FIND MEDALLION, WIN $500 INSIDE, 2ND COOPERSTOWN WINTER CARNIVAL CLUE/SEE A3
HOMETOWN ONEONTA !
E RE
F Volume 6, No. 19
City of The Hills
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Complimentary
Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, January 31, 2014
Ethan Harris, Oneonta 2011 Idol, Wows J-Lo, Heads To Hollywood By LIBBY CUDMORE
I
n his 2011 Morris Central School yearbook, Ethan Harris quoted Martin Fisher: “Life is the greatest ticket to the greatest show on earth.” Now, he has another great ticket: to the
Ethan Harris wows J-Lo in a screen capture of a video of his Detroit performance Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Hollywood stage where 31 “American Idol” contestants perform. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the former Oneonta Junior Idol took the “American Idol” audition stage in Detroit in front of judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Harris’ own musical idol, country Please See IDOL/A7
RECORD POLAR TALLY! Ian Austin/Hometown Oneonta
Oneonta’s George Siatos of Trout Unlimited shows Brianna Angellotti, Middlefield, how to bob the bait to attract the fishes’ attention at Hartwick Rod & Gun Club Saturday, Jan. 25. But she was after selective catches, claiming, “I am only fishing for boy fish.”
4-3 Vote Backs Focus, $18.5 Million Bidder By RICHARD WHITBY INDEX
T
he sale of Otsego Manor to a private buyer is being predicted by year’s end after a Stuligross county committee appointed to privatize the nursing home voted 4-3 Monday, Jan. 27, to begin contract negotiations with Focus Ventures L.L.C. of Rockland County. “We voted to sell to Focus Ventures because we had determined they would continue the high quality of care expected,” county Rep. Kay Stuligross, DOneonta, who chaired the effort, Please See MANOR, A6
NWS Observer David Mattice Provides Data
B
eginning with this edition, David Mattice, National Weather Service observer for the Oneonta area for the past 30 years, will provide local weather data monthly to this newspaper. His first report appears in this edition/See Page 5 LOTS OF HELP: In all,
571 volunteers “carried puppets, danced or played music” at First Night Oneonta New Year’s Eve, Carol Mandigo, board chair, estimates. FILLING VACANCY: The
Oneonta school board is seeking applicants to replace Grace Larkin, who resigned Jan. 6. To apply, call Eileen Lishansky, district clerk, at 433-8232, ext. 300. UP AND AWAY: The city
Airport Commission, created by Common Council in December, planned to meet for the first time at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in council chambers. IRON CHEF ALERT: The
deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, to compete in Bassett Research Institute’s first Junior Iron Chef competition. Details from Doris, 547-7696.
Manor’s Sale Due This Year
Ian Austin/Hometown Oneonta
With a turnout of over 260 bidders, the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump Chinese Auction, held Sunday, Jan. 29 in the Milford Central School gym, raised a record $7,100 to help seven local children afflicted with debilitating conditions. Above, Matt Epps, Oneonta, places tickets in prize bags from local businesses as his son Kason waits patiently in the stroller. Right, recipient Isabelle “Tinker” Ewing, Oneonta, shares a hug from Goody the Polar Bear with her sister Teresa and her friend Kaitlyn Sobey.
Strip Mall Likely At Neptune Site, Supervisor Says Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Decker’s Dancers To SUNY Oneonta Rescue High School Girls Due To Perform In College Production Of Purcell’s ‘Fairy Queen’ By LIBBY CUDMORE
C
olby Thomas, a SUNY Oneonta voice instructor, asked Donna Decker about historical dances for the Apollo
Music Club’s performance of Henry Purcell’s baroque opera “The Fairy Queen.” Decker had it covered. Over the summer, students in her Donna Decker School of Ballet had studied just those kinds of historic dances.
“I said, ‘We can do that’!” she said. “It was such a coincidence. We had even done ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ last year for our recital. It was déjà vu.” The previous summer, Decker Please See DANCERS, A7
By LIBBY CUDMORE
W
here once the Neptune Diner was, a retail space will soon be. At least that’s the hope of Tasi and Paul Karabinis, the former owners of the diner, which closed its doors on Dec. 29 after 28 years of service. The Karabinises, as NSN & PK Realty Inc., submitted an application and a site plan to the Town of Oneonta for 18,999-square-foot retail space where the vacant Please See NEPTUNE, A6
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
THE RETURN OF TWO FAVORITES! FRIDAY PRIME RIB & FISH FRY
SUNDAY BRUNCH A delicious buffet awaits you with an omelet bar, fresh waffles, bacon, sausage, homemade sticky buns, yogurt and salad bar and much, much more! Full menu also available. 9 am to 2 pm $11.95 adults • $9.95 kids and seniors
Join us for dinner & enjoy a satisfying Prime Rib or our Guinness Beer-Battered Fish Fry! Complete with salad, veggy and potato of your choice. 5 pm to 9 pm
Come for dinner, stay for fun!
Call for reservations 607-433-2250
Holiday Inn Oneonta • 5206 State Hwy 23, Oneonta
DJ Patrick Del Rosario on board! Karaoke starts at 9 pm on Fridays.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
HOMETOWN People SEWARD GIVES ATTA-BOY TO ROBOKRONOS TEAM
David Long,’83, Liberty Mutual Chairman/CEO Will Deliver Hartwick Commencement Address ONEONTA
D
avid H. Long, ’83, the chairman/CEO of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, will deliver the commencement address at Hartwick College’s graduation Saturday, May 24. College President Margaret Long L. Drugovich hailed Long as “an extraordinary individual. His success validates the power of combining a great liberal arts education with the personal qualities of unquestionable integrity, unstinting determination, and unfailing emotional intelligence.”
