Serving Oneonta
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GARY LAING IS FOF CITIZEN OF YEAR, 10 PROPERTIES OF MERIT CITED/A2
HOMETOWN ONEONTA !
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Volume 7, No. 6
City of The Hills
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Complimentary
Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, October 31, 2014
Richard p. miller, jr., 1943-2014
AREWELL, FRIEND Striving Led To Full Life, And Success
Engaged, He Was Always On The Job
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Led to believe she was taking part in a dance competition, Oneonta’s Valerie Adams puts on her best moves, only to be unmasked and discover the was dancing alone in front of the entire crowd at the Saturday Showdown rodeo at Damaschke Field on Saturday, Oct. 25. See photo gallery at WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM
Conference Aims To Aid Volunteerism
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UNY Oneonta’s Center for Social Responsibility & Community’s 14th annual Conference on Volunteerism & Social Responsibility begins at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1., at the Morris Conference Center on the college’s campus. Admission free; public welcome. WINTER HOURS: The Oneonta Farmers’ Market will move to its winter location 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Main Street Garage Walkway. KIDS FREE: An anonymous gift will allow children to attended the Catskill Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert featuring Cherish the Ladies at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, for free, if accompanied by an adult, including teachers and their classes. FINAL VISITS: The Democratic and Republican lieutenant governor candidates, Kathy Hochul and Chris Moss respectively, were due in Otsego County Wednesday, Oct. 29. Elections are Nov. 4.
By JIM KEVLIN
Colleagues Remember What Fun He Was To Work With
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e was a soldier, a line officer in the midst of the action in Vietnam. He was a Remembering business executive, rising to the presidency of the Case Hoyt Co., Kodak’s preferred printer during the film company’s Rochester heyday. He moved into academe as vice president of DICK MILLER external affairs at 1943-2014 the University of Rochester. His job: Get to know everybody. When Monroe County Executive Bob King was appointed SUNY chancellor, he reached out to Dick Miller, who spent the next three years in Albany as SUNY vice chancellor and chief financial officer, mightily Please See MAYOR, A3
By LIBBY CUDMORE
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ayor Dick Miller wasn’t one to confine discussion to council chambers – or even office hours, his colleagues on Common Council will tell you. “I looked out one morning and I saw him coming down my driveway with a box of donuts,” said Madolyn O. Palmer, Fifth Ward. He said, ‘I have something I want to talk to you about,’ and I said, ‘Dick, I’m in my bathrobe’!” Similarly, Larry Malone, Second Ward, was sitting on his porch enjoying the evening when Miller, then president of Hartwick College, appointed him vice president. “He Please See FUN, A2
Celebrate Mayor’s Life At Foothills Ceremony
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celebration of Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr.’s life will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center. There will be no formal calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayor Miller Memorial Fund, City Hall, 258 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820, for the specific purpose of planting and preserving trees in public spaces. Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
INSIDE ► Editorial: Mayor’s City Hall tenure combined passion, logic/A4 ► Leaders, fellow citizens voice praise, regrets/A4 ► In Appreciation: Character in a man’s face/A4
ONLINE
Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Newly minted Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., accompanied by a grandson, took a few minutes to pause and reflect on the front steps of City Hall after he was sworn in at Oneonta’s 20th mayor on Jan. 1, 2010.
► See photo tribute to the fallen mayor. ► Review select articles of highpoint of his career as mayor. ► Follow developing story since the tragic event.
AllOTSEGO.com
www.
Sabatini’s Will Become Asian Temptations Aspen Dental Is 1st Tenant to exit one.” By LIBBY CUDMORE The Pattons have closed Sabatini’s Little On Site Of Former Neptune
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t’s the end of a dining era. “Brenda and I have been in hospitality for 35 years,” said Marty Patton. “We’ve owned Sabatini’s for 19 years. But just as important as starting a business is knowing when
Italy on Southside Oneonta and turned over its kitchen to Jianhua Chen, owner of Mount Fuji in the Southside Mall. “He does a great job with Mount Fuji,” said Patton. “They’re going to turn it into an Please See RESTAURANT, B5
By LIBBY CUDMORE
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yracuse-based Aspen Dental is the first announced occupant
of the strip mall at the former Neptune Diner site on Southside Oneonta. The site plan, filed with the Town Of Oneonta in Please See DENTAL, B4
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
inventory reduction sale!
50% off
all Plants Oct. 29th Nov. 1st only
A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
HOMETOWN People
Future For Oneonta Foundation Honors Laing, SUNY At Reception
don’t miss this once a year event! 248 RiveR StReet, OneOnta • 607-432-8703 wedneSday - SatuRday • 10 am tO 5 pm (Starting November open by chance or appointment) The New Asbury Gardens
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River Street
Neahwa Park
Hampton Inn River Street Service Road
I-88
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Business Insurance too.
Policies Business Owner Commercial Package Business Auto
Special Programs Worker’s Compensation NYS Disability
The Future for Oneonta Foundation announced that Outlaws and Shipping Room owner Gary Laing is winner of the 2014 Community Leadership Award and unveiled 10 Properties of Merit at a reception Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. Above, left, is Angie Eichler, Properties of Merit chair. Winners, from left, are James Brady, Paula Hickey, Lorrie Wolverton, Rosleen Brady, Kevin DiBartolemeo, Brian Fawcett, Deb DiBartolemeo, Nancy Kleniewski, Daryn Seltzer, Barb Jass, Angelo Carimando, Heather Rigona and Tony Pepaj, Dino Rigona. At right is FOF executive manager Carol Mahon. At right, Diane Aaronson, FOF board chair, embraces Gary Laing after awarding him the Community Leadership award for his work and variety of programming he has brought to Damaschke Field, including wrestling, concerts and Saturday’s rodeo. For the list of Properties of Merit winners, see www.AllOTSEGO.com.
Chip Klugo Honored With
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Cherry Valley 607.264.3755
GatesCole.com UNRESERVED ANTIQUES AUCTION Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 4:30 PM Hesse Galleries, 350 Main St., Otego, NY
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t i n a b i ’ a S Lit tLe itaL y S After more than 35 years in the hospitality business in Oneonta, Brenda and I are now downsizing our company. We have leased out Sabatini’s, which will soon become a restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine. We would like to thank our hard-working staff for their commitment over the years, and we would like to thank all our loyal customers for your patronage at Sabatini’s Little Italy. For those who enjoyed some of our popular dishes at Sabatini’s, we will add a few selected menu items to our Christopher’s menu.
AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS Dedicated to both Seller & Buyer
Molte grazie! Martin and Brenda Patton
hip Klugo admitted he didn’t know where Oneonta was four years ago, but now, he considers it another home. “I love my people,” he said. “We’ve created a new history for the Bresee’s Klugo building.” Klugo was awarded the Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s Albert E. Morris award at a ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26. “He showed sensitivity to the history and we much appreciate his efforts,” said GOHS Executive Director Bob Brzozowski.
Help Pastor Mel Give Away 125 Turkeys, Hams
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ev. Mel Farmer, retired pastor of the River Street Baptist Church and host of the “Gospel Hymn Request Hour” is once again looking for “Angels of Love” to help out this holiday season. Farm- Rev. Mel er’s forth Farmer hopes to feed annual Thanks- 125 families this holiday giving season turkey and Christmas Ham drive is underway, and this year, he’s hoping to give away 125 of each. Donations or requests may be sent to Gospel Hymns, PO Box 29, West Davenport, NY 13860.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
EMEMBERING DICK MILLER
Soldier, Executive, Academic Leader, Beloved Mayor
MAYOR/From A1 frustrated by the unbending bureaucracy. By contrast, the presidency of Hartwick College, was heavenly, as he confronted its financial challenges, connected with a welcoming faculty, and enjoyed the students, particularly those who had “gone off the rails,” former Hartwick trustees chair Bob Hanft remembers. Retiring from Hartwick in 2008, he accepted Mayor John Nader’s appointment to chair the city’s Comprehensive Plan Committee, and contracting with the city and county as 55 Maple LLC, was traveling around Upstate college towns with wife Andi, looking for lessons that might be applied to Oneonta. That was when Nader was promoted to SUNY Delhi provost and realized he couldn’t run again. Miller seemed like a logical choice to succeed him. “It was not a hard sell,” Nader said. And so began five years of tumult and accomplishment, of acclaim and challenge, as Richard P. Miller, Jr., cemented his relationship with the adopted home he loved, a relationship he ended Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, to the grief and dismay of his fellow citizens. Dick Miller was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1943, son of Richard P. Miller, Sr., and Faith Moran Miller. When he was a few weeks old, the family moved to Rochester, where his father became chief executive of the Community Chest – precursor of the United Way. At the time, the son recounted in a 2010 interview a few days after being sworn in as mayor, it was the nation’s most successful such entity, distributing the most money per capita at the lowest cost. The family lived in Pittsford (and summered at Canandaigua Lake), where Dick, soon avid golfer, was raised. After high school, Dick followed in his father’s footsteps to Middlebury College, where he majored in sociology, perceiving it, he would recall, as the path of least resistance. One February, he skied every one of the 28 days at the college’s Sugar Loaf mountain. He met his first wife, Barbara. The couple married in 1965, right out of college, and he went off to Fort Sill, Okla., to fulfill his two-year ROTC commitment. He completed artillery school and was appointed a training officer, still at Fort Sill, with little thought that, with Vietnam ramping up, officers would be needed to replace casualties. So three months later, there he was, landing at Pleiku, bunking with the First Calvary Division in Ahn Khe’s tent city, and then it was into the jungle in charge of a forward-observer artillery unit for a 50-man rifle company.
year, trying to do something. My third year, abject frustration.” So in 2003, when the phone rang again, this time a head-hunter looking for “someone just like you” for the presidency of troubled Hartwick College, the opportunity again seemed ideal. A search committee of faculty, students, administrators and trustees winnowed applicants down to three, and Miller, in a day and a half on Oyaron Hill, closed the deal. It was particularly telling, said Bob Hanft, that faculty joined ranks behind him, given he lacked an advanced degree. But it was the right decision, Hanft said: “He improved morale tremendously. He was very open, wandering around campus. He was very close to our student body, particularly dealing with students who had gone off the rails. He was very caring.” Miller found an institution on the financial brink: “The college had lost half the value of its endowment, and enrollment went down simultaneously,” he said in the 2010 interview. “It was a tough situation, but the people were so incredibly receptive and cared so much about the college.” Still, he never doubted he could turn it around. Like Rochester, the old-time money, from IBM and Ian Austin, Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA the railroads, had left town, so Scenes from Mayor Miller’s administration include, clockwise from upper left, hugging Miller began courting and develformer Huntington Library Director Marie Bruni on her retirement last year; walking the oping the alumni. He also inched parade route last Fourth of July with, from left, Town Supervisor Bob Wood, former mayors John Nader and David Brenner, county Board Chair Kathy Clark, and former Mayor Kim up the enrollment from 1,400 to over 1,500 – generating new revMuller; coaxing youngsters to help at the 2011 Christmas Tree Lighting on Muller Plaza; enues within a margin that didn’t congratulating the Ruffinos on their 50th anniversary, and grinning at a recent Council require additional expenditure. meeting. The endowment went from $45 Its mission during 28-day stints Audubon, Gourmet, Architectural really annoyed the lawyers lomillion to $80 million. “He was in the field: Find the enemy, make Digest, and the annual reports of cally.”) a fearless fundraiser,” Hanft said. contact with the enemy and mainmore than 50 Fortune 500 compa“The university had drifted Among others, Miller courted Tom tain contact with the enemy. And, nies. away from the community,” said Golisano, the Rochester billionlike the rest of the unit, “I lived Meanwhile, he and Barbara Miller. President O’Brien was aire, who underwrote construction in a poncho liner and ate C-rawere raising two boys, Matthew gregarious, outgoing, curious, “he of Golisano Hall, which opened in tions.” Attached to the company and Jacob, and there was Boy wanted to reconnect with the com- 2008. commander, his