, Real Estate Salesperson – 435-4311 Cathy Raddatz, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8958 Jacqueline Savoie, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-4141 Michael Welch, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8502
For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, call 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com
Home of the Week
157 Main Street Cooperstown 607-547-5740 hubbellsrealestate.com
Paradise On 11 acres (7985) An enclave of calm on 11 acres. You will love the charm of this memorable, 3-BR, 3 bath ranch w/views of rolling hills. Enjoy features like vaulted ceilings and finished basement w/Pergo floors. This single-owner residence on a quiet street includes office/den, extra-space bonus room, entertainment area. Oak flooring, main-level master BR w/Jacuzzi, modern kitchen w/ breakfast room, formal DR. 2-car attached plus a large garage, large view deck. Warm your spirits here. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$315,000
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
Hartwick Neighbors’ Feud Shared With Nation Via ABC’s 20-20 By LIBBY CUDMORE HARTWICK
M
any homeowners have encounters with pesky neighbors, but the feud between Hartwick couple Paul Sohacki and Katherine Gannon and their neighbor, Gene Ellis, went all the way to prime-time. On Friday, Jan. 2, the couple, as well as Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl, were interviewed by Tom Llamas as part of the “Nasty Neighbors” episode of ABC’s 20/20. “There’s nothing like a good border war to get the blood boiling,” said Bob Borzotta, who runs the website www.neighborsfrom-
20-20 interview Paul Sohacki and Katherine Gannon, and ran a clip of Gene Ellis, far right.
hell.com, where Sohacki and Gannon contributed their story. For eight years, the couple filmed Ellis, who they said had built his driveway 1/8th of an inch onto their property. They put up cameras around their property, wore body cameras at all times, and followed him in their cars to film his every move.
“What was that like, living in a sick reality show?” Llamas asked. “It was like a reality show,” replied Sohacki. But Ellis gave it right back, posting “No Trespassing” signs and bulldozing through the creek on their property. “Go get a job instead of recording people,” he said into their cameras. “You are the worst freakin’
neighbors that ever existed!” He declined to be interviewed for the show. Muehl called the whole thing “ridiculous” and told the network, “They’re all acting like 10 year olds.” Though the property dispute was settled, the cameras kept rolling and the calls kept coming into the DA’s office. “He’s 3 feet onto our land and he is not allowed to
2014 Very Cold At Outset, Warmer Temps Later In Year Foiled Record COLD/From A1 year saw temperatures above average, (May, October and December). We received 44.89 inches of liquid precipitation, normal is 39.36 inches, so we had 5.53 inches surplus for the year…and that’s wet! The area recorded 75.6 inches of snow, normal is 78.0 inches so we were just 2.4 inches short of the mark. Just a neat factoid, in 2013 we had 75.8 inches of snow. Brutal and unbearable are the words that best describe the January-April period. January was 5.2 degrees below normal, February was 4.3 degrees below average, March was 7.9 degrees below normal and April was 1.6 degrees below average. We recorded 19.5 inches of snow in January, 27.0 inches in February, only 1.5 inches of snow in March, and 2.9 inches in April. May was the first month
EYE ON THE WEATHER Editor’s Note: David Mattice, National Weather Service observer in the Oneonta area for the past 30 years, is providing monthly and annual summaries of local weather as a public service.
SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS FOR 2014 Highest Temperature.....................................................87°F (July 2) Lowest Temperature..................................................-17°F (Jan. 22) Average Maximum Temperature............................................53.6°F Average Minimum Temperature.............................................33.3°F Monthly Mean Temperature...................................................43.5°F Precipitation Total....................................................................44.89″ Most Precipitation in One Day...................................2.38” (May 17) Thunderstorms................................................................................18 Snow...........................................................................................75.6” Most Snow in One Day...................................................9.1” (Feb. 5) YTD Precipitation.....................................................................30.71” Number of Days at or below 0°F...................................................20 Number of Days at or below 32°F...............................................170
the area saw above normal temperatures, and it was to be the last until October. Things went downhill in a hurry after May. We experienced a much cooler and, for the most part, a very wet summer. June gave us
temperatures of 1.6 degrees below normal but we had 2.56 inches more rain than normal. July was 3.5 degrees below the average and we received 2.72 inches more rain than average and August was 2.7 degrees
do that!” said Gannon, in a call played over surveillance footage of Ellis. But when they brought the evidence to Muehl, they were surprised to find themselves in cuffs. “It showed them committing the crimes against him,” said Muehl. “We had independent evidence corroborating that they were following Gene and taking pictures of him. They were obsessed with him.” The couple was charged with stalking, but the charges were eventually dropped, a move Sohacki said was proof that the DA trumped up charges. “The DA and the police are out to get me,” he said. Ellis eventually moved, and the couple is planning to do the same. “When you look back on this behavior,
T
o view ABC’s 2020 episode on the Hartwick neighors’ feud, follow the link from
AllOTSEGO.com
do you believe it was obsessive?” asked Llamas. “It was the logical, smart thing to do,” said Gannon. “But after eight years, was it worth it for 10 feet?” Llamas asked. “Without a doubt,” said Sohacki. “This was a fight about justice. When it comes to neighbors from hell, we won the lottery.” But Borzotta wasn’t convinced. “This couple reached out to me, but they’re neighbors from hell themselves,” he said.