Liberty Mutual is a Fortune 100 global insurance company with revenues of $36.9 billion in 2012. Based in Boston, it operates in more than 25 countries. Long joined the company in 1985 as a financial analyst after receiving a master’s in finance from Boston College. At Hartwick, he was a John Christopher Hartwick Scholar, the college’s highest academic recognitio, and was an All-American on Hartwick’s Division I Soccer team. A Hartwick trustee in 2002-11, he was inducted into the Hartwick College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2013 he received the Distinguished Alumnus award from the alumni association. His wife is Stephanie Isgur Long ‘84.
Andrew Davis New Chairman Of Delaware National
State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, stopped by the Oneonta Middle School’s tech room the other day to give a pep talk to Otsego 4-H FIRST Robotics Team 4203, “RoboKronos.” The team of 12 boys and four girls is building a robot for the NASA-funded regional competition March 13-15 at RPI. From left are team mentor Charles King, Otsego 4-H Educator Patti Zellmer, Senator Seward, team captain Chase Thomas and lead mentor Paul Agoglia.
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Financing Available
A
ndrew F. Davis III was unanimously elected chairman of the board of the Delaware National Bank of Delhi when the board met Wednesday, Jan. 22. Davis has served as a di-
Filmmakers Plue, Kelly-Bailey Plan To Film ‘Champ-o-sauras’
‘M
ineville” and “Silent But Deadly” filmmakers Joel Plue and Lori Kelly-Bailey will once again be behind the lense of a locally made film, “Champo-sauras.” The film, a mockumentary about debunking the legend of the Lake Champlain monster, will feature plenty of local faces, including Randy Miritello,Tio Schluter and Mallory Hunter. In 2013, Plue produced the film “South of Sanity,” the first non-documentary ever shot on location in Antarctica. Plue and Kelly are still casting for roles in the movie, including a 1920’s
paperboy and a shoe shine boy, with auditions held Sunday, March 2 at the Crystal Palace. But even if you’re not a Plue kid, you can still win a walk-on role at the film’s launch party, 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the B-Side Ballroom. For more information, contact Plue at jplue175@hotmail.com.
rector of the bank since Nov. 12, 1991, and as a director of the company since 1994. Davis replaces Timothy C. Townsend, who retired on Dec. 31 after 40 years of service with the bank, including 25 on the board
and 15 as president. Delhi Bank Corp. is a New York Chartered bank holding company. As of Dec. 31, Delhi Bank Corp. had assets of $272.8 million and stockholders’ equity of $22.4 million.
UNRESERVED VARIETY AUCTION from private sources & local homes Thursday, February 06, 2014 - 4:30 PM Hesse Galleries, 350 Main St., Otego, NY Guns, Paintings, Quilts, Samplers, Portraits, Signs, Numismatics, Clocks, Lighting, 19th Century Furniture & much more. This sale may be viewed at Www.HESSEGALLERIES.com or at AuctionZip.com, auctioneer #2029
Masterjohn To Lead Main Street Oneonta
T
im Masterjohn, proprietor, Red Caboose, was elected president of Main Street Oneonta at MSO’s annual meeting Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the B-Side Ballroom. Vice president is Rachel Jessup, NBT Bank; treasurer, George Wells, Townsquare Media general manager; and secretary, Colleen Brannan, special assistant to SUNY President Nancy Kleniewski.
FRUIT TREE PRUnIng 45 years experience! All Fruit Trees Grapevines Blueberries
607-746-3365 Bob’s Tree Service
AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS Dedicated to both Seller & Buyer
607-988-2523
All Sales Final
10% B P
AttEntion HigH ScHool JuniorS, SEniorSAnd tEAcHErS:
School FundraiSer! $500given to 2 schools!
3rd Annual 2014
Sunday February 9 • Noon to 4 pm
Plan to attend this 3rd annual Prom Expo & Fashion Show-find the perfect outfit and accessories…all in one place! Watch models walk the runway in the latest prom fashions! Fashion shows at 1 and 3 pm
Door Prizes! 2 Grand Prize drawings of $250 each! Bring your Prom-a-Palooza ticket to the registration table to receive an exclusive SWaG BaG! (while supplies last) For more information, please contact Patty Dresser at PDRESSER@shopsouthsidemall.com
Sponsored in part by
HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
5006 State Hwy 23, Oneonta 607-432-5478 • www.shopsouthsidemall.com
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 30-31, 2014
THE FREEMAN”S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
WINTER CARNIVAL 2014 CELEBRATES OLYMPICS
Carnival 2014
Winter OlympiCs
y o j n E e
th ival n r a C r Winte Mohican Flowers 207 Main Street Cooperstown 607.547.8822 800.378.1143
Winter Carnival Coloring Contest! Rules & Regulations 48TH AnnuAl
Church&&Scott Scott Pharmacy Church Pharmacy (607) 547-1228
5396 State Highway 28, Cooperstown www.churchandscott.com
CoopersTown4.w ArnIvAl 1. Contest open to children 12 and under. AllInTer entriesCmust be submitted by noon on Sunday, FebruAry 7,Winners 8, 9 will be announced at the Carnival Feb. 9. 2. Prizes awarded to the top three in each of the folCloser at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Cooperstown Back lowing age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12. Alley Grille. 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. 8, or dropped off at the Carnival Kiosk in Pioneer Park during the Winter Carnival Feb. 7 - 9, or mailed to PO Box 912, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. All entries must be received by Feb. 9.
Medallion Hunt! Win $500!!
Name:
StoP by aND See uS DuriNg the WiNter CarNivaL oN Feb. 8th at 8Pm & eNjoy Some CLaSSiC roCk by FoLDiNg Sky!
49 Pioneer Street • Cooperstown (607) 544-1311
celebrate Winter olympics!
3. One entry allowed per person.
TRY OUR DRUG STORE FIRST
WatCh every NFL game oN our 8 hD tvS 10 beerS oN taP • FuLL bar taiLgate bLooDy maryS voteD beSt WiNgS iN CooPerStoWN
2014 Winter carnival
COLORING CONTEST ENTRY FORM A medallion is hidden somewhere in Cooperstown!!!
