HOMETOWN ONEONTA 3-22-13

from the ASHES AFTER FIRE, RETIRED PROFS BACK IN FRANKLIN MOUNTAIN LOG HOME/B1

HOMETOWN ONEONTA !

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Complimentary

Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, March 22, 2013

Volume 5, No. 26

City of The Hills

CITY MANAGER’S FIRST STATE OF CITY SPEECH

Many NY Cities Broke; Not Oneonta, Long Says But Expenses Up, Revenues Down, Executive Asserts

CELEBRATES! Brian Horey/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OHS junior guard Mariah Ruff (22) was the high-scorer with 26 points, but not enough to keep top-ranked Irvington from a 55-53 loss in the Class B semi finals Friday, March 15, at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The Yellowjackets trailed by 14 points third quarter, but came within two points of tieing the score in the final seconds and forcing an overtime.

By LIBBY CUDMORE

O

ut of 61 cities in New York State, only nine are solvent – and one of the nine is Oneonta, City Manager Mike Long told a packed Common Council chambers Tuesday, March 19.

It was his first State of the City speech, and the first by an Oneonta city manager: Long, hired in Mike Long: September, is the first Costs up; revperson to hold that po- enues down. sition in the City of the Hills since a revised charter was approved by voters in November 2011.

Judging from a four-page executive summary he reviewed in his speech – the cover sheet for a 24-page detailed report on all aspects of city government – he has spent his first six months on the job obtaining an understanding of operations and challenges.

Please See SPEECH, A2

County Offers Training Class About FoI Law

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ailure to follow the state Freedom of Information Act caused judges to vacate approval of privatization of Otsego Manor.

Now, the county Planning Department is planning a training session for local officials on the FoI and Open Meetings Law 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in SUNY Oneonta’s Hunt Union Ballroom.

Featured speaker is Robert Freeman, executive director, state Commission on Open Government. To register, call 547-4225.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society is seeking community input on two upcoming exhibits: the Oneonta Fair and Homer Folks Hospital. If you have information, call the History Center at 432-0960.

CHECK THE WEB: New-

man Development Corp.’s 325-student housing complex was due before the city Planning Board at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 20. For story, photos, check www.allotsego.com

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

The Shops at Ford & Main show entrepreneurship is alive and well locally. Chamber President Brian Hutzley and Executive Director Barbara Ann Heegan discuss the venue with SUNY students Kasey Lightfoot, Caroline Curtis and Megan Harrington.

Chamber Leaders Claim Bully Pulpit President Hutzley, Executive Heegan Seek To Create Foundation For Success

By JIM KEVLIN

‘W

e feel like we’re in Boston or Montreal,” said SUNY Oneonta student Caroline Curtis, a New Paltz native who the other

day was just finishing lunch at The Shops at Ford & Main with two friends.

Caroline’s remark was music to the ears of Brian Hutzley, Otsego County Chamber board chairman, and Barbara Ann Heegan, executive director.

Many Performances, Plan Eyed For Oneonta Theatre

A few minutes earlier in an interview in the Chamber office on the second floor of 189 Main, they were detailing one of their priorities: To get as many SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College interns in local businesses Please See CHAMBER, A7

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OTOT President Patrice Macaluso unveiled a two-part plan to save the Oneonta Theatre: One, a full schedule of event; two, raising $35,000 for eminent theatre consultant Donald Webb to develop a strategic plan/SEE A7

Hartwick, SUNY Oneonta Jazz Talent To Join Marsalis Quartet At Foothills

By LIBBY CUDMORE

I

t was a chance to show off the Hartwick College Jazz Band to “topnotch” Branford Marsalis Quartet, but Dr. Jason Leo Curley decided he

Nick Kirkpatrick, Julia Tooker, Jack Tomlinson and Katie Orrell practice for the joint Hartwick College/SUNY Oneonta jazz orchestra to perform at Foothills with the Marsalis Quartet.

would be better showcasing ALL of Oneonta’s collegiate talent.

“I’d love to show off Hartwick, but I wanted to involve the greater music community,” said Curley.

With the Marsalis quartet performPlease See JAZZ, A3

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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Long: Economy Tightened, And So Did City’s Prospects SPEECH/From A1 “We need to identify what the mayor and council should be aware of as we move through these uncertain times,� Long said at the outset.

And at the conclusion, he wrapped up: “I hope this will lead to a discussion of ‘level of service’ that the city will continue to provide, balanced by increased consideration of revenues to offset increased expenses.�

That need to balance revenues with expenses was supported by many of the key points in his presentation, among them: • Looking back a decade, a surplus “fund balanceâ€? accumulated in the first few years has allowed the city’s solvency in the bad years that followed. • The economic dip since 2008 has reduced sales tax revenues, interest earnings, Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA mortgage recording fees, City Manager Mike Long passes out copies of home values and ability of his State of the City speech and supporting city residents to pay propdocumentation to council members, including erty taxes and fees.