Guided By S-W-O-T, Council Looks Ahead
STRATEGY/From A1 These were some of the below what it should have results of Common Counbeen with 1.4 inches below cil’s first SWOT analysis, normal precipitation. taken as part of the first If we combine September post-Miller Strategic Planand October, both in terms ning Summit on Monday, of temperature and precipiJan. 5. tation, it was a pretty normal City Manager Martin fall season. Murphy and Finance DirecNovember was drastically tor Meg Hungerford “were colder, 4.0 degrees, with familiar with SWOT, so 15.1 inches of snow. And we sent it out to the Comfinally, December gave us mon Council members as temperatures that averaged homework,” said Mayor 4.6 degrees above normal Russ Southard. “We told with above normal precipita- them not to hold back, and tion, but just 9.6 inches of everyone had their own snow. thoughts.” So my friends, that’s the SWOT analysis, as the way it was for 2014. Hope- brainstorming exercise is fully, I can report a milder called, requires participants winter, a warmer summer, to name their concerns, and and lots of sunshine to you the results are then prinext year at this time. But oritized to help with future as you know, I don’t make planning. any promises regarding the “I sit on another board, weather. and we’ve used SWOT Thanks for making 2014 a several times,” said Hungerfun year for me, and remem- ford. “It’s really helpful in ber, Keep Your Eye On The these kind of strategic planWeather! ning sessions.” “Any time we can get
You make your business decisions right here in town — and so do we. And, that kind of hometown pride is what makes our business loans so, well, special. Stop into a branch today. And Bank Happy.
together and talk about our vision, the future and our priorities is a good thing,” said Murphy. “This encourages free-flowing conversation and discussion ideas.” And discussion they had – the meeting went on for over three hours as they discussed the city’s future. “These are things that impact our community,” said Southard. “This kind of discussion gives us areas we can identify to work on and keeps us on task.” “We came with the sheets already filled out, so it was interesting to see where there was overlap,” said Council Member Larry Malone, Second Ward. “But it was difficult sometimes to separate between weaknesses and threats or strengths and opportunities.” And some of the weaknesses are already in the process of becoming strengths. “Lack of housing is listed as a weakness, but we’ve got Housing Visions coming in, we have tax incentives for fixing up properties, we have the Housing Summit” he said. “It’s something we can continually work on.” Council members and city executives also talked at length about the new Community Development director position created in Murphy’s first budget. “This person will be the single point of contact for economic development,” said Southard. “If someone comes in here and wants to start a business, the Community Development director will help them write those grants.” “I think we lost a central point of contact when we lost Mayor Miller, and I think this person could assume a lot of that role,” said Malone. The council also discussed the $4.6 million in grants the city has received in 2013-14 for projects throughout the city, including downtown planning, a study of hotel feasibility and money to begin a reconstruction of Market Street. “We need to make sure we stay on track to get these completed,” he said. And as 2015 begins, Southard and the Common Council are looking towards the next phase of Oneonta. “The question is always ‘How do we grow our city’?” said Southard.
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
AllOTSEGO.homes
OneOnta • 75 Market Street 607-433-1020 COOperStOwn • State Hwy 28 607-547-5933 for complete listings visit us at realtyusa.com
MLS #96682 $289,900 Fly Creek Village Victorian - 3 BR, 2½ bath, home had extensive restoration in 2008 including wiring, plumbing, insulation, Omega cherry cabinetry in the spacious eat-in kitchen w/island, granite, stainless appliances, pantry, 1st flr laundry, ½ bath. Hardwood floors, original chestnut woodwork in DR, LR and den along w/original tin ceilings. Charming front porch and large back deck, expansive fenced yard, w/landscaping, garden. Newer 26’ x 50’ metal pole barn w/2 overhead doors ! Walking distance to store, post office, just a few minute drive to Cooperstown. Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#93225 $86,000 Adam Karns 607-244-9633 (cell)
lis NE ti N W g!
lis NE ti N W g!