Here is tHe second clue!!!
Address:
The Lake is cold, and frozen with ice, But soon the weather will be warm and nice, Boating and fishing will return very fast, A summer location where cars often drive past.
Phone: Age:
The final clue will appear in the Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta on Feb. 7. Get Your Copy on Thursdays • 21 Railroad Ave. Cooperstown. Here Are THe rules
48TH AnnuAl CoopersTown wInTer CArnIvAl FebruAry 7, 8, 9
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.
2014 Winter carnival
celebrate Winter olympics! Medallion Hunt! Win $500!!
A medallion is hidden somewhere in Cooperstown!!!
Here is tHe second clue!!! The Lake is cold, and frozen with ice, But soon the weather will be warm and nice, Boating and fishing will return very fast, A summer location where cars often drive past. The final clue will appear in the Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta on Feb. 7. Get Your Copy on Thursdays • 21 Railroad Ave. Cooperstown. Here Are THe rules
Redline
A capella fun comes to Cooperstown in a whole new light… Winter Carnival Weekend!
February 8 at 7:30 pm
The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown
Thank you to our loyal patrons! Exciting things are planned for our 45th season!
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 607-282-2699 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.
Sponsoring the Winter Carnival SSPCA Dog Show
Spurbeck’S Grocery Since 1941
“We cut the cheese while you wait” Extra Aged NY Cheddar Local Products Over 100 Beer Varieties Groceries SUB SHOP
Best wishes from your friends at
Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc. February 7, 8 and 9
February 8 Noon . Doubleday Parking Lot
www.CoopersTownCArnIvAl CoM
Enjoy the 48th Cooperstown Winter Carnival! Winter OlympiCs
www.CoopersTownCArnIvAl.CoM
Maple Ridge Plaza • 4773 State Hwy 28 • 607-547-5261
9 Railroad Avenue Cooperstown 607-547-8681
Carnival 2014
For More InFo:
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.
For More InFo:
Tickets: Adults $20 Senior Citizens and College Students with ID $15 Students ages 13-18 $8 Students 12 and under free when accompanied by adult. Tickets: 607-547-1812, or at Church & Scott Pharmacy or the Fly Creek General Store. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.
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 607-282-2699 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.
www.dogwildsupply.com Call 607-547-8111
Cooperstown Natural Foods Extensive Grocery Selection Gourmet Specialty Items 61 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown (Just past the high school entrance)
607-547-8613
Hours: Mon - Fri, 10 am to 6 pm Sat 9 am to 2 pm • Closed Sunday
Rudy’s
Liquor Store
Open seven days a week for your shopping convenience We’re happy to be in our 41st year of serving the needs of the community Join us Saturday, February 8 from 1-3 pm for our Annual Winter Wine Tasting 143 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-8297 (over 21 years old please)
Winter Carnival Wine Tasting Sat.Feb Feb 89 Sat. 212- 4- PM 4
Funeral Home
Peter A. Deysenroth
Co-Chairperson 2009 Cooperstown Winter Carnival
82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com
Cooperstown Wine & Spirits 45 Pioneer St. • 547-4048
HOMETOWN Views
A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
EDITORIAL
We Must Be Vigilant, But It’s Time To Let Otsego Manor Go
D
eep and legitimate concerns surrounded the county Health Facilities Corp.’s Monday, Jan. 27, vote to sell Otsego Manor. Medicare.gov, which ranks nursing homes, gave VestraCare’s Binghamton nursing home a threestar ranking. Focus Ventures’ Utica facility got one star. Despite those rankings, the Health Facilities Corp., a “local development corporation” designed to take decisions out of the political process, voted 4-3 to sell Otsego Manor to Focus. The tight vote came after a twohour executive session where issues of quality loomed large in the lively debate, according to members interviewed after the vote. Focus offered $18.5 million for the county home; Vestra, only $16 million. So, on the surface, it might seem the Health Facilities Corp. went with the money over quality. • There are reasons to believe that’s not the case. Foremost, the members – those voting “aye” and “nay” alike – have credibility. While county Rep. Don Lindberg, R-Worcester, has a reputation as a flinty-eye protector of county coffers, his “aye” vote for Focus was only one of four. Former Oneonta mayor Kim Muller and Rick Eastman, principal in Oneonta’s Eastman Construction, have reputations for prudence the commonsense; both also voted “aye.” And the eminent county Rep. Kay Stuligross, D-Oneonta, who has guided the effort with integrity and firmness, broke the tie for Focus. It’s hard to believe all these four
Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
The county Health Facilities Corp. board prepares to go into executive session at Otsego Manor Monday, Jan. 27. When members emerged, they voted 4-3 on a buyer for The Manor. Clockwise from left are attorney Shawn Griffin, Rick Eastman, resident representative Jean Pysnik, Carol Kiehn Kirkey, chair Kay Stuligross, county Board Clerk Carol McGovern, county Rep. Don Lindberg, Bill Dornburgh and Dr. Don Pollock.
would choose dollars over quality. That is not to denigrate the concerns of the three “nays” – Dr. Don Pollock, Cooperstown, the retired physician; Bill Dornburgh, Cooperstown, the retired banker whose wife, Patricia, is a Manor resident, or Carol Kiehn Kirkey, Oneonta, whose husband, Terry, a Manor resident, passed away in February. They clearly care and are concerned that The Manor ends up under quality ownership. But Kirkey put it this way: “I am disappointed. I am not
Bud Fowler In Spotlight Editor’s Note: Cooperstown Village Historian Hugh MacDougall alerted us to this discussion of Bud Fowler in the latest issue of “Baseball: A Journal of the Early Game,” sent out by John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball.