Maureen Hennessy. In the background is city • Governor Cuomo’s 2 Finance Director Meg Hungerford. percent tax cap has “severe-

Mayor Miller contemplates Long’s remarks.

ly reduced the government’s ability to raise additional revenues.� • Stock market losses caused the state comptroller to increase municipal contributions to pension funds, and the city’s contribution has grown from $617,000 in 2008 to $1.5 million today, more than double. • While the cost of personnel rose $1 million, the number of City Hall em-

ployees dropped from 139 to 129. • While costs were rising, the city’s share of AIM (state aid to municipalities) dropped from $2.5 million to $2.2 million. • And sales-tax revenues have been flat. • Through all this, healthinsurance costs rose only slightly. “I have to tip my hat to those responsible for those negotiations,â€? he said. “It’s kept the city in the good position.â€?

In more specific terms, Long detailed what Mayor Miller has been saying – generally and in his three State of the City speeches since taking office in 2010.

Long characterizes it as being between a “rock and a hard place: revenues are down; costs are up and there’s no place to go.�

The speech took about 20 minutes and was accepted in silence. The only applause was for the crew at the city’s Waste-Water Treatment Plant when the city manager detailed improvements there.

Asked for a reaction, Miller repeated goals he has expressed in the past. For instance, “I’m committed to keeping people whole� – there have been no layoffs – “and that means that you have to sacrifice. So far, we’ve been able to do that without impacting services.�

In 2010, Miller rolled out a five-year planning process, and he has been updating it annually. “If we had a crystal ball, we could accurately see what the budget was going to be,� said Long. “But now, it’s just a prediction.� “Bottom line, we have trends,� said the mayor. “Expenses going up faster than revenue – that put us out of business. We have no control over pensions, sales tax or our ability to raise taxes. But if anybody’s going to get this right,� he added. “It’s us.�

Long summed it up this way: “I think we’re in a pretty good position. The five-year forecast has us anticipating expenses, trying to control as much as we can.�

Common Council Must Decide ‘Level of Service’ City Hall Should Provide Editor’s Note: This is the text of City Manager Mike Long’s executive summary to his State of the City speech delivered to a packed Common Council chambers Tuesday, March 19.

T

o Mayor Miller and Members of the City Council: As per the City of Oneonta Charter, the City Manager is required to complete a “State of the City Report� as soon as practical in the beginning of the New Year. Although the Finance Department is closing the 2012 financial statements, the attached report will identify many of the financial issues that the city must be aware of.

While there is not a standard formula for the information contained in this report, I have tried to give historical data and information of the city over the last three (3) or so years. This data varies depending upon the information available.

Much of this is actual data,

while more current years are utilizing budgeted figures.

Depending upon the information available, if actual numbers are not available, then adopted budget data is used. This may be confusing when going through the various slides. My intent is to identify trends that the Mayor and Council should be aware as the city moves through uncertain times ahead. I plan to verbally discuss the various financial slides contained within the first 13 pages of the document that were prepared by our Director of Finance Meg Hungerford which played a valuable role in the development and presentation of this overall report.

I can make the following observations that summarize the findings contained within: • The NYCOM indicates that there are only nine cities out of the 61 cities in the State of New York that are financially solvent at this time and that the City of Oneonta is one of these few.

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• Over the last 10 years, the city has during the early years collected more revenue than its expenditures which has led to an accumulation of “fund balance’’ that the city has available. • Since 2008, the national and statewide economic downturn has had a serious impact on all of the cities across the State of New York, which has affected sales tax revenues, interest earnings, mortgage recording fees, the values of home and the ability of residents to continue to pay increased property taxes and fees. • Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed and had the legislation adopted that has significantly limited all municipal and governmental organizations from raising additional revenues by the “Adoption of the 2% Tax Levy Cap’’. This has severely reduced the government’s ability to raise additional revenues unless there is a public hearing and super majority vote to exceed the tax levy cap. • The property tax revenue for Oneonta is approximately 29.4% of our total revenues in 2012 which equates to a Tax Cap limited increase of $85,454 or about 0.058% of our entire budget (much less than 2%) as the tax levy is only a small portion of our revenues. • The New York State Comptroller has significantly raised the municipal retirement and contribution rates to compensate for the 2008 stock market losses.

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FULL REPORT: 24 pages of detail on the City of Oneonta’s financial picture may be view at: www.allotsego.com

individual responsible, he can set the rate annually at will. Since 2008, the city’s retirement contributions alone have grown from $616,892 to $1,478,465 in 2012 or an increase of $861,573. • The “Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010â€?’ (HR 4872) and the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Actâ€? has been put into effect.

The true cost of implementing Health Care legislation for the City of Oneonta in future years is uncertain. • Over the last three years, the total budgeted cost of operations for the city has grown nearly $3 million; this includes Capital Projects of $739,000 added to the budget in 2012. Historically, funding for Capital Projects has not been part of the adopted budget. • During this same time, the General Fund cost of personnel (salaries and benefits) has increased nearly $1 million, which is about one third of the increased overall costs. The General Fund Revenue grew by $1,075,997. • The number of city staff has decreased from 139 to the current level of 129 or a reduction of 7.2% of the workforce over this same three-year period. • For the entire organization, the cost of Retirement and Health Insurance costs

of $2,842,375 in 2008 have risen to $4,144,629 in 2012 or $1,302,254 increase in four years or a 45.8% increase. • The New York State Aid for Municipal Government (AIM) has been reduced in recent years. Governor Cuomo has vowed that governments in general need to cut costs and/or merge with others. In 2008, the city received $2,349,730 in AIM revenue which over the last three years was reduced $1 17,873 to the 2011 amount of $2,231,857. • Sales Tax revenues dropped since the 2008 downturn in the economy and have recently returned to about the same level.