job was to call in Scouts, Little League, Pop Warmunity.” And Dick Miller was the In 2008, age 65, he retired, and artillery support, usually 105 mm ner, although Miller confesses to point man. He plunged into the he and Andi renovated a longHowitzer fire, but sometimes from “spending too much time at the social, philanthropic and political abandoned former fraternity house heavy Navy guns off the coast, office.” He joined Oak Hill, the life his almost-native city. at 55 Maple St. “I’ll never get my sometimes with “split second” country club of his boyhood, and After 13 years, Miller and his money out of it,” Miller said, citnotice. found himself on the boards of wife of 35 years were going their ing one of the reasons he planned “I came out of it with the sense Rochester Telephone and Lincoln separate ways. The phone rang. It to live in Oneonta for the rest of of no matter how bad things are, Rochester Bank (now part of was Bob King, the former Monroe his days. they could always be a lot worse,” Chase.) County executive who was workWithin a year, he was in the Miller reflected during the 2010 By the time Miller became Case ing in the Pataki administration. midst of a hotly contested caminterview. Since then, when he Hoyt president, the company had “Hey,” King told his friend in paign, nominee of the city Demohad to make a tough decision, he plants in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Rochester, “I just got named chief cratic Party and his own “Collabowould ask, Am I going to lose two in Newport News, and three of the SUNY system. I don’t know rate for Oneonta” party against my life? Is anyone going to lose in Rochester. He oversaw the anything about it. I need someone Republican Alderman Erik Miller their life? Are we going to see our company’s sale to Bell Canada, just like you.” and Jason Corrigan, a SUNY families again? continued on for a few years, than Why not? So the man who deOneonta student. He won, 1,078 “I refer to my year in Vietnam took what he called his “copper scribed himself as a middling stuvotes to Erik Miller’s 894 and as my MBA; you get an underparachute.” dent went to Albany as vice chanCorrigan’s 177. standing of how to get things He lined up some investors and cellor and controller of the largest In a packed Common Council done,” he said; by contrast, “I was looking around for a company university system in the U.S. His chamber, Richard P. Miller, Jr., grew up in Nirvana.” to buy when U of R’s new presifirst self-assigned task: Visit all 64 was sworn in as Oneonta’s 20th And to Nirvana he returned in dent called: “You ought to think SUNY campuses. Miller had never mayor at noon on Jan. 1, 2010. 1967, choosing a sales job with about coming here.” And so he heard of anyone else doing that He began his term at 7 a.m. that Case Hoyt, a privately held, qualdid, as vice president of external before Nancy L. Zimpher, current Monday, the 4th, holding court ity printing house that, in addiaffairs – alumni relations, develop- chancellor, arrived from Cincin– as was and continued to be his tion to work for Kodak, attracted ment, community relations – and nati in 2008. habit – at Center Street Deli. Neiman Marcus and Tiffany “senior counsel to the president”; “My first year, tremendous catalogues, such magazines as (since he wasn’t an attorney, “that learning,” he said. “My second
Council Colleagues Remember His Energy – And Sense Of Fun FUN/From A1 came to my door with his wife, Andi, offered congratulations, and then turned to my wife Eva with a laugh and said, ‘Just remember, I own him now’!” recounted Malone. “But I don’t think Dick ever really owned me. If anything, we all owned Dick. He was the most selfless, non-judgmental person I have ever known.” Miller, 71, was remembered by friends, colleagues and constituents for his bright disposition, his ubiquitous city presence and his dedication to making Oneonta a more beautiful place to live. “He was an incredible guy,” said City Attorney David Merzig. “Even if you only knew him by reputation, you knew he was dynamic.” “He was my mentor,” said David Rissberger, Third Ward. “He taught me how to focus a conversation and how to run a meeting, but he wasn’t a career politician – he ran for mayor because
he loved this city.” For Palmer, Miller’s encouragement was what got her on Common Council. “After my husband Carver died in 2010, he invited me to take an empty seat on Common Council,” she said. “I told him no, and he said he’d call back in two weeks. But he didn’t wait two weeks – he called back a week later and said ‘We need you now.’ I was scared to death, but he was very patient and showed me what to do – and I’m a healthier person for it.” Between the 2010 election and taking office, Miller made it a point to sit down for coffee at Capresso with each member of Common Council. “He told me, ‘Pick your battles. Don’t try to do everything’,” said Bob Brzozowski, Seventh Ward. “I’ve often thought about that as we Council members consider many issues each month, some crucial to everyone, others important to one person.”
And though the city’s residents are mourning, mention Dick Miller’s name, and they always smile as they recall their interactions with him. “He used to always kid me about the Sixth Ward,” said Russ Southard, Sixth Ward, who as deputy mayor now assumes mayoral duties. “And I’d joke right back, saying that we were going to secede from the city. But I could always hear it in his voice that he admired our immigrant heritage. It was a real melting pot, and he recognized that.” “There was a Council meeting on my 80th birthday, and I didn’t know that he knew,” said Palmer. “During the meeting, he Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA said, ‘Anyone who’s not 80 Mayor Miller poses with Common Council colleagues and new City Manyears old today, stand up!’ ager Marty Murphy. From let are Rissberger, Palmer, Murphy, Malone, And of course, everyone Brzozowski, Holmes, Miller and Southard. but me stood up! He had a was this great band playnight, and it’s a moment I’ll path towards continued great sense of humor and an ing, and he jumped out of always treasure.” prosperity.” infectious smile.” the crowd, grabbed my “I only had the privilege “We can’t expect anyAnd for many, their most daughter’s hand and started of knowing him a short one to fill his shoes,” said recent memories of Miller dancing with her,” said time,” said City Manager Brzozowski. “But working were happy ones. “At the Rissberger. “She talked Martin Murphy. “But his together, we can continue last Fabulous Friday, there about that the rest of the legacy has put us on the his many initiatives.”