MLS 92915 $224,900 Equestrian Farm w/State-of-the-Art Morton Horse Barn – Barn features 8 (12’ x 12’ ) stalls, tack room, grooming stall and bathroom. It is well insulated and heated and can be used as living quarters with a full bath and laundry area. 1990s double-wide serves as living quarters with 3 BRs, 2 baths; new skirting in 2014. Breathtaking views from 25 mostly open acres. Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061 (cell)
MLS 96861 $519,000 Cooperstown Contemporary Bordering Susquehanna River! 4-BR, 5-bath home w/3,900+ sq ft on 6 + acres. Natural light fills this lovely home w/Palladian windows, cathedral and open-beam ceilings, beautiful cherry floors. Spacious eat-in kitchen, granite counters, stainless appliances. Formal DR and LR w/fireplace. First-floor master BR suite w/4 closets, tiled bath, soaking tub and steam shower. Upstairs hardwood floors, 2nd master or guest BR w/private tiled bath and skylights. Accessible from the kitchen is 2-car garage. Screened porch, back deck w/sauna. Home has central air and security system. Open and wooded property w/lovely landscaping. Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#97672 $29,900 Exceptional Value! Highly desirable location! Relish the tranquility of brook and 10 wooded acres just a short drive to the NYS thruway. Priced to sell. Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)
MLS #93358 $85,000 Bring a Reasonable Offer! Has passed FHA financing Spacious 4 BR, 2Wonderful bath houseviews is close to I-88. requirements. with this 4Large BR, 2 bath backyard, workshop/garage, small shed. Make your home. appointment today.Teator Priced@to607-267-2681 go this week! (cell) Text or call Sharon Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598
MLS#88858 $13,900 Priced Below Assessed Value! Level open fields and scenic country views. Start the new year crafting your dream home in rural Otsego County. Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)
MLS#95484 $64,000 Bring Me an Offer! Owner financing possible. Affordable and solid 3 BR home in the Village of Cooperstown Village home.to Seller Morris. This home is priced sell.pays closing costs (up to $3,000 offer). Text or callw/acceptable Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#96795 $184,999 Location and Style! 3 BR, 2 bath Colonial w/fireplace to snuggle by, newly landscaped open yard to play in, covered deck to entertain on and so much more. Close to shopping, schools, hospital and restaurants. Call Donna A. Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)
MLS#95412 $264,999 Secluded and Peaceful! Large and spacious LR w/cathedral ceilings, woodstove, patio doors leading to deck, open kitchen, DR, 3 BRs, could be 5 if upstairs 2 rooms were finished. 20 mostly wooded acres, pond. Call William “Billy” Vagliardo @ 607-287-8568 (cell)
MLS#94772 $79,000 Fabulous and Affordable! Upstate NY cabin, full poured concrete basement, underground electric, well, septic, 10+ acres —a perfect getaway for all seasons. The possibilities are endless. Call Donna Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)
MLS#94139 $119,900 Views! Very well maintained 3-4 BR, 2 bath home in Afton has spacious rooms, 1st floor laundry, 2-car garage, all on ¾ acre. Wood add-on furnace. Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)
MLS#97869 $84,500 More Than $25,000 in Improvements! Darling 2-BR gingerbread cottage is priced below original price. Move-in ready. Seller is licensed realtor. Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)
MLS#97370 $99,500 Got Horses? 2.57 acres, barn, and 2 BR house w/hardwood floors. 2 decks to enjoy the views! Close to Gilbert Lake State Park, Cooperstown or Oneonta! Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)
MLS#97857 $99,000 Value Priced! With $50,000 in updates, it’s a complete remodel of this 3 BR, 1½ bath home with lots of storage space, small storage shed. Call Kjersti VanSlyke Briggs @ 607-624-6570 (cell)
MLS#95856 $164,500 Exceptionally Well Maintained 4 BR, 1½ bath, hardwood floors, expansive kitchen, deck, large yard, 2-car garage w/1 BR apt all on ½ acre in Stamford. Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)
MLS # 96460 $135,000 Lots of New: Heating system, hot water, paint, entrance door, garage door. Everything about this home is awesome! Text or call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#97817 $199,600 Below Full Market Assessment! Over $100k in home renovations on 26+ acres. Farmhouse in a dream setting w/ 3 acres of yard, original wood floors. Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
lis NE tiN W g!