Otsego County Sales Tax collection is trailing the State of New York numbers.

We collected $4,014,045 in 2008 and $4,049,177 in 2011, an increase of only $35,132. • The General Fund for 2012 is $14,781,558 or 74.2% of the overall adopted budget of $19,921,485. • The city budget includes the use of “Fund Balanceâ€? over the last several years due to increased overall operating expenses. While the city still maintains a strong Fund Balance, long-term operating deficits will erode this position. • The Five-Year Budget Forecast that the city has been using is a good tool to anticipate long-term effects of short-term budgeting decisions. • On a more positive note, the city completed Phase One of the Spruce Street reconstruction, the Dietz

Street Parking Lot and the Methane dome system for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. These are long term investments in the community that were much needed. • The Johnson Controls Project was a $2.4 million major initiative, blended roof replacements with energy savings and new $1.5 million water meter system to control energy costs. The energy savings cue projects to cover the additional debt costs. • The City also implemented the KVS accounting software system which all departments utilize and has been a major factor in efficiency measures. • Mayor Miller has been correct when describing that the City of Oneonta must reconfigure spending or revenues to balance operating budgets. • In conclusion, I hope that this will lead to a discussion of level of service that the city will continue to provide, balanced by increased consideration of revenues to offset increased expenses.

I am available to discuss this report in much further detail. This exercise will form the baseline data that will be used over the next several years to chart progress. As soon as actual year-end data is available, we shall prepare a report to the City Council on the final numbers. All the department heads are working diligently to decrease operating costs and at the same time increase revenues.

MICHAEL H. LONG City Manager

AllOTSEGO.com

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HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

HOMETOWN People

PASTOR MEL’S SHOW EXPANDS TO 90 MINUTES

SUBOXONE

“Gospel Hymns Request Time,” Pastor Mel Farmer’s show on WDOS-AM, will be expanded to 90 minutes, beginning Palm Sunday, the pastor of Oneonta’s River Street Baptist Church announced. Here he confers on the program’s format with George Wells, general manager, Townsquare Media, in the Chestnut Street studios. Pastor Mel’s show features Billy Gaither, the Statler Brothers, Johnny Cash and other Gospel favorites.

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

ONC BOCES Visual Arts and Media Technology seniors Tori Couse, Oneonta, Sara Eichhorn, Laurens, Katie Monser, Cooperstown, Meghan Stoner, Morris, Dezaray Bigas, Oneonta and Ann Kiehan stopped by the Hometown Oneonta/Freeman’s Journal offices on Monday, March 4 to learn about newspaper production. Here, reporter Libby Cudmore demonstrates how to lay out a newspaper page.

Hartwick, SUNY Bands To Play With Marsalis Quartet JAZZ/From A3 ing Sunday, April 7, at Foothills, Curley decided to resurrect the Inter-Collegiate Jazz Band that had performed together on the Foothills stage during April – Jazz Appreciation Monday – in distant 2009.

“We had a huge crowd; everyone brought their friends,” said Curley, chairman of Hartwick’s Music

IF YOU GO: Branford Marsalis Quartet, 8 p.m., Sunday, April 7, Foothills. Hartwick and SUNY jazz bands begin performing in Atrium at 6:30. Tickets at 4312080, or foothillspac.org Department. Although wellreceived, the bands never played together again.

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Until now.

Though Foothills supported the idea from the beginning, Curley had to make sure it the quartet didn’t mind sharing the limelight.

“I called their agent and asked if they’d let us open for them,” he said. “They were very supportive of the idea.”

Curley then contacted Dr. Art Falbush in SUNY Oneonta’s Music Department. “They have Jazz Fest the following week, but I didn’t want them to not be included,” he said.

Falbush agreed too.

And Curley will be playing, but he wanted to be fully inclusive. He turned the director’s baton over to Gary LiCalzi, South Kortright Central School’s music director.

And he reached out to other high school band directors, asking them to help fill out the Hartwick band.

Despite a series of hectic performance schedules, Falbush and LiCalzi managed to squeeze in time to rehearse. “They’re so excited,” said Curley. “They’re really working to make this a chart-topping event.”

The students are excited too, and not just at the prospect of $10 tickets. According to Curley, as soon as the concert was announced, tickets started selling “like crazy.” “The students are pumped,” he said. “They wanted to go already, and knowing that they’ll be part if it – they’re looking forward to every single note.

It’s an event for them. It’s an evening.”

The Hartwick jazz band will perform in the atrium starting at 6:30, followed by the SUNY jazz band. The two will then combine for a few songs, including a rendition of “Jeep’s Blues,” showcasing soloists from both schools. At 8 p.m., they’ll turn over the stage to the Branford Marsalis Quartet at 8 p.m.

And Curley doesn’t want to see another half decade go by before they play together again. “It’s infrequent, but Foothills is interested in other joint ventures,” he said.