integrated teams over the course of his vagabond career and was often compelled to find other employment when racism intruded upon the field. In crossing a bridge that others had built, Jackie Robinson had, if unknowingly, walked along Fowler Way. In the afterBud Fowler noon before Bud his year has Fowler Day, official marked the centennial of the death Cooperstown historian Hugh of Bud Fowler (1858-1913), MacDougall delivered an portrayed on the front cover, outstanding paper before the Frederick Ivor-Campbell a man whose playing career Conference on 19th century began in the 1870s and extended into the 20th century. baseball, sponsored annually by the Society for American Although not yet honored with a plaque in the Baseball Baseball Research (SABR). Hall of Fame, he is the most This journal provides its first appearance in print. In famous baseball-playing resident of Cooperstown and addition to “Bud Fowler: A Knight of the Diamond, the only one with a village a Knight of the Razor,” street named for him. This MacDougall presents a stunpleasing development took ning discovery: The Retired place on the mayor’s proBlack Planter, a play that claimed Bud Fowler Day, Fowler wrote and copyrightApril 20, 2013. ed in 1912; he died in 1913. Fowler played on many
T
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
distraught. I have every confidence the history of quality care at Otsego Manor will continue.” And then, she shook her finger: “Or else, I will be back.” • On the qualitative side, Lindberg said Focus’ Utica nursing home simply made a better impression than Vestra’s in Binghamton. Many more activities were offered for residents, he said. Whereas the hallways were crowded with wheelchairs at the Vestra facility, there was a sense of
order at the Focus one, he said. Two more selling points. Focus plans to build an assisted-living adjunct – garden apartments where people not yet ready to move into nursing homes can live. And it offers adult daycare, a way to allow people to stay in their homes. Stuligross said she visited both facilities twice. The first to the Vestra one was expected; the second was not, and didn’t meet the standards of the first. The Focus one impressed on both visits. Kim Muller said the star rank-
ings were much discussed, and it was noted that Otsego Manor, beloved as it is, has only a onestar ranking. It was raised to three stars, but another inspection dropped it down to one again. Both Muller and Stuligross said the rankings catch a moment in time. Shortfalls can be met, but it takes 2-3 to recoup from a poor ranking, and another shortfall can drop the ranking again. Alone, both said, the medicare. gov rankings are incomplete. What can we do but trust? (And going forward, verify.) • Nobody wants to sell Otsego Manor. But study, deliberation and public meetings over last winter made it clear that changes in federal reimbursement policies make The Manor obsolete. Our minds had to trump our hearts. The establishment of the local development corporation removed the decision from politics. And hiring of the law firm, Harris Beach, which has particular expertise in this area, ensured the process of finding a buyer would be well handled. Monday’s 4-3 vote authorized Shawn Griffin, Harris Beach’s representative, to negotiate a contract with Focus. A months-long vetting process by the state Department of Health will follow, so this is not a done deal. By the end of the year, however, Otsego Manor’s transition may be complete. No one wanted it to happen, but happen it must. We can draw some reassurance from what’s been a steady process overseen by people of goodwill. And let’s remember Carol Kirkey’s words: If quality falters, we will be back!
LETTERS
Wildcatters, Marginal Frackers Still A Risk To the Editor: Last week’s editorial on the recent panel at Foothills in Oneonta on low gas potential in New York State by Lou Allstadt, Chip Northrup, Jerry Acton and Brian Brock misses the point. You say that they were “completely convincing” that fracking is dead in New York State. But that’s not what they said. They said that the potential is much lower than previously trumpeted by the industry but, precisely for that reason, if fracking is permitted by the state it will invite marginal operators and wildcatters who can do a great deal of damage. We still need a statewide ban,
just as Lou Allstadt proclaimed. We need it for even more important reasons as well, which were also mentioned at the presentation. The most imperative of these is that the methane emissions of natural gas production have been demonstrated to be a horrendous greenhouse gas. The larger point is that we need to get off all fossil fuels if we want to prevent runaway climate change. A ban on fracking in New York State can send a powerful message to this end nationally and globally. This is not the time to “refocus our energies” on something else, as you opine. Too much is at stake to aban-
don the fossil fuel issue, even as other problems also need to be addressed. More than ever we to keep our eye on the ball, to seize an opportunity in New York State to strike a blow for a sustainable future in which our children can survive and prosper. That means a statewide ban on fracking, on fracking wastes, and on further development of natural gas, including more infrastructure, pipelines, etc. We need to transition now to renewables as best we can. ADRIAN KUZMINSKI Fly Creek Moderator Sustainable Otsego
Without A Statewide Ban, Fracking Promises To Haunt County’s Future
Price Chopper, Let Us Give Pots, Pans To Food Pantry
To the Editor, In your editorial of last week, it is not necessarily true that “fracking is dead in Otsego County.” True that, should Cuomo finalize the sGEIS, major energy companies probably would be interested only in drilling close to the border with Pennsylvania. Already Chesapeake and XTO have applied for permits there. However, independents probably would pepper the Southern Tier with wildcat wells. In the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, the closest geology to here is beneath the western counties of McKean and Potter. There, two to three dozen shale wells have been drilled in each county, despite uniformly poor results – at least one well
per town. Independents can afford to gamble against long odds because they often drill with investors’ money. Drilling keeps them in business, and if they don’t hit gas, then only the investors lose. What is more, the trends that we presented in Foothills on the 17th are regional. It is possible that wildcatters would find an exceptionally rich local patch of shale and drill the heck out of it. In a recent study by the state Geological Survey, the organically richest well into the Utica shale (Skranko 1 with 390-foot thickness of shale with TOC>2%) is in Herkimer County, just over the border from Otsego County. The Pullis 1 well in Otsego is only miles from it. When Covalent
drilled, it could have hoped to hit the same rich shale, but found there that the Utica is only half as rich. To produce profitably, the Utica shale is a bit too shallow under Skranko and not rich enough under Pullis. However, the Utica gets exceptionally thick north of Cooperstown due to syn-depositional down faulting. Should wildcatters find the right spot, there could be a lot of fracking in or around Otsego County. Allstadt’s endorsement of a ban was not “incongruous.” If you want to be sure that fracking is not in your future, then you should re-refocus your energies back to a ban. BRIAN BROCK Franklin
To the Editor: As a frequent shopper at the Cooperstown Price Chopper, I have been acquiring points for the current cooking-pan promotion. My husband and I do not need the pans, nor do our children. It has been bothering me that I am amassing points for a promotion for which I cannot take advantage. As a volunteer for the Cooperstown Food Bank, I contacted Audrey Murray to see if the Food Bank could use the pans. She was very enthusiastic about the idea, indicating that the pans would be offered to clients who are in need of them. As a Cooperstown Rotary Club member, I announced this idea at a recent club meeting, as I know there are other club members in the same situation. This idea, however, can go further than just our club. If you are not in need of the pans, please consider using your points to donate the pans to our local food pantry. VICKI GATES Cooperstown
AllOTSEGO.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
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.
