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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Complimentary

Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, February 21, 2014

City of The Hills

RONALD PLANS EXPANDED EATERY

McDonald’s Rises Again

GOIN’ POLAR 19TH PLUNGE RAISES $107,000

Intuit chairman William V. Campbell addresses the Saturday, Feb. 15, dedication of Hartwick College’s new fitness center, named in his honor, via a video from the Silicon Valley/MORE PHOTOS, A4

Fox’s Reaches ‘Gold Standard,’ Raises $1.3M

HALLELUJAH! As this edition went to press, it appeared the six-week deep freeze was at an end, with highs of 33 predicted Wednesday the 19th; 36 Thursday the 20th, and 43 Friday the 21st. 3 SEATS OPEN: The deadline for filing petitions to fill three Oneonta City School Board seats is 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Petitions available at district office, 31 Center St., 8-4, Monday-Friday. The election/budget vote is Tuesday, May 20. A voter registration day is planned noon-6 p.m. May 6 at the district office.

By LIBBY CUDMORE

or Big Mac lovers, it’s going to be a long summer on Southside. McDonald’s has proposed a fullscale renovation to its 30-year-old Southside restaurant to bring it to more current standards. “Typically, they HOMETOWN ONEONTA want all their stores Supervisor to look the same,” Wood reviews said Oneonta Town McDonald’s plan. Supervisor Bob Wood. Among the major changes will be expanding the drive-thru to two lanes, allowing the restaurant to serve more Please See BIG MACS, A7

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

ust a year since announcing its $1.3 million “Gold Standard of Patient Care” fund drive, Fox Hospital has announced it is holding an open house Tuesday, March 11, to celebrate its successful completion. This final phase includes creation of a 14-bed observation unit, the first of its kind in the region, named in honor of NYCM, because of its generous support. The open house is 5-6:30 p.m. Public is welcome. Tours will be available and light refreshments served.

Buffalo Wild Wings Moves Across Street

CONSTITUTION EIS OUT

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

After the icy plunge at the annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump Saturday, Feb. 15, Tony Gardner, Oneonta, shows the pleasure of jumping in the nearby hot tub. Milford’s Steve Bernhardt sprays him with hot water as, from left, Joy Gardner, Oneonta, and Joe and Chloe Koster of Milford soak up the warmth. In inset photo, Oneonta’s Chris Goff braces for the shock to follow. The event raised $107,000/MORE PHOTOS, A3

Carpet, Acoustic Shells Improve Foothills’ Sound

Famous Beekman Boys To Emcee CSO Concert By LIBBY CUDMORE

By JIM KEVLIN

‘C

an you hear me?” the visitor asks in conversational tones, standing in front of Foothills Performing Arts Center’s new acoustical shells on the main stage of the Bettiol Theater. And, sure enough, Foothills President Carol Blazina and Endwell Rug’s Tim Smith, standing at the back of the theater in the doorway to the Artrium, could. After years of considering acoustical treatments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, Please See CARPET, A7

ERC has released the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Constitution Pipeline that finds “impacts” that can be “mitigated.” For full draft EIS, which goes to public hearing Tuesday, April 1, at Foothills in Oneonta, go to: WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Endwell’s Tim Smith and Foothills’ Blazina examine the new carpet.

picture is worth a thousand words – but all Martha Forgiano needed was one: Yes. After Beekman Boys Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Paul Donnelly/HOMETOWN ONEONTA Brent Ridge won CBS’ Josh Kilmer-Purcell, left, “The Amazing Race” in and Brent Ridge to emcee 2012, Forgiano, Catskill cabaret. Symphony Orchestra planned for Saturday, chair, set out to try and March 15. “They can draw get the pair from Sharon quite a crowd,” she said. Springs to emcee CSO’s Please See BEEKMAN, A7 annual cabaret concert,

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A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZES ROBOTICS TEAM

FRIDAY, February 21, 2014

16 City Residents Win SUNY Oneonta Diplomas

ixteen Oneonta residents graduated from SUNY Oneonta at its December recognition ceremony on the 14th: • Aleksandra Cunero, a B.S. in professional accounting • Michelle Dejesus, a B.A. in child and family services • Danielle Delia, a master’s in literacy education • Edward Hernandez, a B.S. in geography • Jodi Kroviak, a B.S. in history • Varya McCaslin-Doyle, a B.A. in art • Caitlin Moreland, a master’s in literacy education

• Daniel Mulligan, a B.S. in computer science • Mark Neander, a B.S. in communications studies • Allison Nichols, a B.A. in psychology • Michalene Rohloff, a master’s in literacy education • Jillian Skidmore, a B.S. in art • Edward Super, a B.S. in adolescence education: mathematics • Michelle Tapia, a B.S. in English • Angelica Wheeler, a B.A. in psychology Also, Sarah Saggese of West Oneonta, a master’s in special education: childhood ed

ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP HONORS BREUNINGERS, FORMANS

Members of Otsego 4-H FIRST Robotics Team 4203, better known as “RoboKronos,” honored the Oneonta Common Council this week with a certificate of appreciation for the city’s support. Oneonta Mayor Richard P. Miller accepted the honor on behalf of City Hall from team leader Chase Thomas, remarking he was “delighted and surprised” by the team’s gesture. Pictured in front, from left, are: Kaden Goodspeed, Chase Thomas, and Mayor Miller. In back row, from left, are: Benji Blacklock, Joshua Grimm, Linda Zheng, Gavin Smith, Meg Naraparaju, David Depauw, Dylan Davidson, and Adam Agoglia. Mary and Dick Breuninger, left, and Ed and Carol Forman are recognized by Oneonta Rotarians Thursday, Feb. 13, on the announcement of a new scholarship for a OHS senior in honor of the two couples’ dedication to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Historically, the local club has hosted four international students annually, and sent four local students overseas, and the Breuningers, since the 1970s, and Ed Forman, since 1987, have been active in its success. The scholarship will be administered through the Dollars for Scholars program.

SUNY Oneonta Pair Among Chancellor’s Top Adjuncts

iting “extraordinary” and “distinguished” performances, SUNY Oneonta faculty members Carol Exley, Education, and Cynthia Kirk, Anthropology, were among 43 Exley recipients of the SUNY system’s inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. “Those honored with our inaugural awards today are truly the best of the best,” said Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in the Feb. 12 announcement. “Adjunct teachers are a key component of the SUNY faculty, providing top-quality instruction and making an important contribution to academic success and degree completion among students.” SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski noted

that 40 of Ms. Exley’s peers wrote unsolicited letters of nomination, identifying her as a mentor who holds high expectations for her students. Of Ms. Klink, Kleniewski acknowledged that Klink her work has appeared in several peerreviewed publications and has presented at over two dozen academic conferences. Klink, an archaeologist, teaches several classes, including Principles are Archeology and Women & Gender in Prehistory The new awards recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level. WPI HONOREE: Samantha Meyerhoff of Oneonta, a senior majoring in civil engineering, is on the Dean’s List at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for the fall semester.

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Delilah Donovan, Portlandville, leans for support against Tony Gardner, Pindars Corners, after her dip. Delilah, who doesn’t know how to swim, jumps annually in memory of her sister.

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal

Mark Zimmerman, left, and Jeremie Hoyt jump with the Royal Chrysler team at the 19th annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump Saturday, Feb. 15. Some 360 jumpers braved 27 degree weather. Fees from jumpers and sponsors are used to benefit ailing children in the Otsego County region.

COLD DIP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Four Oneonta pals, from left, Gabe Long, Alex Scarzafava, Tim Baxter and Eric Scarzafava, pose before taking the plunge.

Victor Lampo, Cooperstown, gives an icy thumbs up.

Caitlin Anders, Cooperstown, who works with her brother at Nicoletta’s, was a walking advertisement as she prepared to take the plunge.

Mary Hubbell, Cooperstown, shivers as Neil Case, a volunteer diver, wraps the safety cord around her waist.

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HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014

EDITORIAL

If You Have All The Votes, Be Careful How You Use Them

wo ongoing situations reflect the current state of politics/governance in the Village of Cooperstown. In effect, a Village Board, going into a third election season with no competition, has concluded – accurately – that it can do pretty much what it wants. Situation One: The Village Board decided to sort out the sometimes muddled ownership of thoroughfares that have evolved in a two-centuries-old-plus community. Fine, but now it has declined to plow or maintain Cooper Lane, HOMETOWN ONEONTA leaving homeowners subject to Cooper Lane is rutted but such elements as were demonunplowed. strated in last week’s 12-inch work on assuming ownership of snowstorm. Cooper Lane, should cut to the (Question: By unilaterally elimchase, accept the street and end the inating a decades-long practice, hazard – and potential liability – at has the Village Board put residents its monthly meeting on the 24th. in legal jeopardy if, say, someone In the second case, it is what has a heart attack and the ambuit is. Trees will grow back. (But lance can’t get to the scene?) don’t you miss the stately oaks, Situation Two: The trustees’ elms and maples of yesteryear?.) Streets & Buildings Committee In each case, however, the Vilhas decided all trees on the north lage Board didn’t feel the necesside of Main Street must go for sity to build a consensus, despite the $2 million redo of downtown the near-record-low turnout in the sidewalks to happen in an opti2012 and 2013 village elections mum way. and, thus, lack of a mandate. And In the first case, the Village the trustees are right: Absent a Board, which is awaiting paperchallenge at the voting booth, and