It’s important to get the colleges involved in Foothills, Curley noted, “So it’s not just another artist coming in to play for an hour and 15 minutes.”

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HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

EDITORIAL

The Heart Says ‘Yes’ To Saving Otsego Manor, But The Head...

C

ounty Rep. Pauline Koren, R-Milford, put it this way: “In my heart, I don’t want to sell it. But in my brain, I know we’re doing the right thing.”

It was telling that five of six county reps – three Republicans, three Democrats – at the first of three informational meetings on the future of Otsego Manor Saturday, March 16, at the Worcester American Legion agreed with her.

And they said their constituents agreed with them, (particularly those who call, saying any tax increase will force them from their homes.)

The sixth rep, John Kosmer, D-Fly Creek, said he believes a majority of his constituents want to see Otsego Manor saved, which is why he developed the Kosmer Plan, which seeks a combination of union concessions and revenue from a .25 percentile increase in sales tax to reduce The Manor’s growing deficit. (It will soon claim 50 percent of the county’s $10 million tax levy.)

But even Kosmer, discouraged that only a dozen members of the public showed up in Worcester, said, “I’ve done my job.”

For the Kosmer Plan to happen, there has to be an outpouring of public support that wasn’t evident there.

•

IF YOU GO: The county board is planing two more informational sessions on The Manor: Saturday, March 23, at the county courthouse, Cooperstown, and Saturday, April 6, at Oneonta High School. Both are at 1:30 p.m.

Before we go any further, let’s stipulate that the vast majority of people in Otsego County agree with Koren: In our hearts, we want to preserve Otsego Manor as it is; in our heads, it becoming harder and harder see our way clear.

Further, let’s agree that the continuing efforts of Maureen and Fred Culbert of East Springfield to rally support for keeping The Manor in public hands are praiseworthy in the extreme.

The Culberts have nothing to gain. Maureen was simply inspired by the quality of care her mother received at The Manor during her last months to embark on her worthy crusade.

The humanity of The Manor – Hilda Wilcox and John Webb fully captures it in their reflections elsewhere on this page – is something everyone in Otsego County should honor. It makes all of us proud.

Still, in listening to the Worcester presentation by county Rep. Kay Stuligross,

D-Oneonta, who chairs The Manor Committee, by Manor director Ed Marchi and by Kosmer, it seems clear The Manor will simply become more and more of a burden on county finances as time goes on.

• First, state and federal reimbursements will continue to decline. It costs $366.98 a day to care for a Manor resident; the Medicaid reimbursement – it applies to 75 percent of the residents – is $190 a day.

If anything, the reimbursement will continue dropping due to “regional pricing,” which reimburses counties based on the average regional cost. The Manor’s pay scales are way above the region’s, and the county must pick up the gap. To give just one instance from Stuligross’ presentation: At Otsego Manor, the range of CNA (certified nursing assistant) wages is $14.39-$16.88 per hour; regionally, it is $10.85-$13.06. Locally, CNA benefits are an additional $7.63 per hour; regionally, $3.41.

That’s more than $7 per hour, per 70 CNAs, 24 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. And that’s just one category. Good wages and benefits are not a negative, but the county is in a situation where it is being punished for being above average.

ning for the doors, the way it appeared to be a year ago.

The RFP seeking private bids emphasizes “quality,” and that must be paramount.

The county has contracted with the Rochester-based Center for Governmental Research, a non-profit founded by George Eastman that has 100 years of providing “fact-based, objective research and analysis.” And with Harris Beach, a law firm with offices through Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal Upstate New York with Otsego Manor director Ed Marchi and county specific expertise.

Reps. Kay Stuligross and John Kosmer, detail The Save Our Manor adherManor future Saturday, March 16, in Worcester. ents might be wise to shift the focus from keeping The In an interview a few chi. Otsego Manor, with is Manor as it is to ensuring it weeks ago, Marchi profive “neighborhoods” and passes into the best hands. posed that unionized Manor pleasant living conditions, This conclusion is employees accept the upper is a “social model.” Under reached with regret. Otsego end of the regional scale the new regimen, nursManor is an admirable to help bring county costs ing homes will revert to institution, one that we can down. Even if that were to the “medical model,” one be proud of, but one that happen, that would simply Marchi likened to an ICU. does not appear sustainable drive down the regional People will live at home given forces well beyond average, further eroding the until they are seriously ill, Otsego County’s boundaries county’s reimbursement. moving to The Manor only or control.

Continued public ownership in their very final days.

But, please, don’t take is a downward spiral.

All the trends are moving our word for it. The county • away from The Manor that board is planning two more In Worcester, Marchi we revere, and the money sessions, at 1:30 p.m. Saturraised another issue: Obam- to support this model is day, March 22, at the county acare, which will begin tak- moving with it. Even a ing hold in 2014, will shift per-person fee, like MOSA, courthouse in Cooperstown, and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, eldercare to a managed-care of $100 or $200 per perApril 6, at Oneonta High model. Money will move son, would not ensure The School. from supporting institutions Manor’s survival, even if Certainly, people of like Otsego Manor into that were affordable, and to good will can disagree. homecare, enabling people many, it isn’t.

And we would welcome to stay in their houses.