HOMETOWN Views
A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
EDITORIAL
Passion, Logic Guided Oneonta Mayor Miller’s Success
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hen Chris Quereau appeared before the Foothills board in 2011, outlining the state-of-the-art web site he proposed donating to the arts center (his Vibrant Creative does so for one non-profit annually), board president Dick Miller, unschooled in cyberspace, reacted with something just short of a harrumph. Then, some 18 months later, Quereau’s lessons digested, Mayor Miller unveiled the city’s new website, futuristic, bold in conception – uniquely, it sought to capture, not just dry listings of public servants and services, but “Oneonta, Life Enjoyed,” in all its vitality. That was the contradiction that was Dick Miller: Lightly restrained opinion followed, and guided, by fierce logic. A near-harrumph, and then his intellect kicked in. • That, perhaps, was the dynamic behind Richard P. Miller Jr.’s repeated successes as mayor of his adopted city, his beloved Oneonta. As the former SUNY vice chancellor/CFO who had pulled Hartwick College back from the financial cliff, fiscal soundness mattered passionately. And between his election in November 2009 and his swearing-in on Jan. 1, 2010, he drilled down fiercely into the city’s finances. On that Saturday, Jan. 9,
point of contact” concept and the IDA’s hiring of the formidable Sandy Mathes as the county’s economic developer. The best is yet to come, perhaps soon: The next round of state economicdevelopment funding, due to be announced any time, may underwrite Mayor Miller’s vision of an $11 million agribusiness hub at Chestnut and South Market, aimed at serving New York City’s $1 billion unmet demand for artisanal and craft food and beverages, plus the redevelopment of the D&H yards and the preparation of “shovel ready sites” at the Pony Farm Commerce Park. The Miller Method: This is what must be done, and this is how we’ll do it. Passion and logic. Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA • Oneonta Mayor Richard P. Miller Jr. takes a quiet moment during the lunch break at the Jan. 9, 2010, In Dick Miller’s service Common Council retreat when he reported, if nothing were done, City Hall would be broke by midto Oneonta, logic ruled. But 2013. When pizza arrived – from the mayor’s pal, Joe Ruffino – the Democrats ate together on one in the end, passion overtook side of the room and the Republicans on the other. At the next retreat a few months later, united by him. A take-charge guy, he an understanding of the common challenge, they all lunched together. bid his own farewell. 2010, he summoned the par- aldermen that day, “is deevery way for his Oneonta, ing of a suspect as a final If he had lived, he certisan aldermen to a retreat fined by your ability to get from the arts (assuming straw, he brought in outside tainly would have evolved in City Hall’s basement and the most important things the board presidency and expertise that identified a into one of Oneonta’s rebroke the alarming news: done.” stabilizing faltering Footlack of rigor in the Oneonta vered elder statesmen, a DaThe city had been spending The foremost “most hills), to housing (Housing Police Department’s advid Brenner or Sam Nader, $1 million more a year than important thing” to Dick Visions’ 58 units are nearministration, then cleaned but with an edge. If he had it was taking in; bankruptcy Miller was the merger of ing ground-breaking), to house, putting the levellived, it is hard to imagine loomed by mid 2013. That, town and city into a single downtown (pushing through headed Dennis Nayor at the him disengaged. He would of course, didn’t happen. Oneonta. He had numbers the Bresee’s renovation and helm. have been in the middle Mayor Miller’s trademark that proved that, by recapbeyond), to accomplishing Soon, Mayor Miller was of this controversy or that plans for city finances turing sales tax generated on what his predecessors had a leader at the county level initiative for the public good identified savings and new Southside, a united municifailed to do for 40 years, as well, helping to moderfor decades to come. revenues and kept Oneonta, pality could prosper mightgetting a new City Charter ate state Sen. Jim Seward’s But it isn’t to be. We are rare among Upstate cities, ily. Illogical intransigence adopted that professionalfirst “Seward Summit” on left to contemplate the lesmore than solvent. in town hall prevented ized the administration of economic development on sons of his productive and But he defined the crisis progress, but he was right City Hall. March 15, 2012, at The meaningful life. Goodbye, and used it as a call to acthen and is right today. He didn’t let problems Otesaga, and shepherdfriend, thank you, and rest tion. “Success,” he told the He was ambitious in fester. With the 2011 beating support for the “single in peace.
REMEMBERING DICK MILLER
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City Hall, College, Community Remember Him As Friend To Man
was shocked and saddened by Dick Miller’s sudden and untimely death. Dick brought innovative ideas to Oneonta as president at Hartwick College and later as mayor. He implemented those ideas in a determined, tenacious manner, working tirelessly for those he represented. I partnered with Dick on a number of projects that have bettered our community and considered him a colleague and a friend. My sympathies to his family and all who knew him, he will be greatly missed. JAMES L. SEWARD State Senator, 51st Milford • ayor Dick Miller was a person who always supported community. He encouraged Oneonta busi-
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nesses to be progressive Remembering got to know Dick Miller and support many local through my work with activities. the Hartwick College Dick was a lover of Alumni Association. He football and supported came to Hartwick at a time the Oneonta City Stalwhen it absolutely needed lions. He was at every a change agent, and Dick home game at Hartwick fit that bill. He was able to College, eating hot dogs prioritize the many chaland cheering. His smile lenges the college faced, and and upbeat demeanor he was able to assemble a DICK MILLER was always welcomed team to get the job done. He 1943-2014 to see! was a skilled businessman, Earlier this year the fundraiser and leader. I enteam presented him with a Stallion joyed his no-nonsense approach to football helmet, which he proudly management and leadership. He displayed in his office. was unafraid to push the envelope He was in our corner, he will be and often asked the questions missed greatly by many. many thought, but were too timid ANGELA EARDLEY to say. TOM TERRY Our college and City of the Owners Hills lost a wonderful human beOneonta City Stallions ing, and he leaves behind an indel• ible mark on those who knew him.
