COOPERSTOWN WINTER CARNIVAL HAS OLYMPIC THEME/ 3
HOMETOWN ONEONTA !
E RE
F Volume 6, No. 18
City of The Hills
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
♥Little League
Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, January 24, 2014
Oneontans
Complimentary
Vandalism At Doc Knapp Field Spurs Outpouring Of Support By LIBBY CUDMORE
PARENTS COOPERATE WITH OPD
W
W Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Preston Withington, Oneonta, works at NOT toppling his tower during the opening day at The OWL’s Nest Children Museum Saturday, Jan. 18, in the former Palace Cigar/MORE PHOTOS, A7
Seward In Sync With Governor On Budget Plan ALBANY
O
tsego County’s Republican senator expressed general agreement with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget, unveiled Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the state Capitol. In particular, Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, agreed the surplus should be returned as property-tax relief and business tax cuts, and supported creation of a commission to review how the Common Core curriculum is being implemented. He also shared optimism that the budget will again be delivered on time. DEAN RECRUITED: Susan Turell, SUNY Oneonta’s new dean of the School of Social Science, joins the city Commission on Community Relations & Human Rights when it meets Feb. 4. GIBSON ENDORSED: The Otsego County Republican Committee, meeting Saturday, Jan. 18, in Milford, endorsed Congressman Chris Gibson, R-19, for reelection this fall. YOU CAN APPLY: City Hall reminds seniors they have until March 1 to apply for STAR exemptions on property taxes. For details, call the hotline before the end of January at (518) 4572016.
hen Oneonta Little League President Bill Erario went into Town Square Media for a radiothon at 8 a.m. Monday morning, Jan. 20, he was feeling devastated from the arson and vandalism that had destroyed the third-base dugout and left vulgar graffiti all over the concession stand. But by 10 a.m., Erario couldn’t stop smiling. “In two hours, we raised over $10,077, and more is still coming in,” he said. “The horror of Saturday night has been replaced by joy for all the good the community has done.” At 7:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, City Police Lt.
Cuomo Funds Neahwa Park’s New Entrance
ith cooperation from the parents, the OPD announced Tuesday, Jan. 21, it has identified three suspects under age 16 in the vandalisms. The investigation is ongoing, police said. For continuing updates, check WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Little League President Bill Erario examines a charred softball pulled from the wreckage.
Douglas Brenner got a report of a fire at the Doc Knapp Little League field. By the time police and fire crews arrived, the dugout was completely engulfed. “We believe it was intentional,” he said. “There’s no ignition source, no electricity, Please See SUPPORT, A6
REMEMBERING THE KING
Surprise State Grant First Step In Implementing Master Plan By LIBBY CUDMORE
K
eeping with the ever-improving looks of downtown Oneonta, the James Georgeson Avenue entrance to Neahwa Park is due for its own facelift. “When people come from downtown to a ballgame in Damaschke Field, we want to give them a professional image in a welcoming community,” said City Manager Mike Long. In recent days, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $227,692 for that purpose, part of $67 million distributed statewide for bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use paths. Long, along with Jeff House, Housing Rehabilitation specialist, applied for a grant Please See PARK, A7
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Drummer Sadiq Abdushahid, above, leads the crowd in an African chant at the double-commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela Sunday, Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church. At left, Reginald Brunson delivers King’s “I Have A Dream” speech; in front row are Mayor Miller, Assistant AG Roberto Barbosa. The Oneonta chapter, NAACP, sponsored the event.
Bank Of Cooperstown Plans City Ribbon-Cutting In Mid-July Bank of Cooperstown President Scott White holds up an artist’s rendering of the Oneonta branch, designed to echo the city’s railroad history.
By JIM KEVLIN
T Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
he Bank of Cooperstown closed the deal Monday, Jan. 20, on two lots a that will be home to the 5year-old institution’s first branch. Announcing the news a couple of hours later, Bank President Scott White said work – in the form of asbestos remediation on two buildings that will be razed – had already begun. All approvals – from the state Department of Financial Services and FDIC, as well as zoning and planning
approvals from City Hall (“It was very nice that that went quickly”) – are in hand, he said. In the weeks ahead, 34 and 36 Main street, homes across from River Street that had been broken into apartments and shops, will be demolished. White said he hopes to cut the ribbon on the new building by mid-July. Please See BANK, A6
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014
A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
HOMETOWN People PRIVATIZED TOURISM BOARD HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING
Historic Photos, Tony Mongillo’s Art Highlights Of Joe & Mary Dinner ’14
T
he Greater Oneonta Historical Society is planning an exhibit of photos from D&H families at the third annual Joe and Mary’s Memorial Banquet Saturday, April 5, at the Sixth Ward Athletic Club. The club has asked Tony Mongillo, “The Picasso of Oneonta’s Sixth Ward,� to display some of his railroad-themed artwork. Bruno Scavo, banquet committee chair, emphasized the important link between Joe & Mary’s Restaurant and Sixth Ward life. “If the walls
of this restaurant could talk!� he declared. Other committee members are Tom Speranzi, Jr. and Al Colone. Again, the banquet will feature such Joe & Mary favorites as sliced beef and ham with gravies, and Polish-style “pigs in the blanket.� $30 per person includes dinner, dessert, beer and wine, tax and tip, catered by Jeremy Saunders’ XOF Catering. The 88 tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 3, and will be sold first come, first serve.
COMMENTS ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
The newly privatized Destination Marketing Corp. for Otsego County board met for the first time Friday, Jan. 27, at The Otesaga. Surrounding Otesaga General Manager Jim Miles, who chairs the new entity, are, from left, Executive Director Deb Taylor, Board Member Bob Holt, Best Western; Vice President Bill Michaels, Fly Creek Cider Mill; Secretary Carol Blazina, Foothills Performing Arts Center; Treasurer Ken Meifert, National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Board Member Pat Szarpa, Cooperstown Chamber. Other board members are Barbara Ann Heegan, Otsego Chamber, and Paul Lawrence, Courtyard by Marriott. County Board Chair Kathy Clark, R-Otego, will appoint a final member to represent the county. The board replaces the county Tourism Office.