MLS#97599 $139,000 Modernized 3 BR, 2 bath farmhouse on nearly an acre of fenced land w/new roof, floors and paint. Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell) Virtual tour: www.realestateshows.com/745530
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-9, 2015
MLS#97606 $119,000 Quaint 3 BR, 1½ bath home in Oneonta’s east end is minutes from downtown. Fenced yard, spacious deck. Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell) Virtual tour: www.realestateshows.com/745532
360 Degree View! See for miles from this private
mountaintop retreat. This beautiful, well built home sits on 31 acres. Home has 4 BRs, 2 baths, sunroom w/woodstove, indoor BBQ grill in the downstairs kitchen, wine cellar and wood-burning fireplace. Upstairs has an additional kitchen w/loft, bright LR, fireplace, spacious deck off the front w/magnificent views. Property has a ½ acre pond w/open fields and woods. Gazebo, stone patio, 2-story garage or workshop w/office, heat, electric and concrete floor. This home has much to offer. Call today! $375,000 MLS #95288
$295,000 MLS#97951 Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner
Cooperstown Colonial! Spacious home overlooking the Susquehanna River
Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker
Mill Race! This 4-BR, 3-bath home features living room with bay window, formal dining room, modern kitchen, and large family room with fireplace insert and built-in storage/bookcase. Ready for the next owner to make it Home Sweet Home. Nice central location just a short walk to the Clark Sports Complex, Bassett Medical Center and historic downtown Cooperstown, home of baseball.
Peter D. Clark, Consultant
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
ASHLEY
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com
29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-4045 Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
LaVish cOuntry cOLOniaL
cOOperstOwn ViLLage
OtsegO Lake sanctuary
(7895) Appealing 3-BR, 3-bath Otsego Lake-view contemporary home on a full acre. Large LR w/fireplace, formal DR, den, 3-season room, oak flooring, main-level master BR. 2-car garage, large lake-view deck, lake rights. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$374,000
Shannon Stockdale
(7395) Exceptional 5 BR, 3+ bath home on a serene street. Spacious layout w/family room, den, large LR, formal DR w/fireplace, pleasant center entry, oak flooring, ceramic tile baths. Handsome granite countertop, breakfast nook. Large view deck. Wonderful Colonial comfort and style! 4 miles from Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$319,000
Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.
BUSINESS
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820
REALTY
CONNOR
(7836) Welcoming 4-BR, 2-bath home has deck, spacious yard, new hardwood flooring and new carpeting. Newer eat-in kitchen, laundry, spacious LR, formal DR, family room w/woodstove, first-floor master suite. Garage, front porch. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$279,000
Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing!
LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM www.leatherstockingmortgage.com 607-547-5007 (Office) 800-547-7948 (Toll Free)
New Purchases and refinances • Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification • Fast Approvals • Low Rates Registered Mortgage Broker Matt Schuermann NYS Banking Dept. Loans arranged by a 3rd party lender. 31 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown (directly next door to Stagecoach Coffee)
AllOTSEGO.homes
Field Stone House in Cherry Valley, the historic village between Cooperstown and Sharon Springs. This home was built on bedrock w/3’-thick walls, and most of the original architectural detail remains. Originally it was likely a showroom for the Cherry Valley Organ Company which was next door. This artist-owned property offers wood floors, beautiful stone detail, LR, DR w/Rumford fireplace, fully applianced kitchen, and a newer addition of family room/art studio w/full basement. On the main floor, ¾ bath w/an original outside stone wall. Upstairs are 3+ BRs and ¾ bath. Basement has what is likely the original cooking fireplace w/Dutch oven. Property is just under 4 acres bordering 2 streets. Cherry Valley Creek, a designated trout stream, runs through the property and the backyard has been transformed into a meditation pond (spring-fed) w/stone sculptures and stepping stones, flower and vegetable gardens, and trails. offered exclusively by Ashley Connor realty— $274,000 Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com
For Appointment: Patricia Bensen-Ashley, Broker, 607-437-1149 Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 607-547-5304 • Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-547-8288 Christopher Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175
CALL 607-547-6103 TO ADVERTISE IN REGION’S LARGEST REALTY SECTION/MORE ADS, A6