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
Jim Kevlin
Editor & Publisher
Tara Barnwell
Advertising Director
M.J. Kevlin
Business Manager
Thom Rhodes • Susan Straub Advertising Consultants Libby Cudmore Reporter
Ian Austin Photographer
Kathleen Peters Graphics
Judith Bartow Stephenie Walker Billing Production Coordinator
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
May we all remember his voice, that jovial smile and outlook, and use it in our own way as a tribute to his many contributions to society. My condolences to Andi and his entire family. STEPHANIE LAVENBERG Lancaster, Pa. Hartwick College Class of 1992 Former president, Hartwick College Alumni Association • ick will be missed as a friend and leader of our community. His fresh eyes and vision have steered our city in a forward direction. Rest in peace. ALICE NADER O’CONNER Oneonta • ick Miller is about helping people. He cares about everyone and will go a million miles to help someone. My
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husband Stu spent so many hours on his mail route talking to Dick Miller. He was a gentleman. Dick came to our rescue with helping our son through college and preparing him for medical school. Dick knew that our Josh deserved all of his help as he believed in Joshua and I know in my heart still does. I would prefer to talk about Dick in the present. Dick, you are the real deal. There is nothing fake about you. You are a man of your word. Forever you are in our hearts and soul. Thank you. THE MOSS FAMILY Oneonta • was saddened to hear of Mayor Miller’s sudden death. He married my husband and me on my parents’ (Larry and Please See FRIEND, A6
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IAN AUSTIN IN APPRECIATION
Photos Capture Life Of Laughter, Friends, Loved Ones ONEONTA
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ur town is reeling from the news of the tragic death of our mayor, Dick Miller. This was a man I saw, talked with and photographed nearly every week. Three days ago I was talking with him about the idea of more murals in town and he loved it. He knew my name, which made me feel important. When I delivered papers he would sometimes find me for a fresh issue and walk down the street with me for a short time talking about goings-on. I always thought
In his final days
it was so cool that I was walking and talking with the mayor! He was there when I proposed to Libby in the Halloween parade, he popped out from behind a giant puppet and congratulated us
personally. He was a man I knew publicly and professionally and I always admired his ability to command a room. This is a man I have spent years photographing. I became familiar with the subtleties of his expressions. I saw him laugh often and cry once. When you view someone through a camera lens for a long time, you feel a unique level of intimacy to them. As the background fuzzes out, you see their wrinkles, scars and spots, the subtle twitches of controlled emotion, the wetness of their eyes and stray hairs; they
come into hyper-focus and you see them as a human being. We didn’t always agree, but I greatly respected him as a mayor and I feel he made our town better place to live. While my position requires a level of aloofness, Libby and I, like are our town, his family, friends and co-workers, are grieving too. Whatever demons he had, I look at the image and I see those wrinkles around his eyes, and you get those from a life of laughter and smiling with friends and loved ones. Those are the times we should remember.
AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS, A6, B5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
HOMETOWN
History
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library
125 Years Ago
The Local News – Travel on the street cars is increasing since they commenced running through without transfer. Cars now leave East End and West End promptly every half hour and will arrive and depart on the even half hour. Early morning cars will arrive at East End and West End five minutes before seven, thus enabling workingmen to be at factories and shops at 7 o’clock. Drivers will look out for passengers on every side street and the public is requested to report any negligence on their part to T.D. Talmadge, acting treasurer, at the Wilber bank. Sheriff Talmadge had a lively time on Tuesday evening on Center Street in securing possession of the ten-year-old boy of D. Freeman, proprietor of the Boston Store, Cooperstown. Mr. Freeman has commenced proceedings for divorce against his wife and has been awarded custody of the boy, who for some time has been living with his mother in this village. The boy did not want to leave his mother, and the mother, rendered frantic by the effort to take him away, made the neighborhood resound with her piteous screams for aid. It was only by main force that the boy was removed by the Sheriff and Mr. Freeman. Mrs. Freeman’s maiden name was Walrad and she is a sister of William Walrad of this village. October 1889
other school newspapers throughout the state for editorial, feature, photography, news stories, advertising and sports coverage. The students will also participate in special news writing and current events contests, competing for scholarships to Syracuse University. Making the trip are: Edna Gromisch and Joanne Gage, Echo co-editors; Lewis Rose, sports editor; Nancy Horton, circulation editor; Charles Martin, photographer; Jean Payne and Nancy Hamm, coeditors of OHSan yearbook; Roberta Constable, OHSan business manager, and Joan Payne, circulation manager. Mrs. Gladys Rifanburg Brink, faculty advisor, will accompany the students. October 1954
20 Years Ago
40 Years Ago
Evidence of skill with the rife was witnessed Saturday by many Oneontans when two Ford motor cars were driven into the city by Mssrs. William Whitney and William Walker of Deposit, containing three fine bucks which were shot in the Long Lake region in the Adirondacks. Willis Walker, who was also a member of the party, brought down two of the bucks with his rifle. Among all the autumn decorations in the display windows of the city, few have attracted as much attention as that of T.W. Stevens before which hundreds of men and boys stand each day, gazing with delight at the multiplicity of sportsman’s articles on display there. October 1914
October 1994 Shawn then gave a talk on the dance. He said that the word dance could mean many things, just as the word music. “It could mean the modern imbecilities practiced on the dance floor, or the acts of people affected with St. Vitus dance, commonly called tap dancers,” he said. “We are now in an era called ‘The Renaissance of the Dance,” Shawn continued. “The dance is the oldest art of the human race, invented even before speech or music. Man early learned how to use the rhythmic movements of his body.” When Mr. Shawn studied the dance, he discovered that three-fourths of the earth’s surface considered dancing a man’s occupation, and women were not allowed to dance. After Mr. Shawn’s remarks about dance in general, he gave a short description of each dance to be given in the program. He said that he had discovered that all dances fall into groups such as “magic, religious, labor, amusement and art.” The program titled “The Renaissance of the Dance” deals with tempos, rhythms, and pauses, and so it pictures a complete unit, as a symphonic orchestra. October 1934
Ted Shawn and his six male dancers gave an inspiring dance program at the Normal School last evening. The group was brought to Oneonta by the Student League. Miss Betty Walton, president of the league, welcomed the audience. Mr.
Nine Oneonta High School journalists from the staff of the OHS Echo will participate in the 17th Annual Empire State School Press Association convention this week in Syracuse. The OHS Echo will be entered in competition with
100 Years Ago
80 Years Ago
60 Years Ago
“This is an important service and I think I can contribute something to the work of the school board,” Albert S. Nader said, referring to his recent appointment to serve out the term of Bill Bright that ends on June 30, 1975. Bright resigned soon after board negotiations with the Oneonta Teachers Association were concluded with salary and benefit increases for teachers following a three-day strike. Nader, a former mayor of Oneonta, was appointed by vote of the board on Wednesday night in an open session, following an executive session, and notified Thursday morning. Charles Bollinger, defeated in the last school board election objected to Nader’s appointment without more public scrutiny. “I have been involved in community affairs for 25 years and I think my record is an open book,” Nader said. October 1974
30 Years Ago
At last week’s meeting of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, several board members spoke against continued funding of the Planned Parenthood program because of its stance on abortion. “I just don’t want money going out of my pocket to advise young people to have abortions,” Meredith Supervisor Owen Howarth said at the meeting. But, according to Planned Parenthood Director Susann Landfield, the agency does not counsel young women toward abortion. “We do not do abortions, nor do we advise individuals to have abortions. We are extremely careful in that respect, because we are under enormous weight of federal regulations connected with our funding.” October 1984
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Call Kathy Clarkson for more information, or to arrange a personal tour at 607-436-9974.