YEARLY SUMMARY/2013 Highest Temp..............................................................90° F (7/20) Lowest Temp....................................................-11° F (1/24, 1/25) Average Maximum emp..............................................................54 .7° F Average Min Temp...............................................................34.6° F Mean Temp for 2013..........................44.7° F (0.9 below normal) Precipitation Total..........................................47.85″ (8.49″ above) Most Precipitation in 1 Day.........................................4.09″ (7/23) Thunderstorms..............................................................................19 Snowfall.......................................75.8″ (2.2″ below normal of 78″) Most Snow in 1 Day...................................................10.8″ (12/15) Number of Days at or below 0°F...................................................7 Number of Days at or below 32° F...........................................161
HOMETOWN
Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library
100 Years Ago
John Smith, a D&H trainman, residing at 217 Main Street, this city, had both legs crushed to such an extent that amputation of both will be necessary as the result of an accident occurring in the Schenevus yard last night about 6 o’clock. Smith was the milk messenger on Train 318, the short milk south bound, in charge of Conductor C.G. Perry, and was on the front of a Comments: Had a much warmer than normal January, a near normal February and a much colder than normal March. Snow- car that was making a flying switch fall for January, 8.4″, February, 15.2″, March, 13.0″, November, when the section of the train on which 9.9″ and December, 28.0″. A total of 75.8″ for the year (just 2.2″ he was riding was sideswiped by the below normal). remainder of the train. Smith was A cold April and January-April were all drier than normal. May caught between the two cars, crushing was normal for temp but much wetter than normal. June was both legs. Dr. S.J. White of Schenevus much cooler than normal, but very, very wet. Had a hot July did everything in his power to alleviwith wetter than normal conditions. A very cool and a very wet ate the terrible suffering of the injured August. man and accompanied him to this city Most of the growing season was a real challenge for farmers. where he was brought on passenger September was much cooler and wetter than normal. A record train 208 which was flagged at Schenyear for a lack of tropical storms and hurricanes. A slightly warmer and drier than normal October. A much colder, wetter evus. The ambulance awaited Smith and snowier November than normal. A very snowy December at the station here and he was taken to with big swings in temp. Some very cold, some very warm! Fox Memorial Hospital where he was The year 0.9° F below normal, 8.49″ above normal precipitaoperated on by Dr. Arthur W. Cutler. tion. January 1914 DECEMBER 2013 SUMMARY Highest Temp.............................................................62°F (12/23) Lowest Temp..............................................................-7° F (12/17) Average Max Temp..............................................................34.0° F Average Min Temp...............................................................18.7° F Monthly Mean Temp...........................................................26.4° F Precipitation Total....................................................................4.11″ Most Precipitation in 1 Day.........................0.86″ (12/15, 12/30) Thunderstorms...............................................................................0 Snow.........................................................................................28.0″ Most Snow in 1 Day...................................................10.8″ (12/15) YTD Precipitation....................................................................47.85″ Number of Days at or below 0° F.......................2 (12/17, 12/18) Number of Days at or below 32° F..............................................27
80 Years Ago
The emergency nursery school to be established at the Center Street School will open in about two weeks, Mrs. Ray D. Champlin, director, has announced. This will be operated under the auspices of the Oneonta Board of Education and financed with CWA funds. Sixty children can be accommodated and the ages will range from two to four. Boys and girls from the families on the city’s relief rolls will have first opportunity for enrollment, and Comments: A very snowy month! Slightly warmer, wetter and the rest of the quota will be filled by snowier than normal December. Had a much snowier than children who will most benefit. This normal month. Normal mean is 25.2°F (12/13 we were 26.4° will be determined through the cenF) We were 1.2°F above normal. sus of pre-school children now being Normal precipitation is 3.12” (in 12/13 we had 4.11”) or taken by a group of workers under the 0.99” above normal. Normal snowfall for December is 15.7” (in direction of Miss Helen Putnam. Each 12/13 we had 28.0”) or 12.3” above normal. Lots of swings in temps from cold to warm, but had some real wintry weather. Normal precipitation YTD is 39.36” (in 2013 we had 47.85”) or 8.49” above normal. Normal snowfall for year is 78.0” (in 2013 we had 75.8”) or just 2.2” below normal.