given one-party dominance, they can do what they wish and are inclined to do so. In part, that explains on-street paid parking, the end of the noontime whistle, the daily construction-related traffic jams into and out of the village last summer, and a new abitrariness in a number of minor issues. (For instance, Mayor Jeff Katz, did Furthur because he wanted to and the trustees were compliant. It was probably a mistake. On the other hand, Katz’s Bud Fowler initiative was brilliant.) • Paradoxically, this is an imperfect aspect of what arguably is the best Village Board in years. To wit: • Creative grantmanship by Trustee Cindy Falk has garnered $2 million to repair of woefully deteriorated downtown sidewalks. The futuristic pro-environment plan also includes new benches and the renovation of the classic streetlights to accommodate energy-efficient LED lighting. Plus, the too-wide pavement at Chestnut and Main will be reconfigured to make upper Main Street more shopper friendly. • Trustee Lou Allstadt’s leader-

ship of the Friends of 22 Main will likely result in an expansion of the library, restructuring of village offices and a reconfiguring of public space for more varied community use. The possible realignment of the library as a school-district facility and the possible merger of the Cooperstown Art Association and Smithy Pioneer Gallery just expand the positive possibilities. • Following state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s data showing Cooperstown’s expenses are way higher than similar Upstate village, Mayor Katz has asked Allstadt, the former Mobil Oil executive vice president, to drill down into why “America’s Most Perfect Village” may be America’s most expensive too. The mayor is also developing into an eloquent spokesman, relating Cooperstown’s story – and its challenges – to a larger audience. His appearance on the podium at the Otsego County Chamber’s State of the State breakfast at Oneonta’s Foothills in January is one example. People want to help Cooperstown and – in such projects at the restoration of Doubleday Field for its 100th anniversary in 2019 – welcome opportunities to do so.

“All we’re trying to do is solve problems,” Katz explained in an interview the night of the Democratic caucus that nominated him for a second term. That’s exactly the right approach. You can see how this way of thinking might lead to such needed reforms as a professional manager, a la Oneonta City Manager Mike Long, to help the village figure out how to flourish in a quickly changing 21st century. • It short, while there are sufficient decisions coming out of Village Hall to cause worry, there are sufficient initiatives to generate positive excitement. Call it hope, if you will. Given its politburo status, however – the village Republican committee has collapsed – the Village Board, mayor and every individual trustee should test every decision against the Golden Rule. If Katz, Falk, Allstadt and the rest actually lived on Cooper Lane, would the dangerous standoff underway there – innocent bystanders put at risk due to decisions made before some of them were even born – have happened? Unlikely. If point of fact, it’s a good test for all of us, whatever our roles.

HARTWICK CELEBRATES $3M ACCOMPLISHMENT Katie O’Brien, Class of 1919, didn’t delay trying out the equipment in the Campbell Fitness Center.

Student Senate President Colin Blydenburgh, Mike Getman from the Dewar Foundation, President Drugovich and Francis Landrey, trustees chair, cut the ribbon.

Students Kalindi Naslund and Keith O’Connor, above, listen to remarks by Francis Landrey, new trustees’ chair. At right, Rick and Michelle Eastman of Eastman Construction, the contractors, accept accolades.

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Hartwick President Margaret Drugovich heralds the completion of the $3.4 million William V. Campbell Fitness Center at a Saturday, Feb. 15, ribbon-cutting, the first on-campus construction since Golisano Hall opened in 2008.

The committee that made it happen consists of, from right, Jim Broschart, VP/institutional advance; Megan Fallon, Susan Salton, Joe Mack, Nancy Golden and Katie Pennings.

ISSUE & DEBATE

Jousting With The President Over Fracking

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

Dear President Obama, you in both ith this letter, I elections, am sending a although full-page ad that much more appeared in the Binghamton reluctantly (NY) Press & Sun-Bulthe second letin on Friday, Aug. 23 time due to – the day of your visit to your energy Binghamton University. I Winchester policy and understand that the same its reliance edition of the same paper on natural gas as a “bridge also featured a full-page ad to the future.” Your consponsored by supporters of tinued support of shale gas shale gas development. development, which is, of It was with great regret course, tantamount to supthat I felt compelled to port of fracking, is in direct participate in the demonconflict with your concerns stration against fracking for global warming/climate that you must have seen as change. Shale gas developyour bus drove through the ment is a bridge BU campus. I voted for Please See LETTER, A6

Dear Teresa: hank you for writing. Every day, I hear from people who are concerned about energy issues – from the price they pay at the pump today to the energy portfolio we build for tomorrow. I am glad you took your time to share your thoughts. One thing almost everyone can agree on is the need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I am proud to say that after years of talk, America is finally making headway. Thanks to public investment and private ingenuity, we generate more renew-

able energy today than ever before. We produce more natural gas than anyone in the world. And for the Obama first time in nearly two decades, we produce more of our own oil here at home than we buy from other countries. These steps are good for our economy and our security. They are also good for families – because producing more American energy Please See REPLY, ,A6

AllOTSEGO.com

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HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