Start your morning with Otsego County’s Daily e-newspaper
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MORE LETTERS, PAGE B5
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-31, 2014
EMEMBERING DICK MILLER
Departed Mayor Combined Enthusiasm With Calm, Good-Natured Rationality By PAUL SCHEELE
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n Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, Oneonta lost its best friend: Dick Miller. From the time he announced that he would run for mayor as an Independent, because he wanted to minimize partisanship in the city should he be elected, Dick Miller set a principled course. Oneonta’s voters recognized him for the talented leader that he was and elected him twice to lead it. Dick returned the favor again and again, proving the voters right. His tenure as mayor began with his recognition of the city’s financial predicament: 6,000 to 7,000 permanent residents providing municipal services for a population double that (including the students), high (and climbing) FRIEND/From A4 Joan Duckwall’s) front porch July 4, 2013. Dick was always gracious to my parents and immediately stopped by upon hearing of my father’s sudden death two months ago. My heart goes out to his family. Thank you for sharing him with my family and the City of Oneonta.
LINDA BAILEY
• bove all else, Dick Miller believed in Oneonta. He worked tirelessly to build a prosperous future for the city, the town, local businesses, civic organizations, schools, and countless other groups. From ball games to Main Street shops, his personal commitment to all who call our community home was evident. Determined to bring people together, his courage to tackle issues of substance and willingness to listen to every viewpoint were two of his finest qualities. Always looking ahead with optimism, he found potential in challenges, and dared those around him to consider what they could accomplish collectively.
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NANCY KLENIEWSKI
President SUNY Oneonta • ick Miller had a positive impact on the Oneonta community in so many ways. From Hartwick College president to Oneonta mayor, he was a friend to so many. Dick made things happen. You may not have always agreed with his position or methods, but he turned thoughts into action. This is a rarer trait than one would think. After he retired from Hartwick College, he could have packed it up and headed out of town … but he didn’t. He had established roots in Oneonta and proceeded to become its biggest fan and advocated
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OFFICE SPACE
available for lease at: 25 Railroad Avenue in the Village of Cooperstown.
To inquire, call 607-643-8401
costs for public safety, more than half the properties in the city tax exempt, and the city landlocked by the town where the chief economic action was occurs. The city was solvent but only because it was closing its annual deficits with monies from a dwindling reserve fund. One of Dick’s first actions was to prepare a fiscal plan for the city, by the end of which the reserve fund would be exhausted but the city’s obligations could be met by its income. Also at the outset, Dick reorganized the Common Council along more functional lines, with roles evenly distributed to reflect the interests and abilities of Council members. His basic mode of operation was to engage in extensive homework into the issues of the moment, then work with Council members to achieve a consensus.
for the city at every turn. But as much as he liked the workings of the “big” things, if you were fortunate, you got see the more personal side. I consider myself one of the fortunate ones. Without great detail, Dick approached me at a time I really needed it. I never said a word … he just knew. The mayor fostered a connection between a local business and me. Three and a half years later, my tenure with Cleinman Performance Partners has been fulfilling in so many ways and I am forever grateful for his “intervention.” Whenever I’d run into Dick on the street, he’d always check in with me ask how I was doing. I made it a point to always tell him how much I appreciated his help. I wish peace on him and his family. Know that he made a positive difference in the community and me personally. He will be greatly missed.
BRETT MOORE
• ny time I would be quoted or write something in the paper, he would send me a little email of encourage-
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Early in his tenure, Dick began a campaign to merge the city and town of Oneonta into a single municipality capable of attracting greater economic growth and providing first class municipal services over the long term. My first formal contact with Dick was when he appeared before the City Charter Commission and assured us of our independence but also gave us strong encouragement to draft a Charter which would serve the long-term interests of the city. If that included provision for a city manager to administer the city, he said he would support it. He was true to his word even though the new position would diminish his own role. After the new charter was approved, Dick recognized the need to redistrict the city’s wards,
ment. The most recent one was about my ride-along with the police, dated Sept. 18, and it just said ‘Just right . . .thank you’. He was a kind and generous person.
MARGARET DRUGOVICH
President Hartwick College • t was a pleasure to have worked with a visionary that created unity and inclusiveness within our community. Mayor Miller brought innovative ideas, shared his passion for success and helped to make Oneonta a stronger community. As our community grieves we must go forth with a smile and continue the path and vision he has set forth for us. The mall family extends our deepest sympathy to Miller family.
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Luisa Montanti
Southside Mall Manager • e are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr. Mayor Miller’s vision for and dedication to Oneonta have left a lasting impression. In recognition of his strong commitment to business growth and love of the community, our Chamber honored him with
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whose populations had become very unequal. Leaders seldom feel so secure that they are willing to appoint bodies to review their service, but Dick Miller was unusual in this respect as well, establishing the Charter Review Commission last spring to study and report on how the Charter had functioned in its first few years. What that really meant was: How well had the mayor, Council members, and department heads followed the charter? Again, Dick gave the commission a free hand. The commission report recognized the significant accomplishments of city government under the Charter and under Dick as Mayor, but also offered a number of recommendations. True to form, Dick accepted and was leading the Council toward adoption of many of those
the 2011 Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr., Distinguished Citizen Award. We mourn his passing and will cherish his memory.