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Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Steve Kent reads a letter from Oneonta Town Board Member Andrew Stammel, who could not be present, expressing support for the proposed town Comprehensive Master Plan, which went before a public hearing Thursday, Jan. 16. Seated behind him are members of the planning committee, from left, chairman Bob Harlem, Maria McMullen, Carol Blazina, Bob Wood and Virginia Lee.
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HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 23-24, 2014
WINTER CARNIVAL 2014 CELEBRATE WINTER OLYMPICS! Winter Carnival Coloring Contest! Rules & Regulations
1. Contest open to children 12 and under. 2. Prizes awarded to the top three in each of the following age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12.
4. All entries must be submitted by noon on Sunday, Feb. 9. Winners will be announced at the Carnival Closer at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at Cooperstown Back Alley Grille.
3. One entry allowed per person.
You do not need to be present to receive your prize!
Entries can be dropped off or mailed to The Freeman’s Journal Office, 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown, by Feb. 7, or dropped off at the Carnival Kiosk in Pioneer Park during the Winter Carnival Feb. 7 - 10, or mailed to PO Box 912, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. All entries must be received by Feb. 8.
COLORING CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name:
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Amy Marron, Mount Upton, helps her daughter, Mackenzie Marron, 5, add toppings to their frozen yogurt at sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt’s grand opening in Southside Mall.
VIPs, Friends Pack Yogurt Launch Party
Address: Phone: Age:
Carnival 2014
Winter OlympiCs
T
he place was packed. It was Friday, Jan. 17, and sweetFrog Frozen Premium Yogurt had seven “VIPs” with 10 guests each in their new outlet in the parking lot of Southside Mall. As an opening promotion, the Richmond, Va.-based company did a Facebookbased promotion, picking seven local people who had “friended” them there, according to store manager Hannah Bowen. Each of the seven were then invited to bring 10 friends to the opening. Thus the excited crowd, which was also served pizza and entertained by sweetFrog mascots.
4 Oneontans Win Hartwick Honors
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Winter Carnival Wine Tasting
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Sat.Feb Feb 89 Sat. 212- 4- PM 4
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StoP by aND See uS DuriNg the WiNter CarNivaL oN Feb. 8th at 8Pm & eNjoy Some CLaSSiC roCk by FoLDiNg Sky!
Cooperstown Natural Foods Extensive Grocery Selection Gourmet Specialty Items
WatCh every NFL game oN our 8 hD tvS 10 beerS oN taP • FuLL bar taiLgate bLooDy maryS voteD beSt WiNgS iN CooPerStoWN
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Enjoy the 48th Cooperstown Winter Carnival! Best wishes from your friends at
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Celebrate Winter Olympics! Medallion Hunt! WIN $500!!
our Oneonta students were named to the Hartwick College Dean’s List for the Fall 2013 term. • Aaron Griffing, ‘14, son of David and Rebecca Griffing, majoring in biology • Sawyer Macdonald, ‘15, son of Duncan and Laurel Macdonald, majoring in business administration and economics. •Emily Weite, ‘17, daughter of Daniel and Lisa Weite, majoring in music education. • Katherine Seeley, ‘14, majoring in nursing.
A medallion is hidden somewhere in Cooperstown!!!
Here Is tHe fIrst Clue!!!
This year’s theme is The Winter Olympics, So let’s start off with some of the specifics, Only on village property will you find our hidden treasure, The clock is ticking so start searching for good measure. $500 dollars to the person that wins, There’s no need to put on a swimsuit and fins, Our little Gold Medal is waiting to be found, So stay dry, dress warmly and start searching around. The next clue will appear in the Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta on Jan. 31. Get Your Copy on Thursdays • 21 Railroad Ave. Cooperstown. here Are the rules 1. WHERE: Medallion will only be hidden on Village Public Property. a. Medallion will NOT be hidden on private property. b. Medallion will NOT be hidden on Doubleday Field. c. Medallion will NOT be hidden in any construction sites. **No Village property will be dug up or destroyed during the Medallion Hunt.
3. WHEN: Clues about the location will be published by the Freeman’s Journal for three weeks prior to Winter Carnival. a. When the medallion is found, the finder must immediately return it to the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Commitee, by calling 315-272-5023 b. The winner will be 2. WHO: required to execute and Anyone can participate in the Medallion return a CERTIFICATE OF Hunt, EXCEPT: a. Immediate family members of the Winter ELIGIBILITY and GENERAL Carnival Committee are INELIGIBLE to win RELEASE FORM within 14 days of notification. If the Medallion Hunt prize. winner is under the age of b. All constants under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent or guardian to 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her participate in the hunt. c. All contestants agree that the Freeman’s parent or guardian. NonJournal and the Cooperstown Winter Carni- compliance may result in val Committee, their advertisers and agents, disqualification. c. If medallion is not found and the Village of Cooperstown and town by the Carnival Closer of Otsego will have no liability whatsoever, at the end of the Winter and will be held harmless by contestants Carnival, the prize money of any injuries, losses or damages of any will be donated to a local kind resulting in whole, of in part, directly charity (decided by Winter or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation Carnival Committee) in this contests.
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HOMETOWN Views
A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014
EDITORIAL
Allstadt, Northrup Dampen Urgency Of Anti-Fracking...