FRIDAY, February 21, 2014

HOMETOWN

History

Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library Fox Hospital in Oneonta and Altheiser is at Bassett Hospital at Cooperstown. In serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Bassett are Robert Moore, 36, Milford and Larry Preston, 23, Milford. Michael Dougherty, 22, Oneonta; Patrick Mastro, 50, Oneonta; Ron Kinch, Schenevus; Timothy Braddock, 24, Oneonta; Ronald Pidgeon, 48, Oneonta; and George Whiteman, Oneonta are in fair condition at Albany Medical Center where they are being treated in a special burn care unit. Released over the weekend from Fox Hospital were Norm Quackenbush, 45, Oneonta; Louis Colone, 37, Oneonta; Tony Leo Grande, 47, Oneonta; and Norman Vass, 26, Oneonta. February 1974

30 Years Ago

The computer is going to summer camp. James LeMonn, a spokesman for the American Camping Association said his organization’s “Parents Guide” for 1984 lists 180 camps with computer instruction programs. The fad started about two years ago, he said. “We view it as a temporary phenomenon,” LeMonn said. He pointed out that camps providing foreign language classes were very popular in the 1950s. When schools started including more complete language programs, the camps faded. He predicts the same thing will happen with computers. LeMonn said there are a handful of camps operated by computer manufacturers where each camper has a terminal and there is intensive instruction. February 1984

100 Years Ago

An earthquake lasting from 15 to 30 seconds and disturbing particularly what are geologically known as Devonian and Silurian sections of the northeast parts of the United States took place shortly after 1:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon being especially severe in the central and northern part of New York State. Almost everyone in the city of Oneonta was sensible in some way or other of the tremors of the earth. This is the first earthquake of any force, old residents say, since 1872. In the City Club rooms a game of pocket billiards was in progress, and the balls rolled around in weird manner on the table when the wave arrived. At the Harmony Club several books were precipitated from a rack to the floor. At the River Street School, the principal thought for a time that the children should be sent out of the building. February 1914

20 Years Ago

Twelve people remain hospitalized – two of them in critical condition – as a result of Tuesday’s D. & H. derailment and explosive propane fire near Emmons. Richard Vanderwerker of Maryland and Roy Altheiser, 25, of Worcester, severely burned and injured in the blasts remain in critical condition in area hospitals. Vanderwerker is at

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40 Years Ago

February 1934

Charles Christman is the new president of the River Street School sixth grade following class organization and election of officers on Wednesday in the grade room. Other officers are: vice-president, Joseph Russo; secretary, Marshalee Kyker; and treasurer, Constance Patrick. Organization was conducted under the supervision of the grade teacher, Mrs. Wesley Many, who said pupils are planning a class newspaper in connection with language work. February 1954

E WIL

60 Years Ago

A 50 by 50 foot square stained glass window installation in the new Temple of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Independence, Missouri is a collaborative work that included Douglas Hallberg of Oneonta and David Wilson of South New Berlin. The piece, designed by Wilson with the aid of a computer, is titled “The Field is White Already to Harvest.” Hallberg, with the help of Walter Riesen, and working under Wilson’s supervision, cut the glass for the window’s individual units, a difficult process aided by use of a water jet glass cutter that generates 55,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. February 1994

Knights of the Road – The resident of a neighboring town noticed, and the family had commented on, the unusual frequency of visits to their home from the Knights of the Road. When looking from the sitting room window one day he observed an able-bodied man hesitatingly swing the gate on its hinges, and after scanning the gate post a moment, with a confident step, boldly walk up to the back door. While he was doing justice to a substantial meal in the kitchen, the owner walked down to the gate and looked the post over. Just below the catch were the letters S.M. The gentleman returned to the house convinced that the marks had something to do with the tramps’ visits. In an interview with his guests he learned that the letters S.M. stood for “square meal;” H. for handful of grub; S. for seat at the table; and G.B. for Grand Bounce. The gentleman has marked his gate post in plain letters G.B. and says that he has not been troubled with tramps since. February 1889

80 Years Ago

125 Years Ago

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

City Police Plan To Buy 14 Tasers, One For Each Officer On Beat By RICHARD WHITBY

ommon Council Tuesday, Feb. 18, approved a new lease for the Oneonta Outlaws baseball team, agreed to buy camera-equipped Taser weapons for the OPD, and discussed the transport of modular units for the Hillside Commons project, among other items. The Outlaws lease on Damaschke Field is for two seasons – 2014 and 2015 – and calls for the team to pay $20,000 per season. It was part of the council’s consent agenda, under which non-controversial initiatives are grouped for a

single vote. The Tasers were a separate item. Chief Dennis Nayor told council he originally wanted stun weapons and stand-alone cameras, but was concerned that Chief Nayor those cameras, which would be worn by officers, would not produce effective images. The Taser-mounted cameras, on the other hand, produce good images of every Taser use, he said, and would help limit legal

action resulting from incidents in which the weapon is used. The drawback is that the Taser cameras only record when the weapon is powered up. Nayor said he would investigate the acquisition of dashboard cameras, possibly for next year’s budget, to improve the department’s video coverage. He said the department would acquire 14 Tasers – costing in the neighborhood of $30,000 – to equip all 14 patrol officers. Hillside Commons is proceeding apace, City Manager Michael Long said, adding that it already is 60 percent rented. A presentation that preceded the council meeting by Jeffrey