• being proved wrong. But The Meadows, the The good news – and the privatization of Otsego county’s former nursthis was repeated again and Manor, regrettably, seems ing home, was based on a again at Worcester – is that inevitable. “medical model,” said Mar- the county board isn’t run-

letters

Mayor Miller Wrong, But Educable On Gas Pipeline To the Editor: Whereas I appreciate the effort of Hometown Oneonta to give more indepth coverage of local politics, I was uncomfortable with several miscues printed in the March 8 editorial on Page A4. You loosely described me as a “Sustainable Otsego adherent” rather than as an independent leader who galvanized the Butternuts area to speak out against fracking.

What’s worse, you egregiously stated that at the county Democratic Committee meeting, I “took pains to differentiate between fracking and the Constitution pipeline.” Nothing could be further from the truth! In the meeting, I stated very clearly that I strongly disagreed with Mayor Miller on the issue of pipeline, but that I believed he was “educable.”

I suggest that the mayor entertain a private meeting with representatives from “Stop the Pipeline” for a respectful exchange of views on this issue.

It is puzzling to me

how “snake oil salesmen,” such as those who shill for oil and gas interests, are welcomed into communities with opened arms and instantly trusted by decision makers with virtually no scrutiny, by merely waving dollar signs in the air.

On the other hand, those who live in, contribute to, and care about the community, rather than exploit it, are dismissed out of hand.

Since the pipeline developers have explicitly stated, “Leatherstocking intends to connect to existing and new gas production ... to the Constitution Pipeline,” I hardly see how Mayor Miller can deny the obvious.

In another false step, your editorial characterized the committee’s vote to allow Miller to appear on the Democratic line in November as “backpedaling.” Why this choice of words? There was a simple up and down vote on the matter, and that was that. Where’s the “backpedaling” there?

TERESA WINCHESTER Town of Butternuts

ISSUE & DEBATE

Never Forget: We Are Our Brothers’ Keepers

By JOHN B. WEBB

A

s I write, I am looking at an article from the April 18, 1958, issue of the Oneonta Star bearing the headline, “$480,000 County Home Bonds Sold,” clipped by my grandmother and placed prominently in her scrapbook of family memorabilia.

The picture accompanying the article shows then-county attorney Sterling Harrington; county treasurer Bernice Jones, and my father, Badgley Webb of Roseboom, who was then chairman of the county’s Board of Supervisors, at the signing of the bonds that would finance the construction of The Meadows, The Manor’s predecessor.

I was a young man at that time, but I vividly remember the significance of this event from the phone calls, the get-togethers of county and town officials at our home, and my father’s dinnertime reports of the deliberations surrounding the decision to move forward with this major project.

I even remember the preparations for the trip that Bernice, Sterling and my dad took to New York City for the official signing of the bonds.

I was present with my parents for

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the grand opening of The Meadows with speeches extolling the quality of care that residents would receive in the home and infirmary, the guided tour, the excitement and pride that prevailed, and the jokes with Guy Maddelone, then Board chair, about whether any of the Board members

who had supported The Meadows’ construction would end up there one day. (My father died – at The Manor – in 2007.)

There was a recognition shared among all involved that this was a costly undertaking and that it reprePlease See WEBB, A6

Manor Preserves Uniqueness Of Each Resident

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

John B. Webb retrieved this April 18, 1958, newspaper clipping from his grandmother’s scrapbook, showing his father, Badgley Webb (standing), then chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, and others signing the bond issue for The Meadows, The Manor’s predecessor.

By HILDA WILCOX

O

ne thing I have learned from life is that, in some ways, we are all alike. Whether we are rich or poor, handsome or plain, smart or not so smart, the one thing we all want – deep down, never to lose – is our sense of our own identity. We want to be known as the unique persons we are and nobody else is.

What we see when we see residents of The Manor are people whose sense of identity has remained intact. They are still pretty much the same people who went there to live, and the staff

sees them as who they are and treats them that way.

There are other nursing homes I’ve visited that aren’t that way – where even if you are called by your first name, you aren’t really you. You’re just that resident who gives them trouble or doesn’t give them trouble, who is sedated or is not sedated. And when you die – well, you die, and the right forms must be filled out and the right relatives notified.

What I’m talking about is the dignity of the human being and how an institution can help us to keep intact that dignity – or lose it. None of us wants to go into that next world as a thing.

I see The Manor, thanks to the quality of the people who work there, as the kind of people we want around us when we can’t do as much for ourselves as we could do before.

When we have a good thing like that, we can’t afford to lose it. We’ve got to use all the ingenuity we can put together from all our citizens – not just the county board alone – to save it.

We’ve got to believe we can pool our insights to make the changes we will need to make – to save Otsego Manor.