BARBARA ANN HEEGAN
President/CEO Otsego County Chamber • n behalf of Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center we extend our deepest sympathies to the Miller family. We are grateful for the service Dick gave Foothills PACC as a current board member and the previous Board President. Dick held steadfast with determination and positioned the organization into the success it is today. The team will carry on with the mission that was so close to his heart; but Dick will be deeply missed. The Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center family • n behalf of the Otsego County Democratic Committee I would like to express our condolences to Mayor Miller’s family on their tragic loss this week. Dick was a dedicated elected official who worked tirelessly for the residents of Oneonta. He was able to forge alliances with other
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AllOTSEGO.homes
recommendations when he died. Dick Miller was a superb leader for Oneonta – restless, full of ideas, full of energy, he seemed to love dealing with problems: researching them, talking to those affected by or dealing with them, arriving at a solution, seeking consensus, and moving on to the next one. He was also very forward-looking, anticipating problems. His manner was one of calm, good-natured rationality, but Dick’s quality most people remarked upon was his enthusiasm. Dick was the warm, welcoming, energetic face of Oneonta. We will not easily, if ever, find his equal. Paul Scheele, retired SUNY Oneonta professor, served on the Charter Commission.
elected officials throughout the State to ensure Oneontans always had their voices heard. I knew him personally and he will be missed, but his courage, determination and friendship will live.
RICHARD ABBATE
Chair, County Democratic Committee • am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. I’ll be forever grateful to Dick Miller for the role he played in my son’s life, helping him to become the outstanding man he is today. He was instrumental in getting a lacrosse program in Oneonta and getting Alex
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into a great lacrosse college. When Alex’s team made it to the NCAA Elite Eight, Alex played in tribute to Dick, knowing he wouldn’t be there to experience it had it not been for him. Dick was like a father to Alex for many years, offering advice, encouragement, recognition, and support. Dick and Andi took him in on countless weekends, even adding him to their family membership at Healthlinks and recently Dick helped Alex enter the Marine Officer Program. The only thing he ever asked in return was that Alex pay it forward later in life.
LISA MESCHUTT
Retail Space for Lease Cooperstown Commons
Join Tops Supermarket, Family Dollar, Subway, Bassett Healthcare, Pizza Hut & McDonalds Storefronts from 300 to 1000 sf, starting at $500/mo. Call for more information 919-280-0070 kris@glenwoodco.com
John Mitchell Real Estate
216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com
Village Treasure Exclusively Offered at $225,000
Centrally located in the village of Cooperstown, this is a great opportunity for family living with a very nice yard, mature plantings and family space on the patio. Perfect layout if you need space for the in-laws. House is in need of some updating and offers great opportunity for village living at the offering price. PrOPErTy DETails —Cooperstown Village location —Village water and sewer —Mature gardens —Garden greenhouse inTEriOr FEaTurEs —Hardwood, vinyl floors and carpeting —Living room —Dining room open to kitchen
Don Olin REALTY
—3 BRs —Laundry room —Family room with fireplace —Woodstove in kitchen —Full bath in house —¾ bath in apartment ExTEriOr FEaTurEs —Vinyl siding —Large front porch —Laid stone foundation
—Paved driveway —Architectural asphalt-shingled roof BuilDing DETails —Home built in 1840 —Attached 1-BR efficiency —Large 1-car attached garage —Oil-fired hot water heat —200 amp electric with CB
37 Chestnut street · Cooperstown · 607-547-5622 · 607-547-5653 (fax) parking is never a problem! For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Real Estate Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5557 Don DuBois, Associate Real Estate Broker – 547-5105
Tim Donahue, Associate Real Estate Broker – 293-8874 Madeline Sansevere, Real Estate Salesperson – 435-4311 Cathy Raddatz, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8958 Jacqueline Savoie, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-4141 Michael Welch, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8502
For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, call 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com
MLS#86094 Fly Creek $349,000 This 4-bedroom, 2-bath, well maintained Colonial is located minutes from the Village of Cooperstown, Bassett Hospital and the world famous Baseball Hall of Fame. Built around 1900, it offers slate, tile and wood flooring, gas fireplace, full basement, detached garage. Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405
Bim Ashford 607-435-3971
Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183
Brian Guzy 607-547-7161
Laura Coleman 607-437-4881
Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697
Home of the Week Oneonta Schools! You will fall in love with this well cared for, tastefully updated home. Features of this 4 bedroom, 2 bath, include spacious rooms, first floor laundry and bath, and covered front and back porches. Home sits on a large lot with flower beds, perennials, mature trees and a 1 car garage with added storage or workshop space. Great home at a great price!
$145,000 MLS#95346
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-31, 2014
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
OneOnta • 75 Market Street 607-433-1020 COOperStOwn • State Hwy 28 607-547-5933
MLS#96570 $239,900 Pristine Lakefront Home! Furnished home has 4 BRs, 2 baths. Completely renovated! Great rental! Call William Vagliardo @ 607-287-8568 (cell)
MLS#97173 $349,000 Newer home in Fly Creek features 3 BRs and 3 baths on 1.95 acres. 4-stall horse barn. Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
MLS#94278 $499,000 Cooperstown/Pierstown – Custom built home has 4 BRs and 3 baths on 22 acres. Assessment $625,000. Yours for only $499,000. Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
MLS#95966 $199,900 Unique and Beautiful 4+ BRs, 3 baths Tudor home in Oneonta.wCathedral ceilings, HW floors, exposed beams, deck, goldfish pond. Storage shed/man cave. Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061 (cell)
MLS#97213 $73,500 This home on a corner lot in the village of Morris has 1,200 sq ft, 2 BRs, 1 bath. Close to school. 2-car garage. Call Frank Woodcock @ 607-435-1389 (cell)
MLS#96861 $569,000 Cooperstown 4-BR, 5-bath home on 6.20+/- acres. Cathedral ceilings, cherry floors, eat-in kitchen, formal DR, LR w/fireplace, ½ bath, 1st-floor master suite. Call Katherine L. Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)
MLS#95412 $264,999 Newer Construction! Pond-side home w/3-5 BRs, 2 baths on 20 wooded acres! Open floorplan, woodstove, cathedral ceilings, wood floors and huge deck. Full dry basement w/workshop. Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061 (cell)
MLS#96658 $279,900 Move-in condition log home 3 BR, 2 bath is just outside of Oneonta. LR w/cathedral ceilings and woodstove, spacious kitchen/dining area w/island. Deck w/views. Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#95484 $64,000 Affordable, solid 3-BR home in Morris w/dry basement, garage, nice yard. Priced to sell! Call or text Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#96795 $184,999 Great Location! 3-BR, 2-bath Colonial has open floorplan w/fireplace. Freshly painted, fantastic yard newly landscaped! Don’t miss out! Call Donna A. Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)