Smetana of Newman Development Group, which is building the student-apartment building on Blodgett Drive, was sparsely attended, with neither council members nor members of the public present. Smetana said the first of about 250 modular units being used in the construction would be arriving Monday, Feb. 24, for a test of the planned delivery route. The wide and tall units would exit Interstate 88 at Lettis Highway and line up just south of Main Street. The trucks would then proceed up Maple Street and turn right at either Center, Cedar or Spruce Street – Monday’s test

would help determine which one – and then turn left on East Street, which they would take to Bugbee Road. They would then travel to Blodgett. Delivery of all of the modular units would take six to eight weeks, Smetana and Long said. City officials said they would inform the public about possible street blockages via the Code Red system. The council also voted to hire Anthony DeDominicis as a firefighter at a salary of $33,872.00. After the vote, Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon presented DeDominicis with his new badge to a round of applause from those in attendance.

WINCHESTER: Fracking Is Unsafe; President Should Educate Himself, Then Stop It LETTER/From A4 to nowhere, with the possible exception of climate collapse. Please refer to studies by

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Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183

Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

Laura Coleman 607-437-4881 Chris Vuolo 607-376-1201 Brian Guzy 607-547-7161

New to the Cooperstown Market — Family-friendly village home is being offered for the first time in many years. With 2,275+/- sq ft, this home has a center hall w/very pretty open staircase, front-to-back LR w/atrium door to back deck, formal DR which opens nicely to sunny kitchen w/cherry cabinets, Corian counters, greenhouse window, bay-window dining area and powder room. Natural woodwork, wood floors. Upstairs: 4 BRs and newly done full bath. Full walk-up attic. Staircase goes from LR to basement area w/den or kid’s space, full bath, hallway, storage closets, and utility room which houses services as well as laundry, workshop, storage and outside entrance. Charming front porch, black-topped driveway, 1-car detached garage. This well maintained home is within walking distance of everything and is priced to sell. Appliances all convey. Call today for your private appointment. Offered Exclusively by Ashley Connor Realty $335,000

MLS#90291 East Springfield $299,000 Built about 1750, this large historical house has great character and Otsego Lake views. The home features 3 BRs; 3 baths; large LR, DR and kitchen; pantry; family room and den. In need of some updating and TLC—the right buyer could make this gem shine again. Attached garage, deck, patio. Includes large concrete pool (not used in several years) cabana and changing rooms. Call today to schedule your showing.

John LaDuke 607-547-8551 Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697

study documents that the global warming impact of fracking will be greater (dirtier) than that of mountaintop removal for coal. Finally, please look at a study conducted by Robert Jackson, a biogeochemist at Duke University. He and his colleagues measured the methane concentrations in 60 drinking-water wells in areas of Pennsylvania and New York State near fracking operations. Dissolved methane concentrations in water from the 34 wells located more than 1 kilometre from fracking operations averaged about 1.1 milligrams of dissolved methane per litre. But in water taken from 26 wells within 1 km of one or more fracking operations, methane concentrations averaged 19.2 mg per litre. Isotopic analyses of the carbon in that methane shows that the gas has the same signature as that being recovered from deep underground by fracking operations. We are concerned

about chemical weapons being used in Syria yet we give corporate gas free rein to poison our own people compliments of hydrofracking. I find it more than ironic that those showing support of fracking most likely did NOT vote for you while the throng of us asking you to ban fracking most likely DID vote for you. As someone who got his start in political life through community organizing, I’m sure you can resonate to the frustrations of the “little people” who feel that they are not being heard because their leaders’ ears have been deafened by corporate power. PLEASE, President Obama! Do the right thing. Ban fracking nationwide and initiate a bold and forward-thinking energy policy based exclusively on development of wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal energy. TERESA WINCHESTER Otego

OBAMA: Energy Independence Will Be Boon To Ailing Nation REPLY/From A4 creates more American jobs and lowers energy bills for nearly everybody. Wasting less energy helps us even more. We set new fuel standards for cars and trucks that will double their mileage and give drivers more bang for their buck at the pump. We also launched initiatives to put people to work making our homes, businesses, and factories more energy efficient. That will save businesses money on energy bills that they can use to hire more workers. And because we are using more clean energy and wasting less, our emissions of dangerous carbon pollution are falling while our economy continues to grow. This is the way forward:

good jobs, cheaper and cleaner energy, and a secure future for our kids. To keep making progress, we need to double down on low-carbon energy – from wind and solar to wind and biofuels. We should increase responsible natural gas production that boosts our businesses and keeps costs down for families. And we should keep investing in American technologies that grow our economy while protecting our planet for generations to come. Thank you again for writing. To learn more about my plan to secure America’s energy future, visit www. Whitehouse.gov/Energy. BARACK OBAMA Washington, D.C.

Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com For APPoiNtmeNt: Patricia Bensen-Ashley, Broker, 607-437-1149

Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 607-547-5304 • Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-547-8288 Amy Stack, Sales Agent, 607-435-0125 • Christopher Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175

Home of the Week

Authentic 1850s farmhouse features kitchen w/butcher-block counters, loft overlooking DR, exposed beams, skylights, wood floors, and large deck in the back near the babbling brook. Home was stripped to the beams, rewired, spray-foamed, and renovated in a contemporary Adirondack style. Residency includes access to Springfield boat launch and docks. Springfield — $279,000 — MLS#91862

John Mitchell Real Estate

216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax)

Dave LaDuke, broker 607-435-2405 Laura Coleman 607-437-4881 Mike Winslow, broker 607-435-0183 Mike Swatling 607-547-8551 Brian Guzy 607-547-7161

Joe Valette 607-437-5745 John LaDuke 607-547-8551 Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014 Plans are to maintain the doublemansard roof of the current Southside McDonald’s, but to rebuild the interior and add a second drivethru.

RESERVE

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

New McDonald’s, Wild Wings In Works BIG MACS/From A1 customers with shorter lines. Signage, fixtures and equipment will also be upgraded to current standards. According to Owen Speulstra, an engineer with Bohler Engineering in Albany, the restaurant will maintain the classic red double mansard roof most commonly associated with the brand. “It’s a traditional building,” he said. “But the inside will be more upgraded.” By contrast, the McDonald’s on Chestnut Street has that more modern look, which became popular as the brand moved from being associated with kids and Happy Meals to coffee drinks and healthier options. Some even have fireplaces

and leather seating, mimicking the coffee-house feel. But to do all this, Wood says, the company will completely demolish the existing building. “Hopefully it won’t be for very long,” he said. “I think they can get these built in about three months.” On Monday, Feb. 3, the site plan was put to the planning board, which recommended some changes to the plan, including denying plans to build a right-turnonly lane on an exit across from the Hess station. They are scheduled to appear again before the board with revised plans on Monday, March 3. But it’s going to start getting a little crowded over there: At the same meeting,

Buffalo Wild Wings, based in Minneapolis, is submitting plans for a restaurant behind Wendy’s, across Courtyard Drive from McDonald’s. The Wild Wings building will has space for an auto parts store, but that has not yet been named. The Minnesota-based franchise is known for its variety of chicken wing sauces, as well as stocking plenty of beer and providing big screen TVs at its restaurants. The closest Buffalo Wild Wings is in Ithaca. Wood anticipates Buffalo Wild Wings also presenting their site plans at the next meeting. “They want to break ground this summer,” said Wood. “They want to be open by September.”

YOUR SPACE TODAY IN OTSEGO COUNTY’S ONLY TOURIST BOOK 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

NATIONAL BASEB

ALL HALL OF FAM

GUIDE TO THE GOO

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COOPERSTOWN ONEONTA

Heegan, Laing, Wood Vie For ‘Guest Conductor’

Otsego Chamber President Barbara Ann Heegan, Oneonta Outlaws Owner Gary Laing, center, and Oneonta Town Supervisor Bob Wood will compete for “guest conductor” at the CSO’s March 15

Expect repeat of Ca l Ripk

en Jr. 2007 throng.

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of the audiences. The main challenge is minimizing the obstruction of sound from air vents that stick out from the walls. Acoustics has been a recurring issue since the $8 million performing arts and civic center was completed in 2009, according to Miller, who added the Foothills presidency to his mayoral duties in 2010. The first step forward came in advance of Gordon Lightfoot’s sellout concert in March 2011, according to Blazina, when Five Star Subaru’s Ben Guenther, a patron of local arts, helped buy “legs” – floor-to-ceiling drapes on the sides and back of the main stage. That fall, Miller said,

BLICATION OF

For 206 Years

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HOMETOWN ONEON TA

& The Otsego-Dela ware Dispatch 607-547-6103 • fa x 607-547-6080 • in fo @ al lotsego.com 21 Railroad Avenue , Cooperstown NY 13 326 L

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Next, Blazina is exploring wall hanging that will prevent air vents from bouncing sound.