Hilda Wilcox, an educator long active in community causes, lives in Cooperstown.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

History

HOMETOWN

Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library

125 Years Ago

A Big Fire in Oneonta Early This Morning -- $50,000 More Gone to Blazes – At about five o’clock this morning people were roused from slumber by a din of whistles and clang of bells that made it tolerably evident a considerable fire was underway. Those who hurried into Main Street were speedily aware that the “wooden row” was again in for it. The fire appears to have been first discovered by men in the railroad yard, who represent it as bursting from the rear windows of the basement under the store occupied

by A. & M. Krohn, in the Geo. Reynolds block at the foot of Chestnut Street. It spread, we need hardly say, with great rapidity. The firemen were quickly on the scene, and notwithstanding some difficulty with the hydrants, two or three of which were frozen, or refused to work, had four streams playing within a brief period. But, the flames being mainly in the basements at the rear of the buildings, and the blocks unbroken for a long distance, it was impossible to get in any very effective work. The flames made rapid progress, the dry and in the main light-built structures offering small resistance. Within 50 minutes from the first alarm, the Reynolds building had fallen in; the Huntington and Strong buildings speedily followed, and soon after the Fritts building, this last fortunately crashing toward the fire’s center and leaving the Vosburgh and Miller building tolerably clear. The list of losses runs heavy, but those losing are pretty well protected. Jeweler Adams appears to be the heaviest loser. Talk now is that Chestnut Street must be extended to meet Mechanic to eliminate the dangerous and inconvenient continuity of buildings on the south side of Main Street March 1888

100 Years Ago

When someone hands you a nice new shiny “BuffaloIndian” nickel in change, be sure to examine it closely; for in the few weeks that the new coins have been in circulation have given the counterfeiters more than enough time to duplicate the five-cent coin exactly – but in lead. So well has the work been done that the only difference the ordinary person will notice is the absence of any “ring” when the counterfeit is dropped. In every detail it is apparently like the new coin; yet experts say that one of the feathers in the noble Red Man’s headdress is a bit shorter than it ought to be. A few of these coins have been found in Oneonta the present week.

March 1913

80 Years Ago

Demountable lips, demountable eyelashes, demountable noses, demountable fingernails, ear tacks, muscle oil, arti-

Hornell, said their proposal would cost the state about $157 million a year. “The state would lose $191.2 million in tuition revenues,” they said in a joint statement, “but would gain $34 million used to fund Regents scholarship and Scholar Incentive grants above the statutory minimum.”

Henderson voted against tuition at the State University when it was established about 10 years ago. Free tuition will obviate the need for the present complex student aid system based on family circumstances and the substantial administrative costs which it requires, the two men said.

March 1973

60 Years Ago

30 Years Ago

March 1953 ficial eye sparkle and tiny pictures and letters for fingernail decoration were the talk of the four-day convention and exhibition of the International Beauty Shop Owners Association which opened Monday at the Hotel Pennsylvania.

The detachable fingernails were invented by Maxine Burke.

They are of a flexible composition, can be shaped and filed like real fingernails and come in all colors with perfect halfmoons. They are for the typist whose nails are worn down by her work or for the debutante who wants long, perfect nails to match her gown. Miss Burke also invented the demountable eyelashes and the demountable lips and noses.

“Many women with straight noses, who want that saucy look, sigh for a ‘retrousse’ nose. “We get a wax impression of the inside of her nose – she can breathe through her mouth while it is being done – and then make a gold-plated frame that will give the desired shape. The gold-plated nose shapers sell for around $35 and are made to order.

March 1933

Fashion – The key words from Paris are “narrow, fitted, simple, slinky, lean and dressy.” Hair is short and simple, close to the head to follow the fitted fashion feeling. Styles are cropped at the nape and spill over the forehead to cover brows with ears exposed to reveal chunky earrings. There are two major fashion shapes – the fitted, form-defining ‘waisted’ look, especially popular in daywear suits; and the long, lean lines of dropped-waist casual and evening fashions. Suits are dressier than ever, with structured, fitted forms, and glove and hat accessories. Hemlines range from ankle to mid-thigh. Flat heels are right with short, casual skirts, but high heels are required to complement dressier day and evening wear. Colors are earthy – copper, bronze, khaki, sage, milky peach, deep sand and sweet pea. Twotoned looks are popular.

March 1983

20 Years Ago

Whether in a horse show ring or on stage at a beauty pageant, the toughest part of competing is measuring up to yourself, said Nicole Barnhart, 17, of Mt. Upton, the newly crowned Miss Otsego Teenager who was chosen by judges from among sixteen girls and five finalists in competition in Slade Theatre, Yager Hall, at Hartwick College. “Winning is just the extra something that really is the icing on the cake.”

March 1993

10 Years Ago

Grant applications are available from the Catskill Watershed Corp. for non-profit organizations and businesses planning economic development projects. A total of $800,000 has been allocated for 2003 for grants that create Tuition would be abolished for undergraduate students at and retain jobs, revitalize hamlets and Main Streets, develop cultural programs and nonprofit projects, and enhance community colleges and State University campuses across the state, under terms of a proposal advanced Wednesday in natural resource-based industry in the region. Proposed projects have a positive economic impact.

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40 Years Ago

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3/8/13 4:43 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA LETTERS

We’re Brothers’ Keepers

Repeal Out-Of-Date Second Amendment To the Editor: The March county board meeting, refreshingly open to the public, provided a forum with regard to gun laws as well as the question concerning the disposition of The Manor.

Most speakers about gun laws urged the board to send a resolution to the governor and the Assembly demanding repeal of Cuomo’s recent gun-control legislation. Two speakers urged moderated discussion and one, the writer, urged repeal of the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment should be repealed, not because it provides unlimited permission for individuals to possess and carry any type of weapon – it does not. The problem is that people who want to think so think that it does, and then they stop thinking. In fact, the Supreme Court has held that, “Like most rights, the Second Amendment is not unlimited.