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A proposal calling for the use of Homer Folks hospital as a “regional center to serve human needs,” was made public yesterday by Dr. Indulis Ritenis. Dr. Ritenis is Director of Otsego County’s Community Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services unit located at Fox Hospital. The proposal was issued on the eve of a scheduled public session to discuss the future of the hospital at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Dr. Ritenis said part of Homer Folks should be used as a training facility by several area agencies to provide training for college students in the areas of mental health, mental retardation, alcoholism, and other related medical fields. In addition, he proposes “rehabilitation and job training facilities for the physically and mentally handicapped as well as people with minor legal problems.” January 1974
30 Years Ago
Fox Memorial Hospital’s 1984 profile census shows that through October 1983 there were 33,806 adult medical
surgical days. The medical/surgical occupancy rate averaged 84 percent; maternity occupancy averaged 83 percent. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of births at Fox Hospital in the last several years. In 1979, there were 227 births; in 1982 there were 452. For 1983, through the end of November, 535 babies had been born at Fox, and 580 births were expected by year’s end. In 1983 Fox Hospital employed more than 600 people, making it the second largest employer in Oneonta. January 1984
20 Years Ago
The 1994 Human Services Fair will start today at Oneonta’s Southside Mall. Sponsored by the Otsego Council on Human Services, the fair is designed to help the community understand the range of programs available through the area’s human services agencies and to show people how to begin using these services. The theme of this year’s fair is “Your Health, Your Community, and You.” January 1994
10 Years Ago
Safety rules for operating snow blowers: Do not stick hands into the snow blower chute or near moving parts. Do not disable manufacturer safety mechanisms. Make sure the snow blower has stopped completely before trying to work on it. Although the motor may be stopped, snow puts pressure on jammed blades and blades can move after clogged snow is removed. Use manufacturer supplied objects to unclog the snow blower. Do not put sticks or similar objects into the machine. Never allow children to operate a snow blower. January 2004
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child will receive a thorough physical examination. Each day’s program will start at 8:30 and close at 3:30. Breakfast, dinner and an afternoon lunch will be served. Time will be spent in supervised play, rest and story hours. Mrs. Champlin, who is director of parent education for Oneonta public schools, will be assisted by Benedict DeAngelo, assistant director of the nursery school, who will be in charge of organization, equipment and parent education for foreign-born residents of the city, and by Dr. Ray D. Champlin, district state health officer, as examining physician. January 1934
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A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Way Paved For Otsego Manor Sale By Year’s End Please See MANOR, A7 said in a press release distributed after the vote in the Manor’s auditorium. If all goes well, including state Health Department review and approval, the home could change hands by the end of the year, said Shawn Griffin, attorney for the Otsego County Health Facilities Corp., the formal name for the local development corporation created by the county to facilitate the home’s sale. The split vote came about 4 p.m., after a nearly twohour executive session at which the competing contract bids were debated. “It wasn’t a question of which of the bids was good and which was bad,” Stuligross told about 25 observers in The Manor’s auditorium. During the executive session, “everybody (on the
committee) had an opportunity to express issues,” she said. “We discussed them at length.” Griffin added that the panel reviewed the bids of two finalists – Focus and VestraCare of Johnson City – and that quality-of-care issues formed the bulk of that discussion. The group also considered a new offer from one of the bidders, he said, without naming it or describing it in detail. Several committee members, including Bill Dornburgh of Cooperstown, whose wife resides in The Manor, had expressed skepticism about the quality of care Focus provides at a home in Utica, although the company argues that most of the home’s problems occurred under its former owners. Seated beneath of depic-
tion of “The Last Supper” in The Manor’s small auditorium, Stuligross asked for motions to begin negotiations with Focus. Former Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller promptly offered just such a motion, and the roll call vote among the seven members resulted in the 4-3 approval of Focus. Joining Muller in backing Focus were Stuligross, county Rep. Donald Lindberg, R-Worcester, and Rick Eastman, owner of Eastman Construction, Oneonta. Voting against Focus were Dornburgh, Carol Kiehn Kirkey of Oneonta and Dr. Donald Pollock of Cooperstown. Focus, based in Airmont, Rockland County, bid $18.5 million for the 174-bed nursing home and its 18.5-acre site. The next step will be to conclude a contract, which
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will then be filed with the state Health Department, said Griffin of the Harris Beach law firm. The department will then decide whether to issue of certificate of need, which would allow Focus to operate the home. Current Manor employees will be given a chance to apply for jobs under Focus, and the panel’s press release noted that the company has a reputation for working well with unions. Shannon Cayea, chief operating officer for VestraCare, attended the meeting and criticized the outcome. “It’s pretty sad that the members of the LDC went for the money and not quality and years of experience and exemplary service,” she said. “So I’m disappointed with the LDC.” After the vote, an emotional Cayea pointed out to Stuligross that VestraCare had sent representatives to the meeting, while Focus had not. VestraCare operates homes in Broome County and in Kingston, and both are highly rated by the Health Department. Focus Rehabilitation and Care Center in Utica, on the other hand, was found by state inspectors to have three times more deficiencies than the average New York nursing home from December 2009 to November 2013. It also had a rate of complaints per 100 beds that was four times the state average during the same time span. But the company did not take over that home until November 2011, and a spokesman contended that most of the problems predated its takeover. “I’m disappointed, obviously,” Dornburgh said, although he conceded, “it did not come a surprise.” “I think that Carol, Dr. Pollack and I were on the side of the angels, meaning the employees and the residents here,” he added. “And the angels lost.”
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Fly Creek Colonial — Brand new to the market, this 1,806+/- sq ft home is nestled in the hamlet of Fly Creek. This charming home was built about 1846 and retains much of the original details: plank wainscotted half-walls, pine and hardwood floors, some original doors w/original hardware. Large country kitchen w/plenty of dining space, as well as office nook if desired, plus laundry area and a back door opening to a private deck. DR, large LR, downstairs BR and full bath. Upstairs are 3 more BRs, full bath and walk-in attic space. There is a sweet front porch w/traditional plantings and a side driveway entrance. Newer roof, septic, heating system, mostly replacement windows, new hot water heater. Stainless steel appliances and washer and dryer convey. A detached 1-car garage sits at the rear of the property. This home is in impeccable condition and has been priced to sell. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $249,900
MLS#87799 Cooperstown $379,000 This spacious contemporary saltbox home sits on 23 country acres with outstanding views. 4 BRs, 3+ baths, den/office. Enjoy entertaining in the large sunny kitchen with island, abundant work space and plenty of cabinets. Dining room has space for a large dining table. Comfortable living room features vaulted ceiling, custom-built fireplace. This unique home features 2 staircases leading to separate BR wings for privacy. Work out in the 18’ x 32’ exercise room, or make it the kids hangout room. Great home for extended family, bring the grandparents! Enjoy the good life in this well maintained home!