Tom and Erna Morgan McReynolds, who are credited with the revival of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, paid for an acoustical engineer to study the main theater. The result was a $200,000 plan that included a permanent acoustical shell. In 2012, Miller said, the city obtained a $50,000 state grant through the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council’s CFA program. The idea at the time was to use $50,000-75,000 remaining from the original construction obtained through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. The idea was to raise the difference locally. However, to obtain the DASNY money, Foothills first had to spend it and submit the bills to the state, and bridging that gap shortterm couldn’t be achieved at that point, Miller said, so the CFA grant has never been accessed. With the Scriven grant, obtained last spring specifically for acoustical treatments, the incremental approach was adopted and progress began anew, he said.

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CARPET/From A1 Blazina, who is completing her first year leading the Foothills board – she succeeded Mayor Dick Miller – decided on a step-by-step approach. Funded by a $20,000 grant from the Scriven Foundation, Foothills first acquired eight of the portable acoustical shells to direct sound from the highceilinged main stage into the 650-seat main theater. The shells were in place for the Nov. 17 performance of the Shanghai Ballet, and the reviews were very positive, Blazina said. In the past week, the second step has been underway: The installation of carpet in the main theater’s aisles, a collaboration between Foothills and Endwell Rug. “With concrete,” said Blazina, “the sound bounces right up. The carpet prevents the bounce of sound.” The heavy duty Olefin carpet, a rich brown, is sturdy, too, and easy to clean. “It’s very good for wear and tear,” said Smith. A third do-able step will involve hangings for the bare side walls, Blazina said – again to absorb the sound, to keep it in the main theater for the enjoyment

•F

Cooperstown’s

Foothills Uses Scriven Grant To Upgrade Acoustics

Jim Kevlin for THE GO

A SUMMER 2014 PU 1808 B Y

Competing this year are Barbara Ann Heegan, Otsego County Chamber of Commerce president, Gary Laing, owner of the Oneonta Outlaws and the Shipping Room, and Oneonta Town Supervisor Bob Wood. “They’re all well-known people in the community and they draw a lot of support,” said Forgiano. “And they all said yes immediately!” With great performances and a great group of hosts, the CSO is anticipating another sold-out show. “People look forward to it,” she said. “It’s a great community event.”

BEEKMAN/From A1 “But they’re busy, and it took some doing.” After two years of back-and-forth, Forgiano sent a photo of last IF YOU GO: year’s sold-out perforThe CSO’s mance to the couple. “If Caberet conyou’ve never been, you cert is 7:30 don’t know how big it p.m. Saturis,” she said. “When they day, March saw those pictures, they 15, in SUNY were thrilled, and they Oneonta’s said yes!” Dewar Arena. They’ll be replacing state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, who has emceed for the last six years. “He does a fabulous job, but he deserves a break,” she said. The concert, headlined by klezmer group Big Galut(e), is sponsored by Tom Morgan and Erna Morgan McReynolds in memory of Wendy Brown, Erna’s sister, who died tragically in 2012. Also a crowd-pleaser is the annual “guest conductor” contest, where three community leaders vie for the chance to conduct “Stars and Stripes Forever” at the show’s finale by raising the most money – a dollar a vote at intermission – for the CSO.

This year’s 75th anniversary of the National Baseball Hall of Fame – with the induction of Yankee manager Joe Torre and other giant stars of the National Pastime – is expected to attract 80,000 fans or more, but the sizzle will extend throughout the summer. Don’t be left out of the only locally produced tourist guide aimed at those fans, plus the 500,000 other visitors coming to our baseball camps, NYSHA museums and Glimmerglass Festival. Now in its fourth year, the Guide To The Good Life, in its easy-to-handle pocket-size format, will feature expanded content, including information surrounding the July 25-27 Induction Weekend and the Boston Pops appearance in Cooperstown the following weekend. As always, we offer competitive rates and summer-long distribution – not a single drop – in high-traffic venues across Otsego County. Take advantage of this Summer of Opportunity.

Reserve space by March 15 and receive a 10% discount. As always, professional graphics staff provide complimentary design services to help you maximize the impact of your message.

For details, call Advertising Director Tara Barnwell or Advertising Consultants Thom Rhodes or Susan Straub at 607-547-6103

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEB. 20-21 2014

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.homes

4914 State Hwy 28, CooperStown 607-547-5933 75 Market Street, oneonta 607-433-1020

MLS#86051 – Fantastic opportunity to be the first to live in this custom-built home with 3 BRs. 10 acres w/ panoramic views. More land available. $295,000 Call Michelle A. Curran @ 518-469-5603 (cell)

MLS#92207 – Success and money are awaiting you in this established restaurant. Great possibilities, great condition, busy highway location, fantastic building! $295,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell) MLS#91030 – Move-in condition 4 BR, 2 bath home on 7 acres in Fly Creek. Large LR w/wood floors, family room w/pocket doors. Entry w/woodstove leads to DR and kitchen. Spacious master w/private entry to balcony. All BRs have nice-sized closets. Perennials, covered porches, fire pit, room to roam. Additional land w/large barn and creek available. $299,900 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)