It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”

Writing for the majority in District of Columbia v. Heller (2010), Scalia wrote: “Nothing ... should be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying

of firearms in sensitive places ... or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of firearms.”

But the Second Amendment should be repealed anyway, because it is an anachronistic document, with roots in 17th century English law pertaining to the authority of the King and the suppression of Protestants

by Catholics, and American roots in the support of support of State militias to suppress slave revolts.

As stunningly tragic as the events such as Newtown are, they are the tip of the iceberg.

In 2010, over 31,000 Americans were killed in homicides, suicides and unintentional shootings. Nearly 74,000 were treated in Emergency Rooms for non-fatal gunshot wounds.

Firearms-related deaths are one of the top three causes of death in American Youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics says it “continues to support a number of specific measures to reduce the destructive effects of guns in the lives of children and adolescents, including the regulation of the manufacture, sale, purchase, ownership, and use of firearms; a ban on semiautomatic assault weapons; and the strongest possible regulations of handguns for civilian use.”

The American Academy of

Pediatrics has also found that “Adolescent suicide risk is strongly associated with firearm availability. Safe gun storage (guns unloaded and locked, ammunition locked separately) reduces children’s risk of injury. Physician counseling of parents about firearm safety appears to be effective…”

Under pressure from the NRA, the Florida State Legislature passed a law making it a criminal offense for physicians to discuss gun safety with patients (the Florida Supreme Court subsequently overturned it). Let’s argue about that.

A recently released study

by Boston Children’s Hospital found that states with more gun control laws have less gun violence. Let’s argue about that.

An argument advanced at the county board meeting cited the supposed loss of revenue from fishing and hunting licenses and associated commercial revenues, should the current legislation be maintained. Do people really angle with AK47s? Let’s argue about that.

But let’s argue, and advance thoughtful arguments, with the Second Amendment out of the way. All it does at this point is provide false justification for a culture of fantasy and its attendant violence.

MARY ANNE WHELAN, MD

Cooperstown

WEBB/From A4 sented a seriously challenging commitment of county resources and taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. This was a group of fiscal conservatives who would make even today’s advocates of budgetary caution stand at attention, so they did not take any of this lightly.

What left a lasting impression on me was that, in spite of all the concerns over the magnitude of the investment, not one of them questioned, not for one moment, the importance of the county’s having and overseeing a first-rate facility where its citizens would have a guarantee of growing old and infirm with dignity, personal, psychological and financial.

They believed that it was not only a politically desirable action, but it was the human thing to do. The presence of such a facility, run by the people and not by some outside corporation, made Otsego County a safer and more humane place in which to live. THAT was the spirit behind what was happening in the picture in the Star that day.

Everywhere we turn these days, we find ourselves facing increased disassociation from the ideal that we are our brothers’ keepers. The excuse is, more often than not, a lack of money, and our current County legislators offer that as the excuse for selling The Manor.

They should realize that back in 1958, the burden on the county’s budget for the construction and then the future maintenance of The Meadows was very heavy, but that did not overshadow their sense of commitment to and responsibility for the well-being of their constituents.

Over the years, countless people,

many of whom we have known personally, and our own family members have relied on these county-owned and county-run facilities in the most critical times of life, among them illness, disability, old age and death.

And indeed, it has made Otsego County a safer and more humane place in which to live.

The county representatives insist that they will not let The Manor go without appropriate safeguards and oversight, but we all know that to believe their rhetoric is naivete in its most acute form. Turning it over to private operators condemns the institution, its residents and the people who care for them to the bottom-line of corporate profit margins without any substantial local control over the quality of care given or received.

I keep hoping, optimistically, that the legislators will have a change of heart and realize, just as their predecessors did back in 1958, that keeping The Manor is the right and humane thing to do, that it is our God-given responsibility to be our brothers’ keepers, that the people who go to the manor are worthy of the collective cost to the community, and that the county will continue to fund it.

The darker pessimistic side of me fears that The Manor’s sale is a done deal. Sadly, if it is, today’s county representatives will be turning their backs on an admirable and respectable legacy left to them by those who were motivated to govern humanely (and conservatively), and Otsego County will be seriously diminished by their thoughtless actions.

John B. Webb resides in the Town of Otsego.

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ONEONTA – Enid S. Vila, 73, described as a “good mother and good friend” passed away March 3, 2013 at the Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta.

She was born September 14, 1939 in Decatur, the daughter of Earl and Ida (Weatherly) Miller.

Enid was a good mother and a good friend. She loved visiting with friends and family. She also loved going to church, reading, listening to music, cooking, candy and family gatherings.

She is survived by a sister, Elaine Andrews of Oneonta; children, Laura & Earl Fessenden of Walton, Jill and James Carmody of Treadwell, Tracy & Debra Vila of Las Vegas, NV; several grandchildren and

great grandchildren; a loving niece and caregiver, Cheryl Amo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Miller and a sister, Earlene Illenberg.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at the West Davenport Free Baptist Church in West Davenport, with the pastor Stephen Estes, officiating.