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2 Hearings Scheduled On Neptune Diner Site NEPTUNE/From A1 diner stands. The area is zoned for uses that would benefit the traveling public,” explained Code Enforcement Officer Paul Neske. “Restaurants, shopping and retail centers, a mall – all of those are permitted uses.” Although there has been no request for demolition, Neske said the application does call for “the removal of the existing structure and construction of a retail space.” The Karabinis’ also own the strip mall west of the diner that houses Metro Mattress, Community Bank and Country Junction. Town of Oneonta Supervisor Bob Wood says he understands the new building will extend the strip mall. However, Neske said it’s too early to know. “There are no tenants yet,” he said.
“There isn’t even an interior plan at this point.” The Code Enforcement office initially denied the Karabinises a building permit at the meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, citing failure of the proposal to comply with current zoning regulations. “They’re asking for front yard parking that isn’t allowed in that district” said Wood. “The structure is supposed to be 20’ in the rear yard setback, but it’s only 16’.” The Karabinises will take their application before the zoning board on Monday. Feb. 24 to ask for a variance on the property in hopes of adding an additional 13 parking spaces to the 106 already on the lot. They will also take their site plan before the planning board on Monday, Feb. 3 to discuss their initial review.
Cooperstown Mayor Katz Nominated For 2nd Term COOPERSTOWN
D
espite Republican predictions that they would field a candidate against Mayor Jeff Katz, none had surfaced as the Democratic incumbent was nominated for a second term Tuesday, Jan. 28, in an upbeat caucus at the firehouse. Even the standard-bearer was mystified. “All I’ve heard is rumors,” said Katz. “I’m certainly not on the inside there.”
At the GOP caucus in Village Hall the Thursday before, Republican county Chair Vince Casale had been selected as a “placeholder” in the mayoral slot. He said he had one or two possible mayoral candidates, but they were out of town. By the deadline for this edition Tuesday evening, however, Casale and Village Republican Chair Mike Trossett hadn’t returned calls inquiring about the status of their ticket.
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HOMETOWN ONEONTA 7A
FRIDAY, JAN. 31, 2014
Donna Decker’s Dancers To Help Out In SUNY Oneonta’s ‘Fairy Queen’ DANCERS/From A1 had invited her childhood friend and fellow dancer, Andrew Wentick, to teach 18th and 19th century dance to her students. “I’ve known him since I was 10,” she
By coincidence, Donna Decker’s dancers were primed to perform a Baroque ballet.
said. “He’s played Mother Ginger several times in ‘The Nutcracker’.” The Apollo’s performance of “The Fairy Queen” Friday, Jan. 31, will combine the dance
with staged scenes of the lovers from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by student Chris Mackin. “It’s very different,” said Decker. “It combines opera, dance and theater.” It’s a modern production, with the dancers in pink and brown tee-shirts decorated with glittery rhinestone wings. “We want to modernize the opera as a way of reaching out to the community,” said Thomas. “Baroque music seems so inaccessible, but it’s really about love and romance – by making it more informal, people will see that it’s very accessible.” The singers and actors are all SUNY students, and Colby says that reaching out to Decker’s students was part of the program’s community outreach. Decker’s 12 dancers, performing as the fairies
Donna Decker and Colby Thomas watch as Fiona Maloney, Bethany Washburn, Sabrina Blacklock, Eliza Vaccaro, Siobhan Higgins, Amber Talbot, Aolani McCarthy, Winfield Maben, Catherine Lusins, Rose Wake and Nisha Labroo rehearse their historic dances for the Apollo Music Club’s performance of “The Fairy Queen”
Ian Austin/Hometown Oneonta
will dance seven dances in the performance. “I listen to the music and it tells me what to do,” said Decker. “The first piece we’re dancing, it’s sounded very regal, very courtly, so we do regal, courtly things.” The historical dances
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are between two and three hundred years old and often rely on patterns. “So patterns I made,” said Decker. “Squares, circles. One of the big ones we’re doing is the long dance, two lines, with the monarch at the head.” Another dance, the “Hay-
IF YOU GO: “The Fairy Queen” will be performed 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Goodrich Theatre, SUNY Oneonta. maker,” suggested a rowdier
dance, “like a good party,” said Decker. “We got into it.” And though she had to adapt her dances for the smaller, tiered stage set, she recognizes her dances as an ongoing process. “Nothing is official until it has a coffee stain on it,” she joked.
Oneonta Idol Heading For Hollywood IDOL/From A1 star Keith Urban. “He brought a portrait of Keith Urban that he drew in art class a few years back,” said his English teacher, Julie Waffle. “He gave it to Keith at his audition, and he signed it!” After performing Urban’s hit, “You’ll Think of Me,” accompanying himself on the guitar, Harris got the news he’d been hoping he’d hear. “I dug it,” said Urban. “I so dig you!” added Lopez. Their approval added Harris to the season 13 “American Idol” lineup, where he’ll compete with 30 other contestants for votes from the public and the judges to try for a chance at music superstardom. “It’s very cool, very courageous,” said Amy Heilveil, Oneonta, who tutored him in Gear Up!, a federal program for students who are the first in their families to go to college. “He was gutsy, and he went out to do his thing.” But Harris wasn’t always into music and didn’t participate in chorus as a student. “He was really into art,” said Waffle. “He was artistic in multiple ways,” agreed Heilveil. “When he found something he loved, he worked at it.”