F
racking is dead in Otsego County. Long live antifracking! That was the mixed message that came out of the debatechanging “Shale Gas Potential in New York: Limited Production Doesn’t Preclude Possible Negative Impacts,” Friday, Jan. 17, at Foothills. The fracking-is-dead part was completely convincing. • Chip Northrup, the Dallas oilman who has a summer place in Cooperstown, contrasted “DEC” with “reality” in his Power Point. The state predicted 42,126 wells and 53,969 jobs; it now looks like fracking could, at best, produce 1,409 wells and 3,100 jobs, mostly just west of Binghamton. “If you use the wrong premise – as DEC did – that’s how you come up with the wrong numbers,” Northrup said. • Brian Brock, Franklin, a geologist, showed how formations underneath Otsego and Delaware counties won’t yield significant natural gas. • Retired engineer Jerry Acton, from Berkshire, Tioga County, showed how extensive data on drilling in Pennsylvania indicates the farther away from the “sweet spot” in Northeast Pennsylvania, the less gas. He further tied it to the depth and width of the Marcel-
A
Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal
Preparing to field questions in Foothills’ main theater after their presentation exploring fracking’s limits in New York State are, from right, Lou Allstadt, Chip Northrup, Jerry Acton and Brian Brock. Emceeing at left is Tony Ingraffea, the Cornell engineering professor who has been arguing that leakage makes methane a worse greenhouse gas than smoke from coal.
lus formation. He then overlay the data on New York State, showing how only that strip along the Pennsylvania border promises
to yield profitable levels of natural gas. • Lou Allstadt, Cooperstown, the retired Mobil executive
president, administered the coup de grace, detailing how every company, from the majors to now-bankrupt Gastem, pulled out
of New York’s Marcellus field generally, and Otsego County in particular. “There isn’t much gas in New York that’s worth chasing,” he said. Just as some of the folks who sat through the 2½-hour presentation must have been feeling relief to be able to close the door on fears of fracking, Allstadt incongruously declared, “We really need a statewide ban.” The crowd broke into applause. Even with fracking limited to Pennsylvania, impacts are still possible here, Allstadt continued. Inhaling dust from sand and silica stockpiles. Fracking “brine” used to control dust on Upstate roads. Disposal wells. Leaking pipes. The Foothills presentation, debuted at Cornell on Oct. 30, will be rolled out again Tuesday, March 4, before the state Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, with the idea of moving a statewide fracking ban forward. If folks have the time and motivation to pursue this, fine. But if there’s no Dodo in New York State, why ban Dodos? If there’s insufficient gas to frack, why ban fracking? (Certainly, regulations should be put in place to protect Upstate from brine and other negative impacts.) Let’s refocus our energies.
...So Let’s Invest ‘No-Fracking Dividend’ In Wider Good
s it happened, two days before, Bruce Seifer, Burlington, Vt.’s longtime economic developer, offered plentiful outlets for anyone with excess energies in a similarly well-attended lecture in venerable Courtroom #1 in the Cooperstown courthouse, “Sustainable Communities: Creating a Durable Local Economy.” Entering Burlington’s City Hall four decades ago when now-U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders was the socialist mayor, Seifer was involved in strategic planning on how to improve the lives of “working people, the elderly and the poor.” Curiously, that resulted in a better city for everyone. Today, Burlington’s median household income, $43,000, is 22 percent
higher than the City of Oneonta’s $36,000. A sustainable city included some regulation: For instance, when multi-unit housing changes hands, new owners have a year to implement energy efficiencies. Seifer said that’s saved city dwellers $20 million over the years. What was interesting, though, is that much of “sustainable” development is very similar to regular development: It’s people coming together to identify and implement good ideas. City Hall had a muscular rotating loan fund. And job training to meet new employers’ needs was embraced. The “Sanderistas” also determined to create a complete community, walkable, with a range of housing, jobs and amenities for
City Market, the largest entity of its kinds in the country. Redeveloping the former railyards on the waterfront – the view across Lake Champlain includes 72 Adirondack peaks – created housing for hundreds. A nearby pot-holed industrial area was redeveloped. Create synergies, and things happen. At the 1997 South End Art Hop, which brings tens of Bruce Seifer tells a nearly thousands to the city, then-Mayor filled Courtroom #1 how BurPeter Clavelle, Sanders’ succeslington, Vt., became “one of sor, ran into Mark Bonfligi; they the most viable cities in the met and hit it off, and City Hall U.S.” helped Bonfligi develop Dealer. all incomes. When the downtown com, which does websites for auto supermarket moved away, City dealers nationally, grow to employ Hall commissioned a market surmany hundreds. vey – essential to any undertaking, These ideas and many more are Seifer said – that resulted in a cocontained in Seifer’s new book, op that grew into the full-service
“Sustainable Communities”; order it through The Green Toad. The City of Oneonta is showing some of this same suppleness; only Burlington is decades ahead. • What was impressive is that both these gatherings – in the courthouse on Wednesday and Foothills on Friday – drew more than 150 people on snowy nights to contemplate issues of community betterment. That’s community muscle. People care. It’s great news that fracking can’t happen here. Kudos to Allstadt, Northrup, Acton and Brock. But Burlington can happen here. Let’s cash in the No-Fracking Dividend, and refocus those energies on creating a better local world.