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MLS#95614 $134,000 2 SWs, small cabin, pavilion, screened bldg, garden shed and 6+/- acres of woods, and tranquility. Davenport. Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell) Virtual tour: www.realestateshows.com/725762
MLS#97019 $89,000 Great Location! Solid home w/newer floors and many revisions. Two pellet stoves and gas fireplace. Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell) Virtual Tour: www.realestateshows.com/740477
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for complete listings visit us at realtyusa.com
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AllOTSEGO.homes
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-31, 2014
MLS#97147 $170,000 Big Waterfalls/ Coop Schools/ Great Price! Ranch has eat-in kitchen w/island, 3 BRs, 2 baths. Open living area w/FP. Beautiful property, apple trees. Call Mark Frank @ 607-267-6612 (cell)
MLS#93225 $86,000 Adam Karns 607-244-9633 (cell) MLS#97004 $169,000 Renovated 3-BR, 2-bath home on 6.72 acres w/barn, Spacious 4 BR,w/workshop, 2 bath house issmall closecabin. to I-88.Exposed Large 2-car garage backyard,1st-flr workshop/garage, smalllaundry, shed. Make your beams, master BR, bath, porch. appointment Priced to@go607-267-2683 this week! (cell) Call Katherinetoday. L. Fistrowicz Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598
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MLS#97070 $107,900 $25k in Renovations! New hardwood floors, windows, wiring, insulation, barn (50’x30’) frost-free hydrant, water, electric. Home sits on 10.69 acres. Call Pamela V. Andela @ 315-717-1907 (cell)
MLS#94579 $59,000 Cherry Valley Hunter’s Paradise! 28 wooded acres along County Hwy 32. Great views! Great for building! Call George (ROD) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512
MLS#97103 3-BR, 2-bath home in Schenevus has 2,300 sq ft, and rear-addition family room w/propane heater. Call Frank Woodcock @ 607-435-1389 (cell)
MLS#96160 $275,000 Right Across from Dreams Park! Mint-condition home on 1.4 acres. Great rental for the 13 weeks… Call George (ROD) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 Virtual tour: www.rodshousetour.com
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MLS#94594 $249,000 Tranquility Awaits! Secluded 3-BR, 2-bath home w/cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors, stone fireplace, on 30.98 acres. Large barn/garage. Call Pamela V. Andela @ 315-717-1907 (cell)
MLS#95956 $245,000 Extra large home w/5 BRs, 5 baths, in-law apartment. Cooperstown Village home. pays rental! closing costs (up Close to Cooperstown. GreatSeller baseball to w/acceptable offer). Call$3,000 Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#97113 $69,000 Well maintained SW w/Florida room! 3 BRs, 2 baths, AC, SS appliances, shed, double lot and more. Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell) Virtual Tour: www.realestateshows.com/725738
MLS#96562 $479,900 Welcome Home! Stunning 4-BR, 2½-bath home on over 150 acres. No expense spared in renovation! Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607- 434-3026 (cell) Virtual Tour: www.kristioughhomes.com
$154,900 MLS#96745 Price Reduced! Set up your private showing today! Well maintained home in the west end of Oneonta has all of the big ticket items done: newer roof, windows, furnace, AC. 4 BRs, 2 baths, family room w/beautiful wood-burning fireplace, skylight, view of backyard. Large kitchen, formal DR and spacious LR. Nice front porch, 2-story/ 2-car garage, paved driveway and dry basement. $154,900 MLS#96256
Quality Home at an Affordable Price! This nicely upgraded 3 BR home offers all the comforts you could ever want without the high price tag. Light-filled open living areas on the first floor w/gorgeous oak hardwood floors, natural woodwork, radiant heat and a spacious upgraded kitchen. Lovely natural wood staircase leads to the second floor. All of the BRs have very large closets and the bath is large and nicely upgraded. Walk-up attic for extra storage space. Fenced backyard is like a mini-park w/large yard, play area, treehouse and garage complete w/workshop and woodstove.
Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
ASHLEY
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com
29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY
607-547-4045
PreStige eStAte on 80 AcreS
A LittLe SweetheArt
(7961) This 2 BR, 2 bath farmhouse offers formal DR, newer furnace, country kitchen, mud room, newer windows, wood flooring, hot water heat, updated electric, 2-car garage. All you want in comfort! 4 miles from Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$75,000
Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
cAPe cod on 4.5 AcreS
(7862) Historic 1840s Colonial w/rolling hills views. 4-BR, 2+ bath residence offers gracious LR, gas fireplace, formal DR w/access to stone front porch. Custom kitchen w/charming window seat, butler’s pantry. Custom closets and built-ins, wide pine plank flooring. Heated 2-car garage. Professionally landscaped. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Co-Exclusive—$775,000
(7905) Well designed 4-BR, 3-bath residence features modern kitchen w/oak cabinets and eating bar, DR, bonus room. Open floorplan, mainlevel master BR, patio. Just 4½ miles to Cooperstown. Warm your spirits here. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$264,900
AllOTSEGO.homes
CALL 607-547-6103 TO ADVERTISE IN REGION’S LARGEST REALTY SECTION/MORE ADS, A6
Shannon Stockdale
Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.
BUSINESS
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820
R E A LT Y
CONNOR
Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing!
LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM www.leatherstockingmortgage.com 607-547-5007 (Office) 800-547-7948 (Toll Free)
New Purchases and refinances • Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification • Fast Approvals • Low Rates Registered Mortgage Broker Matt Schuermann NYS Banking Dept. Loans arranged by a 3rd party lender. 31 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown (directly next door to Stagecoach Coffee)
Milford Village—Cute as a Button cottage style home built in 1828 with a 1970’s addition. Situated on a corner lot with a deep backyard, under house garage plus workshop area, back deck, and sweet front porch. This well taken care of home offers a parlor, formal dining room with wainscotted walls, kitchen, dining area plus very nice family room addition with bay window, door to the back deck, and attached bath with laundry. Upstairs are three bedrooms, a den or nursery, full bath and lots of cubbies and closets. Systems are updated and house is in move-in condition and fully applianced. This is the first time this home has been offered for sale in well over 40 years. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty—Priced to Sell at $79,000.
Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com For APPoiNtmeNt: Patricia Bensen-Ashley, Broker, 607-437-1149
Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 607-547-5304 • Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-547-8288 Christopher Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175
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