In 2011, he got his first taste of stardom when he competed in and won Oneonta’s Junior Idol competition. “He had a really upbeat stage presence and a bright-sounding voice,” recalled judge Tom Pondolfino. “He’s quite talented.” After his big Oneonta win, Harris moved to Nashville and took up the guitar, putting out his first self-titled album in 2012. But he still came home to perform, including the Otsego County Fair, CANO and the 2013 Holiday Sock Hop at the Oneonta Theatre, where he sang a duet of “You’re the One that I Want” from “Grease.” “He made himself available anytime when the community needed him to entertain and raise some money,” said George Wells, market manager at Townsquare Media. Harris will be joined by 2010 SUNY Oneonta graduate Kari Crimmons on the Hollywood “Idol” stage, and back home, everyone will be rooting for him. “We’re going to run a ‘Vote for Ethan’ campaign at school,” said Waffle. And even non-“Idol” fans will be tuning in. “I don’t watch much TV, but I’ll have to make an exception!” said Pondolfino. “He’s marvelous,” added Heilveil. “I’m so proud of him.”
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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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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)
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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#91066 – Charming farmhouse just 3 miles from Cooperstown w/6+ BRs, 3 full baths, pecan kitchen cabinets, maple floors, butcher-block countertops. Eat-in kitchen, great room w/2 sets of French doors, 1 leading out to a deck. Double-sided fireplace in kitchen/great room, large formal DR. $269,999 Call Donna A. Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)
MLS#92441 – 100’ of Otsego Lake deeded w/this 3 - 4 BR, 2½ bath contemporary home. 2-car attached garage, deck, hot tub, vegetable garden, shed on almost 1 acre. Just 6 miles to Cooperstown. Otsego Electric Co-op w/generator for back-up. Radiant heat, pellet stove and electric heat. Shared lake frontage includes dock w/optional boat slip and swim area. $219,000 Call Katherine L. Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#90624 – Amazing opportunity! Don’t miss your chance to buy now for future investment on this prime location on the busy Southside corridor. This quickly growing area is full of opportunity. $495,000 Call Linda Wheeler @ 607-434-2125 (cell)
MLS#84128 – Well maintained, freshly painted home is walking distance to downtown. 4 BRs, DR, LR, kitchen, 2 full baths, den, sunporch. Laminated wood floors, some carpeting. Once was a 2-family home, it could easily be renovated back. $159,500 Call Linda Wheeler @ 607-434-2125
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#89118 – Year-round Canadarago Lake compound. 300’ shoreline. $229,900 Call George Rodney Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell) MLS#89145 – Historic Italianate limestone mansion features 14’ ceilings, foot-deep moldings and baseboards, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, 9 fireplaces, 7 BRs, formal DR, library, solarium, country kitchen w/butler and storage pantry, 2 parlors. Servants’ workroom wing and staff housing in attic. More acreage available. $875,000 Call Michelle A. Curran @ 518-469-5603 (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#92088 – 4.5 acres for development between Cooperstown and Dreams Park on Route 28. 395’ frontage. $599,000 Call George Rodney Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
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Ready to List? Now Is the Time!
Call Carol A. Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)
Welcome Home in 2014!
OTSEGO. homes CALL 607-547-6103 TO ADVERTISE IN
New on the market! Newer vinyl siding, windows and roof. This cozy home features some hardwood floors and natural woodwork. Basement is partially finished for office space or craft area. Outside features include a large front porch for relaxing on summer days. Mud room or enclosed porch off the back of the house with a 1-car detached garage. Patio with large yard in the back for your family, for your pet, for gardening, or for all of the above. $119,900 MLS#92644
REGION’S LARGEST
Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner
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Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
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Paula George, Licensed Real Estate Agent
ON PAGE A-6
Cooperstown Village Home Exclusively offered at $149,000 This nice house in the village is conveniently located near schools, grocery store, hospital, and gym, plus it's just a 2-minute walk to public transportation. The house offers 2 BRs, 1 bath, LR, large eat-in kitchen, DR, plus a nice wrap-around sitting porch. A perfect starter house, seasonal house or retirement opportunity, priced to sell.
Village Home Exclusively offered at $154,900 Centrally located village home on a large corner lot. LR, DR, large kitchen and family room. 3 BRs and 1½ baths. Nice front porch. House needs some TLC inside and out. Walk to school and the hospital. Owner anxious.
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
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
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.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
Custom-DesigneD sensation
Village Charm in a Duplex
(7765) Perfect for an owner-occupied investment, this 5 BR, 5 bath home in Cooperstown features remodeled kitchens, new hardwood floors, knotty pine built-ins, hand-painted murals. Large sunroom leads to deck surrounded by perennial gardens. All utilities are separate. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$279,000
ChuCk Gould
Cooperstown sanCtuary
(7797) 4 BR, 3 bath home on 3+ acres w/rolling hill vistas! Beamed cathedral ceiling in LR w/fireplace, formal DR, wood-paneled den w/access to deck, guest suite. Master suite w/access to deck and hot tub. Custom kitchen w/island, wide-plank floors, radiant heat, AC. Separate building for studio or office. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$740,000
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.
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Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820
(7696) Endearing 4-BR countryside Colonial on 4.7 acres. Formal DR, den w/fireplace, newer windows, oak flooring. Newer kitchen has Corian countertop, oak cabinets. 2-car garage, covered front porch. Just 2 miles from hospital and sports center! Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$275,000
Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing!
Don Olin
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
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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!
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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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REALTY
Nice 4 BR, 1+ bath home in the East End of Oneonta. First floor features good-sized living and dining rooms, kitchen with pantry and nice 3-season room. Second floor has a very large master bedroom with 2 large closets and private roof deck. Home sits on a deep city lot with an extended garage. Great space for the handyman or mechanic. Great home at a great price! $99,000 MLS#90631