LETTERS
Reasoning Species Must Be Able To Do Better To the Editor: Over population is one of the greatest problems humanity will have to face. The scale of justice is just that, “ on scale.” Weights being place on the right are: Life is the greatest gift from our father and mother who art on earth. All that we are is from their gift. To ensure that life procreates the sexual drive instilled in our DNA is powerful. Humans are not alone. All species
have been given the need to procreate. We must learn from other species in order to know our place. Weights being placed on the left are: When any species over procreates there is an eventual backlash. This backlash comes in many forms, the most resounding is food supply. The next backlash is living space. Another is the destruction of the environ-
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Jim Kevlin
Editor & Publisher
Tara Barnwell
Advertising Director
M.J. Kevlin
Business Manager
Thom Rhodes • Susan Straub Area Advertising Consultants Libby Cudmore • Richard Whitby Reporters Kathleen Peters • Dan Knickerbocker Graphics
Ian Austin Photographer 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
ment. When exceeding the limits of sustainability, the quality of life erodes. Example are everywhere: Over grazing producing deserts. Over fishing destroying fishing stocks. Over harvesting resulting in the destruction of our rain forests. One country that has taken unprecedented action is China. I applaud their purpose, perhaps not so much their method. The U.S. Congress has responded with unkind statements. I will be clear as can possible be stated, “If you are standing on lands your ancestors stole from other peoples because there was an overpopulating of your ancestral homeland, what right do you have to tell China what to do?” To rely on war and disease to curb overpopulation is totally unacceptable for a reasoning species. We must take responsible, knowledgeable, and assertive action to maintain a state of prolonged sustainability. GERRY WELCH Cooperstown
ALAN CHARTOCK CAPITOL CONNECTION
Why Can’t Governor Play Nice? ALBANY
I
am thinking of trying to FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s thirdgrade report card to see if his teacher wrote, “Andrew needs to learn how to play well with others.” Don’t get me wrong. If Cuomo the Younger wants you to like him, you will. In the occasional conversations Why isn’t Andrew getting along with Eric, I’ve had with him, that has Tom or Shelly? been the case. Why, then, rate State Comptroller Tom does he seem to be having DiNapoli don’t get along. so much trouble getting I often say that Freud along with the other conwas right – our character is stitutional officers in New set permanently very early York? in life. If Andrew Cuomo It seems unlikely that they didn’t want to share his would pick fights with him – they know better than that. toys with others when he was a kid, it is likely that in Rather, it would appear the adulthood he might not play strong-willed Cuomo is the one picking the fights. If you nicely with the speaker, the comptroller and the attorney listen to the scuttlebutt, he general. and Speaker Shelly Silver Take the case of Attorney don’t get along, he and the General Eric Schneiderman. excellent Attorney General Eric Schneiderman don’t get The Albany insiders seem to believe that the two guys along and he and the firstdon’t get along. We don’t
know what that’s all about. Maybe Andrew is looking over his shoulder at the AG who has the very job that he once had. With some regularity, the attorney general eventually gets to be governor, as in the case of both Eliot Spitzer and Cuomo. Schneiderman recently scored a very impressive victory against JPMorgan Chase and got them to pony up $613 million to settle the litigation. We are told that in the agreement, Schneiderman would get to decide where the money was to be spent. Cuomo didn’t like that, of course, and said that the money should go to the state’s general fund. The New York Times quoted a Schneiderman flack as saying, “We’ll stack Attorney General Schneiderman’s track record against any of his predecessors’ any day.” Cuomo has suggested that Schneiderman wears eyeliner. Talk about the playPlease See VIEWS, A6
AllOTSEGO.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014
History
HOMETOWN
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library
125 Years Ago
10 Years Ago
The Huntington Estate has been divided into 13 building lots. Fronting on Chestnut Street are 5 lots. No. 1 is 150 x 45 feet. Numbers 2, 3 and 4 are 115 x 33 feet, and number 5, corner of Chestnut and Church, is 115 on Church and 45 on Chestnut. Fronting on Church Street are three lots, numbers 6, 7 and 8, 36 x 172 feet. Fronting on High Street are five lots, numbers 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Number 9, corner of Church and High, is 105 feet on Church and 33 feet front on High. The others are 105 x 30 feet. The phosphate factory is accumulating “raw material.” The bodies of several dead horses and other quadrupeds decorate the side hill at the rear of the buildings. “After life’s fitful fever, they will grind well.” The new bridge was thrown open to travel about 4 p.m., Tuesday, the 22nd of January. The foot tracks on each side of the bridge were not completed but it was ready for the accommodation of teams. The bridge, though not a “thing of beauty,” is evidently a solid, substantial structure and will be a powerful auxiliary in drawing our Delaware County friends to visit the coming city. January 1889
100 Years Ago
Raymond Green, a recluse known as “Green the Hermit,” a man about 80 years of age, was found dead in his cabin Wednesday by Clark Green, a nephew who lives upon the farm on the west side of Otego Creek between West Oneonta and Laurens. Mr. Green had fallen upon his stove and burned his face and hands quite badly, but when found he was lying on the floor. Death was found due to heart trouble. About 25 years ago, it then being supposed that he had more money than he has been credited with in recent years, his hut was visited by three masked men one night and an effort was made to obtain some of his money. He insisted that he had no money either in his possession or hidden about the place. The visitors proceeded to bind and gag him and when he persisted in his declaration that he had no money they applied hot irons to his feet and otherwise maltreated him, but to no purpose. They found 11 cents in his pockets which they carried off. No trace of the offenders was ever found. At the time of his death Mr. Green had about $29. January 1914
80 Years Ago
Habitual drunkards were not included in the list of per-
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Miss Frances Byard, will give an exhibition of their dexterity. January 1954
40 Years Ago
The Oneonta School Board last night hired Francis X. Doherty of Troy as the district’s first personnel director. In addition to handling all personnel matters, Dr. Doherty will be the district’s chief negotiator in contract discussions. His hiring eliminates the need for outside negotiators. Last year the school district paid about $10,000 for outside negotiating help. Doherty’s exact salary has yet to be determined but is expected to about $22,000 annually. Dr. Doherty is currently serving as a consultant for the New York State Office of Educational Performance Review Board, frequently referred to as the “education inspector general.” Doherty has an undergraduate degree in finance from Siena College and a doctor of education degree in administration from the University of Florida. January 1974 January 2004 sons who are to be sterilized by edict of the Hitler government in Germany. But, in Stuttgart, where it is said the citizens usually drink light wine and beer, enough individuals have been resorting to stronger liquors that the city authorities have committed seven “habitual drunkards” to “suitable institutions” for indefinite periods and have issued warnings that heavy drinking is bad for “race hygiene and national economy” and must be drastically reduced. The police there are reported as preparing a list of heavy drinkers who are soon to be arrested and confined indefinitely in concentration camps. January 1934