MLS#92754 – Custom-built 2,000+ sq ft home w/panoramic views. Kitchen w/custom cabinets and appliances will make it a pleasure to cook. Large bath w/Jacuzzi. Virtual tour available. $265,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)

MLS#90345 – 3 BR, 2 bath, country house w/farm charm in scenic Otego. Custom hand-tooled kitchen cabinets, woodwork, hardwood floors. Wood-burning fireplace w/insert. Full garage, big yard, outbuilding/ barn formerly woodworking shop. Just off I -88. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)

MLS#87366 – 3 BR, 1 bath 19th-century farmhouse w/some renovations. 18 acres w/meadows, rolling hills, stream, pond. Close to Baseball Hall of Fame, Otsego Lake. Cooperstown Schools. Large rooms, woodshed, detached garage, well maintained barn. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)

MLS#92925 – Gorgeous move-in condition home on 30 + acres of open and wooded land. 3 floors of living, open floorplan, cherry and maple floors, in-ground pool, pool house, barn. Kitchen w/center island opens to family room, LR and back deck, pool. 4 BRs, 2 full baths upstairs, all w/panoramic views. Finished basement, workout room, den. Fireplace in LR, playroom. Barn w/electric, water, concrete floor. $619,000 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)

MLS#89409 – Incredible price! Tens of thousands put into home: new $7,000 septic, boiler and roof under 10 years, and big 2-stall garage. Neat, clean and well built. Very low taxes! Only $119,000! Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell) Virtual tour: www.rodshousetour2.com

MLS#92256 – Renovated 3 BR, 2 bath farmhouse on 26-acre horse farm. 2 barns w/12 stalls, water, electric. Plenty of open land for riding, electric and wooden fenced-in areas for the horses. Located between Cooperstown and Richfield Springs. $295,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell) MLS#92176 – 4 - 5 BR, 2½ bath village home close to Otsego Lake. Spacious eat-in kitchen w/granite counters, island. Wood-burning fireplace, built-in window seats and bookshelves, duo front LRs. Baths on all 3 levels. Front porch, private back deck, patio, walkways, stone walls, 2-car garage. $479,000 Call Katherine L. Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell) MLS#84923 – Opportunity to save on a contractorrenovated 3-BR country home on 3 acres. $250,000 Call Michelle A. Curran @ 518-469-5603 (cell)

MLS#91606 – Circa 1820, this home has 4 - 5 BRs, 3½ baths w/original wainscoting, wide plank floors, chestnut woodwork, stained glass windows, fireplace, 2 parlors, pantry, deck, privacy-fenced backyard, ample parking. 8 miles to Cooperstown on St Hwy 28 between Otsego and Canadarago lakes! $119,900 Katherine L. Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

MLS#88698 – Amazing value for this immaculate 4-BR house with large yard! Updates galore. $103,000 Call Carol A Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)

MLS#91741 – Center-hall Colonial w/wide pine, maple, cherry floors. LR w/fireplace, DR w/French doors to porch, kitchen w/cherry cabinets. Downstairs: 2 BRs, 2 baths. Upstairs: 4 BRs, 3 baths. Master BR w/dressing room, private bath. Front and back staircases. Detached 2-car htd garage w/workshop. Pond, horse barn, land on both sides of road. Cooperstown Schools. $369,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)

MLS#91123 – Village home on over ½-acre fenced lot w/2-car, 2-story carriage barn. 4 - 5 BRs (1 on 1st floor), 2nd floor laundry, walk-up finished 3rd floor, deck, enclosed front porch, high ceilings, original woodwork, spacious kitchen w/SS appliances, gas fireplace in LR, newer windows and roof on house and barn. $159,000 Katherine L. Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

for complete listings visit us at realtyusa.com

MLS#91135 – Normally, money can’t buy at this price… land, privacy, views, quality-built home, 2-stall garage, 24’x24 ‘pole barn, finished basement, fenced yard. $149,900 is a steal! Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-5206512 (cell) Virtual tour: www.rodshousetour3.com

Looking for a Senior Real Estate Specialist? Sharon P. Teator, SFR, SRES Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 607-267-2681 · Office: 607-433-1021, ext 107 Fax: 607-433-9520 · Email: STeator@realtyusa.com

First time oFFered! Exquisite custom-built home on 5 acres. Grand entry sets the tone w/vaulted ceiling, balcony and marble floor. Formal DR has tray ceilings, elegant lighting, cherry flooring. Kitchen has birch cabinets, granite countertops, tile floor and backsplash, breakfast nook. Spacious family room has gas fireplace, pocket doors and french doors leading to large deck. 3 spacious BRs, 3½ baths, master BR w/private balcony, walk-in closet, private tiled bath. Basement is partially finished w/rec area, bath. Home has radiant heat, baseboard heat, central AC. Private drive, alarm system, solar lighting leading to heated 2-car garage. Private grounds w/seasonal views, yard space, raised garden beds. $389,900 MLS#92819

$149,900 MlS#92810