60 Years Ago
Emphasis will be on merriment Saturday night as city organizations and volunteer performers tackle the serious business of fighting infantile paralysis. Group and individual talent will be combined in a variety show slated for 8 p.m. Saturday in the State Teachers College auditorium under the direction of Dale Patton, STC coordinator of field services. Two additional cases of polio were recently reported in Otsego County. John Black, Bugbee School principal will be master of ceremonies. Music will be furnished by the Oneonta High School band directed by Carmen Caizza. The Peter Bennett trio and the Kiwanis Hillbilly Band will also participate. STC students will present an exhibition of modern dancing under the direction of Mrs. Janet Bresee and the Oneonta High School baton twirlers, coached by
30 Years Ago
Janet Occhino can add the January student of the month award to a long list of achievements at Oneonta High School. Last year Janet was picked to represent her junior class at a four-week intensive governmental study seminar at Cazenovia College. The previous summer she was sent by her church on an International Teen Mission to Ireland. There, Miss Occhino spent six weeks near Dublin with a group of students who worked to renovate a church mission headquarters facility. Miss Occhino is a member of the National Honor Society, the Thespians, and the French Club. She earned the respect of the teacher who nominated her for the student of the month award for her “old-fashioned virtues.” January 1984
20 Years Ago
Subduing Mara, an alternative rock band with a strong following among high school and college crowds in its hometown of Oneonta will soon embark on a 34-city concert tour. The band will be in pre-tour mode tonight at the Autumn Café in an all-ages non-alcoholic concert with guest Culta Fatima. Next Thursday, Subduing Mara will go with an 18-and-over show at the Silver Bullet in Oneonta. The shows and the tour coincide with the band’s release of “Din” the band’s album issued on cassette in November and due out today on compact disc. In 1990, Subduing Mara released a tape titled “Well.” January 1994
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A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Bank’s New Oneonta Branch Is A Go BANK/From A1 Oneonta’s Eastman Construction won the contract to erect the new structure, designed by Studio 109 Designs, an affiliate of PW Campbell Engineers of Pittsburgh, which specializes in such projects. “The architectural idea is to pay homage to Oneonta’s railroad history,” said White. The roof overhangs, windows and the clocktower echo depots of yesteryear. The clock will be illuminate “24-7” as a community service, he said. In addition to Eastman, the bank is seeking to use as many Oneonta vendors as possible on the new structure, the bank president said. To start, three new employees are anticipated: a branch manager/new accounts officer, a new
The Bank of Cooperstown is aiming to open its branch at 34-36 Main St. by mid-July.
accounts officer/teller, and a teller. White said he and Vice President Chris Amos will split each day between Cooperstown headquarters and the branch. “It’s a natural expansion for the bank,” said White, who has been the venture’s top executive since the beginning. We have clients there and we wanted to be
able to serve them – and I think there’s an opportunity for us to grow there.” Mike Briggs, president/ CEO of USNY Bank, the local bank’s parent company, said the branch is a “natural extension,” and called it “a testament to the hard work that Scott White and his bank team have done.”
AllOTSEGO.homes John J. Mitchell, Realtor
Residential • Commercial • Land • Farm Over 35 years of local experience!
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Stallions Fundraiser Seeks To Build Upon Community Outpouring SUPPORT/From A1 so someone had to have set the fire.” Further investigation revealed crass graffiti, swastikas and explicit illustrations. Similar scrawls appeared on the Swart-Wilcox House – Oneonta’s oldest surviving building – the Riverside Elementary school playground and a private vehicle parked nearby. “It makes all of us angry,” said Brenner. “It’s just horrible,” said Angela Eardley, owner of the Oneonta Stallions football team, who practice on the Booster Club fields just next door to Doc Knapp. “How dare people damage what we’re trying to build for our community?” Three juveniles were arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 21, utilizing tips from the public and cooperation from the parents. Cold weather prevented the black spray paint from drying completely, so by the time board member Joan Kollgaard arrived at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, city crews had already cleaned it off. “I don’t enjoy cold weather, but this time, I was glad for it,” she said. And with that anger came an outpouring of support. Munson’s Hardware and Home Depot both donated materials to rebuild the dugout and to build a dugout on the minor league fields, a project that had been on Erario’s “to-do” list. In total, over 130 donations came in during the two-hour broadcast, with more still coming in over the station’s website. “Our goal was to make Oneonta Little League stronger than it was,” said George Wells, Townsquare Media’s marketing manager. And although the radiothon was originally planned to be a “donations for dedications” broadcast, the studio was soon flooded with Little League players and
John Mitchell Real Estate
ASHLEY
R E A LT Y
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216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405
29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY
607-547-4045
Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183
Patricia Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
Laura Coleman 607-437-4881
New Year, New Improved Price! Just Reduced — This 4,000+- square foot contemporary home was built in 1987, sits on 16 or so acres with a stream and pond and has glorious views of Fly Creek Valley. The spacious main floor offers an entry way with sweeping staircase, office or guest room, 3/4 bath, large kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area, pantry closet, family room with cherry built-ins and bar, back entry with mudroom, laundry and half-bath off the two-car attached garage. There is a formal dining room, a large living room, master suite which includes a hot tub room with skylights, walk-in closet and soaking tub. Decks, some private, open off the back of the downstairs with nice spots for sunset watching. Upstairs is a large hallway with lots of linen and storage closets, a full bath plus two large bedrooms, one which has an attached playroom. Lots of walk-in attic storage. The fully finished basement has several large rooms for play and exercise, each open to the other as well as a workshop with outside entrance. This very livable home is being sold“as is”at a very acceptable price. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $280,000
Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com For APPoiNtmeNt: Patti Ashley, Broker, 607-437-1149 • Jack Foster, Sales
Agent, 607-547-5304 Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-547-8288 Amy Stack, Sales Agent, 607-435-0125 • Chris Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175
MLS#89813 Middlefield $275,000 Enjoy country living with Outstanding Views in this well maintained raised ranch style home. Plenty of room for the whole Family with 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths,and a Bright Sunny Kitchen with access to large deck, perfect for entertaining. The Dining Area with gleaming hardwood floor has a brick fireplace with wood burning stove for chilly nights. Bright and airy this home rests nicely on 17 acres of park like country side, with perennial gardens and a pond. The Detached newer garage has plenty of room for work shop and storage. Privacy Plus on this quiet country road located minutes from the Village of Cooperstown, and Bassett Hospital.
Chris Vuolo 607-376-1201 Brian Guzy 607-547-7161 Joe Valette 607-437-5745 John LaDuke 607-547-8551 Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Steve Erario holds up a charred base, part of the equipment destroyed in the fire at Doc Knapp Field.
alumni all taking to the air to share their memories of the game. “So many people heard us on their morning drive and stopped in to say what Doc Knapp field meant to them,” said Erario. “That shows how embedded little league is in this community. It shows how much people care.” Eardley and the Stallions will be hosting a Pizza Hut fundraiser 5-8 p.m on Thursday, Feb. 6, to continue to raise money for the repairs. “You can get a great pizza and hang out with the Stallions,” she said. “We might even do door prizes.”
Erario plans to start rebuilding when the weather warms up, and, hopefully, in time for the start of the season on Saturday, April 26. Oneonta High School’s 2012 state champions baseball team, now in college, has pledged to come back and help build, as have the school’s varsity and junior baseball teams. “We have more people than we know what to do with!” he said. “We’ll turn this negative into a positive,” said Eardley. “This is what we do – we rally for our community.”
Can Cuomo Plan With Others? VIEWS/From A4 ground. Let there be no mistake, this is war. The field general appointed by Cuomo is Ben Lawsky, his superintendent of financial services. He seems to be the front man managing Cuomo’s internecine wars with Schneiderman and Comptroller DiNapoli. DiNapoli, the diminutive but excellent state comptroller, is aware that Cuomo has Lawsky looking into how the governor can gain control over the state’s huge pension fund. Cuomo knows that with the power to invest money in certain places comes a lot of clout. To be fair, he says that the way things are now, Comptroller DiNapoli is the single decider but we are told that Cuomo wants to set up a board that, presumably, he would appoint. You’d have to be from Naivesville not to understand that such a board would be listening very carefully to Cuomo. There is a reason why the state comptroller is given
so much power in the State Constitution. That is to ensure a system of checks and balances among the statewide elected officers. From what I can see, DiNapoli is getting a lot of input from the professionals he employs to do just that. Finally, there is Shelly Silver, perhaps the canniest politician in New York State. He’s playing it cool and being very positive about Cuomo although we all know that there are deep divisions between the two men, like in the area of financing education. The arrest of Silver’s friend William Rapfogel, who is married to Shelly’s chief of staff, has presented some political problems for the Speaker. A lot of people are waiting to see developments in that case. My bet is that Shelly goes untouched but I sure wouldn’t want to be fighting with Andrew Cuomo. Alan Chartock is president of Northeast Public Radio, which broadcast in the Oneonta area at 99.3 FM.
Home Of The Week Lovely family home in park like setting; woods stream, and pond great for outdoor activity. Newly constructed two car garage ideal for a shop or to park your extra toys. Just minutes from Cooperstown. 4 BR, 3 Bath, and 12.7 acres. MLS #92120 Offered at $175,000
John J. Mitchell, Realtor Cooperstown Realty 265 County Highway 59 Cooperstown, NY 13326 Primary: 843-457-3968 Secondary: 607-435-4093
HOMETOWN ONEONTA 7A
FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014
Federal Grant Gives City A Start On Master Plan For Neahwa Park
OWL’S CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TAKES FLIGHT
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Mira Miller-O’Conner, 3, of Cooperstown, crawls through a play tunnel Saturday, Jan. 18, on the opening day of The OWL’s Nest Children’s Museum in Oneonta. The museum and play space will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through the winter. For details, check oneontaworldoflearning.org
PARK/From A1 from the state Department of Transportation to put in sidewalks, bike paths, curbing and signage on the entrance in hopes of attracting more people to the park. “It’s as important an entrance to the park as the River Street side,” said House. “But right now, there’s no pedestrian access, no sidewalk, and it’s a little ugly.” In June 2013, the LA Group in Syracuse was hired to make a master plan for Neahwa and Catella parks that included a dog park, a gazebo, a splash park and new trees. “The Neahwa and Catella entrance was floated as a high priority,” said Long. “Pedestrians are walking in the street,” said House. “We want to make sidewalks that can double as bike
paths, that are wide enough for wheelchairs and families with strollers.” Additionally, the lack of proper curbing causes problems in the park’s entrance. “Right now, the truck entrance to the fueling station is wide open,” said House. “Trucks go in haphazardly, and when they come out, it brings them right where people are walking.” They applied for the grant in August, and received word Monday, Jan. 20, that they were part of the $67 million dollars of funding statewide. “It’s a good project,” said Long. “I think we kept costs reasonable.” The grant program, aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle access as well as improving public transportation, awarded Oneonta 80 percent of the estimated
$284,615 project total, as part of the ongoing parks master plan. “The city budget, under the capital plan, has set aside the remaining $56,923 needed for the project,” said Long. “The money has already been allocated.” While no date has been set yet for the start of the project, House hopes to begin taking bids by early summer and start the improvements by fall. “It’s about the quality of life,” said Long. “We want this to be a community visitors want to do business in or come live in.”
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AllOTSEGO.
Ellie Mazeres takes a break from the excitement with son Kimbel to relax on pillows in the front window of the museum, the former Palace Cigar store across from City Hall.
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Once bills are sent out, they cannot be changed. “It’s water under the bridge,” said Butler. An indication of trouble to come arrived last September in the state Comptroller’s Office’s periodic audit, which documented how the surplus had been used up. In his official response, Butler wrote the town was “fortunate” that the state Comptroller’s Office stepped in when it did.
E WIL
A
fter four years of dipping into a $1.7 million budget surplus – originally, the equivalent of the annual budget – the Town of Hartwick ran dry. Then came the final surprise, according to Town Supervisor David Butler: The town’s annual $55,000 contribution to the state pension fund was doubled this
year to $110,000. “It just came to a head,” said the second-term supervisor. “We don’t have a surplus to work with.” So when town property owners opened their tax bills in recent days, they found a surprise: a 36 percent tax increase. The news brought two dozen residents to the town board’s monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 13, but there’s nothing that can be done:
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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 23-24, 2014
AllOTSEGO.homes
4914 State Hwy 28, CooperStown 607-547-5933 75 Market Street, oneonta 607-433-1020
MLS#87273 - 3 BR, 3 bath charming Greek Revival is professionally renovated w/modern amenities. 3 acres w/pond. Energy-efficient and luxurious. $325,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603
MLS#91741 - Center hall Colonial w/wide pine, maple and cherry floors. LR w/fireplace, DR w/original cupboards, kitchen w/cherry cabinets. Downstairs – 2 BRs, 2 baths; Upstairs – 4 BRs, 3 baths. Master BR w/dressing room, and private bath. Front and back staircases. Detached 2-car heated garage w/workshop, pond, horse barn w/3 box stalls. Land on both sides of road. Cooperstown School District. $369,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
MLS#87366 - 3 BR, 1 bath 19th-century farmhouse w/some renovations on 8 acres w/trout stream and pond. Large rooms, woodshed, detached garage w/auto-servicing pit, well maintained barn w/large horse enclosure. Cooperstown Schools. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#92460 – This amazing move-in condition Victorian still has its original feel and beauty. French doors, fireplace, and beautiful staircase. $119,000 Call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#92185 - 3 BR, 1 bath home in Burlington Flats. Renovated home offers radiant floor heat, updated kitchen, new sheet rock, vinyl siding and windows. Wood floors, 1st floor BR, 2 upstairs BRs, and hall area for office. Large double lot w/invisible fence. $95,000 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#90345 - Great location close to I-88. Turn-ofthe-century classic farmette offers hardwood floors, woodstove, and the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Large outbuilding was once a wood-working shop. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#88224 - Wonderful country home w/4 BRs, 2 full baths, newer kitchen, and plenty of room to move around. 1st-floor laundry, walk-out basement, 2-car detached garage w/workshop. $169,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#89409 - Move-in ready village home has 2+ car garage, heated basement, small garage for your workshop. Roof, boiler, and many appliances under 10 years old. New septic and leach field. $119,000 Call the Sluyter Team @ 315-520-6512 (cell) MLS#91269 - Country home has 3 BRs, 2 baths, formal LR and DR on 21 acres. 3-season sunroom overlooking an English water garden, family room, spaciousBRs, private office. Pool, large koi pond, large barn. New bath w/jetted tub, replacement windows and new doors. Newly renovated family room in basement. Convenient to Sharon Springs and Cobleskill. $279,000 Call Michelle A. Curran @ 518-469-5603 (cell)
MLS#91030 - Move-in condition 4 BR, 2 bath home on 7 acres in the hamlet of Fly Creek. Large LR w/wood floors, family room w/pocket doors. Entry w/woodstove leads to DR and kitchen. Spacious master BR w/private entry to balcony. All BRs have nice-sized closets. Perennials, covered porches, fire pit. Additional land w/large barn and creek available. $299,900 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#91135 - Views of Canadarago Lake and 7.9 acres! Interior is totally repainted, all new carpet and floor covering. 2-stall garage, storage building, finished basement w/family room and workshop. $149,900 Call the Sluyter Team @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#89516 - Well maintained home between Oneonta and Cooperstown has 4 BRs and 2 baths including large master suite. Nice LR, kitchen w/center isle, family room w/wood-burning fireplace, D.R. w/sliding doors that open to back deck. Stream, storage building, 1-car detached garage. $159,000 Call Linda B. Wheeler @ 607-434-2125 (cell)
MLS#84923 - Renovated 3BR, 2½ bath farmhouse on 3.2 acres. Country kitchen w/SS appliances, LR and formal DR w/fireplaces, large master suite. Fencing, run-in shed and barn for horses or livestock $250,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603
MLS#85578 – Perfectly situated on over 26 acres this solid contemporary home is within minutes of Cooperstown Village and Otsego Lake. It’s ideal for working, living and playing! Hot tub on the deck. $182,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#86798 - Villa Isidoro Restaurant, Bar and B&B in Richfield Springs. Start your new business today! $575,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell) MLS#92345 - 2 bed, 1½ bath ranch with 2-car garage and basement ready to finish. 5 miles to Delhi. $95,500 Call Frank Woodcock @ 607-435-1389 (cell)
MLS#90828 - Charming home on Irish Hill features 3 BRs, 2 baths, newer appliances, finished room in basement, newer windows, vinyl siding, large deck. New shed, off-street parking, and walking distance to Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools. $209,900 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
for complete listings visit us at realtyusa.com
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MLS#91571 - Priced to sell! Single-wide trailer that is currently rented, and second lot for another trailer. Both lots have septic, water and electric. $35,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
HiStORic OtSEgO cOunty HOMEStEAD
OTSEGO. homes CALL 607-547-6103 PRICED TO SELL...Affordable home close to Valleyview elementary school, playground, parks, hospital and downtown. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bath’s, Hardwood floors in the living room and hardwood in the office area. Hardwood under carpet in dining room with a window seat. There is a full bath on the first floor as well as upstairs. NEW roof and NEWER furnace. Enjoy the privacy of a fenced yard and back deck for entertaining or just relax on a nice summer evening. The fenced back yard has beautiful landscaping with perennial flower gardens. $99,900 MLS#92640
TO ADVERTISE IN REGION’S LARGEST Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner
REALTY SECTION!
Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant Paula George, Licensed Real Estate Agent
MORE LISTINGS ON PAGE A-6
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com
Stone Mill Acres, a 1794 historic post & beam homestead in Fly Creek community, on 9.51 acres of fields and woods. The kitchen has Silestone countertops, chef style gas range with electric convention oven and room for casual dining. Off of the kitchen is a laundry room with ½ bath, plus large shelved pantry. There are 2 large BRs on the 2nd floor w/ floors of wide pine, handsomely refinished. Just across the horseshoe driveway that surrounds the house is a detached 2 car garage w/auto openers. Attached to garage is a spacious, airy room w/ entry from its own front porch; it features an additional bathroom. 3 solar panels are located well away from the main house and have covered 85% of the cost of consumed electricity since installation. There is a small barn with 2nd story, chicken house and charming garden shed. The property is fronted by Oaks Creek and Fly Creek. A rare buy! Exclusively offered by Don Olin Realty at $349, 000 For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, Don Olin Realty at 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Associate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Associate Broker – 547-5557 Don DuBois, Associate Broker – 547-5105 Tim Donahue, Associate Broker – 293-8874 Cathy Raddatz, Sales Associate – 547-8958 Jacqueline Savoie, Sales Associate – 547-4141 Carol Hall, Sales Associate – 544-4144 Michael Welch, Sales Associate – 547-8502
Village Charm in a DuPlex
Don Olin REALTY
Make yourself at home on our website, www.donolinrealty.com, for listings and information on unique and interesting properties.We'll bring you home! 37 Chestnut st., Cooperstown • phone: 607-547-5622 • Fax: 607-547-5653
newer Family home
Cherry Valley Value & PriCe!
(7790) Budget-loving, 3BR/2+BA Victorian Farmhouse built in 2006. Some of the special features are Master BR w/tiled bath and walk-in closet, Kitchen w/tiled floor and granite counter top. Formal DR w/access to large deck, LR w/gas fireplace, Den or Office space. Second floor laundry room. Over-sized garage. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$164,900
Shannon Stockdale
(7765) The perfect home for an owner occupied investment. This 5BR/5BA historic home in the heart of Cooperstown. Inviting features include remodeled kitchens, new hardwood floors, knotty pine built-ins, hand painted murals. Large sunroom which leads to a spacious deck surrounded by perennial gardens. All utilities are separate. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$299,000
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
(7440) Fascinating 3BR/2+BA 2004. Enticing home offering large yard, large view deck, Gracious LR w/ gas fireplace. large family/rec room. master BR w/tiled bath and walk-in closet. Custom kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, DR, easy-care cement board siding, 3-car garage. 3 zone hot water heat. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$289,900
Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing!
PARKING IS NEVER A PROBLEM
Make yourself at Home on our website http://www.donolinrealty.com for listings and information on unique and interesting properties. We'll bring you Home!
One Sweet LOcAtiOn!!
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)
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Sitting right on the edge of Wilber Park with gorgeous views of the creek and mountains. This solid city house is currently set up as 2 family but has been lived in the last few years as 1 family house. 1st floor consists of spacious LR w/hardwood floors, eat in kitchen w/nook overlooking the creek and park, 2 BRs and bath. 1 of the BRs could could easily be used as a DR, den or office. 2nd floor has 2 more BRs, bath, kitchen and LR. Nice porch off 2nd floor kitchen w/views of the park, creek and mountains. Home has 2 driveways and a very large shed at the back of the property. All of this for $129,900 MLS#92613
IN MEMORIAM
FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014
HOMETOWN ONEONTA B-7
James Joseph Sampson, 99; SUNY Professor Excelled On Dance Floor, Golf Course ONEONTA – James Joseph Sampson, 99, a SUNY professor who taught teachers in Indonesia and Brazil, passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, at Fox Hospital. He was born June 19, 1914, in Everett, Mass., the son of the late John F. and Bertha M. (Randall) Sampson. Jim and his wife Nancy met at a dance at Bridgewater State. Part of Jim’s charm was his polish on the dance floor, and he and Nancy danced every other dance together for the rest of the night. On Aug. 13, 1942, Jim and Nancy married in Wollaston, Mass., and danced together through 68 wonderful years of marriage until Nancy’s death on Nov. 14, 2010.
James Sampson
II.
Jim served as a Staff Sergeant in the United State Army Air Corps, where he taught celestial navigation during World War
In 1938, Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree from the State Teachers College at Salem, Mass.. He received his Masters of Education degree from State Teachers College in 1946 and his received his PhD from Teachers College at Columbia University. In 1951, Jim and Nancy moved with their family to Oneonta, where Jim became
a member of the Education Department at SUNY Oneonta, where he helped developed the Catskill Area School Study Council and the Saturday Seminars program. In March 1958, Jim and Nancy took the bold step of moving their family to Indonesia for two years to work for the Ford Foundation and the Indonesian government on improving teacher education. In 1966 another opportunity arose for the family to live in Brazil for 5 1/2 years while Jim took an assignment with the U.S. Agency for International Development. In June 1982, Jim retired from SUNY as Chairman of the Education Department. Following his retirement, he
worked with Nancy in her business, Oneonta Travel Agency. Jim was a member of the Oneonta Country Club for more than 50 years and was named an honorary lifetime member. He played playing in the member-guest tournament for 25 years and continued to golf until the age of 94. Jim is survived by his four children, Susan Livingston of Otego and her husband Royce, also of Otego, Dawn (John) Knutson of Schenectady, Jimmy (James) A. (Madeline) Sampson of Fairmont, WV, and Letty (Ronald) Shaw of Oneonta; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Helen (Adams) Hatch; as well as
several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, James Joseph (JJ) Sampson II, brother Walter Sampson and sister, Frances Sampson Mortimer. A service will be held at
Alice Tobey Morell, 75; Maternity Nurse Delivered Many Oneonta Babies ONEONTA – Alice Tobey Morell, 75, a maternity nurse who helped deliver many children through the 1960s, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at the Fox Nursing Home. She was born August 20, 1938 in Norwich, the daughter of John and Mary Tobey of Afton. Alice married Robert Morell in 1960, and the two had a son, David. She was a graduate of the Hartwick College Nursing Program in 1960, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) license. She taught parent classes for many years, and delivered many children throughout the 1960’s. Alice is survived by her son and his wife, David and Susan Morell, Oneonta; three grandchildren, her
twin sister and husband Irene and Ron Zablocki, Afton; her older sister Ann Tobey of Aurora, two nieces and two great nieces. She was predeceased by
her parents and her husband. A service was held Saturday, Jan. 18 at the First United Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt officiating.
10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Mark Montfort officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bookhout Funeral Home.
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
Burial will be in the spring at the Glenwood Cemetery in Afton. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Proud To be Oneonta’s Only
Family Owned Funeral Home ~ 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta 607-432-1511 ~ www.lhpfuneralhome.com
“Our family is committed to providing you with a personal as well as professional level of service, and still maintain affordability” -John & Kathleen Pietrobono
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