Interment at the West Oneonta Cemetery will be at a later date.

Donations may be made to the West Davenport Free Baptist Church, PO Box 31, West Davenport, NY 13860.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

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her nose in a good book, even while watching her favorite NASCAR races!

She is survived by her mother Beverly Drake of Hartwick, NY; her husband, Edward Skillen, Jr. of Milford; her daughters, Gabriella and Natasha Skillen of Milford; her brother, Douglas Sargeant (Natalie) of Laurens; her sisters, Melody (Keith) Fritts of West Laurens, and Heather Drake of Raleigh, NC; as well as by several nieces and nephews.

Susan was predeceased by her father Stanley “Stub” Drake in 2010.

A graveside memorial service was held Monday, March 25 in the Hartwick Cemetery.

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MILFORD – Susan Drake-Skillen, 45, a career nurse who worked for At Home Care Inc, died Friday, March 15, 2013 after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Born May 23, 1967 in Stamford, the daughter of Stanley and Beverly (Whitbeck) Drake, Susan received her Associates Degree in Nursing from SUNY Morrisville. Nursing was her passion and she spent many years pursuing her dream of caring for others. Throughout her nursing career, she traveled to many homes with At Home Care, Inc. She was also a dedicated and long-time employee of Bassett Hospital where her kind, patient and compassionate nature touched the lives of countless patients.

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husband, Bill Ryall of Worcester; her son and daughter-in-law, Will and Allison Ryall of Raymond, Maine; her daughter, Erin Ryall Smith, and Doug Mosher of Westmoreland; her grandchildren, Sydney, Jessica, Joshua, Nick, Hannah, Matt, Kelsey, Keegan and impending new arrival; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don and Trish Ryall, Sue Ryall and Al Charsky; nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 17 at the Second Baptist Church, 132 Main St., Worcester, with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle, pastor, officiating.

Interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197 or to the Worcester Free Library, P.O. Box 461, Main Street, Worcester, NY 12197.

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WORCESTER – Marilyn S. Ryall, 66, a former Fox Hospital technician, passed away following a brief illness, Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Fox Hospital.

She was born June 18, 1946, in Cortland, the daughter of Howard and Helen (Taylor) Miller.

Marilyn grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School.

She then went on to earn a Medical Technician degree at SUNY Cobleskill and a degree in English at SUNY Oneonta.

She married William “Bill” R. Ryall on March 26, 1967, in Ithaca.

Prior to retirement, she worked at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, as a medical technician.

Marilyn was an avid reader and a quilter. She volunteered at the Worcester Free Library where she was a moderator for the evening reading group.

She and her husband, Bill loved traveling both domestically and abroad, especially enjoying their time in France.

She is survived by her

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by a grandson, Jason; his brothers, Charles, Louis, Paul, and Joseph Vagliardo; a niece, and also his goddaughter, Charlene Vagliardo, and daughter-inlaw, Debra Vagliardo.

A funeral mass was held Wednesday, March 20, at St. Mary’s Church, with the Rev. Bernard Ampong, officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Driving Smarter…There’s money to be saved at Scoville

Marilyn S. Ryall, 66; Moderated Worcester Evening Book Club

Day” and the crane he operated is now owned by the Cooperstown/Charlotte Valley Railroad.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, American Legion Post 259, and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1260.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Vagliardo of Oneonta, John Vagliardo and his wife, Sherry, of Oneonta, Concetta Vagliardo of Latham, and Louis Vagliardo and his wife, Karen, of Oneonta; four grandsons, William, Vincent and Jared Vagliardo of Oneonta and Shane Vagliardo of Fla; a brother, Carmen Vagliardo, Sr. of Winter Haven, Fla., and a sister, Rosalie Simmons, of Oneonta, and many nieces and nephews.

Meno

for his fortitude and conspicuous bravery defending the field against a German attack of multiple Vagliardo aircraft.

Jim retired in 1985 after 43 years of service in on the crane of the D&H. He lived on West Broadway, abutting the D&H yards, and so had witnessed many of the significant developments in the railroad’s history during the 20th century, which he recorded in notebooks and with photos.

He was featured in the documentary “All The Livelong

Driving Smarter…There’s money to be saved at Scoville

ONEONTA – James C. Vagliardo, 89, a decorated World War II veteran who was one of the last living repositories of the D&H railroad’s glory days here, passed away Sunday at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on March 14, 1924, in Oneonta’s Sixth Ward, one of four sons of Giuseppe and Concetta (Sarano) Vagliardo.

He married Dominica “Mimi” Vaccaro on June 1, 1946; she predeceased him on May 16, 2005.

Jim served in the Army during World War II as a machine gunner in Central Europe, Northern France and the Rhineland, receiving a commendation from Lt. Gen. George S. Patton

Allautomart OTSEGO.

Driving Smarter…There’s money to be saved at Scoville

James C. Vagliardo, 89; WWII Veteran Was Second In a Four-Generation Railroad Family

Meno

IN MEMORIAM

Driving Smarter…There’s money to be saved at Scoville

B-6

*Combined EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-2

FOTOT’S Macaluso Declares:

Strategic Plan For Theaters Needed

Interns, Networking, Programs, Yes; But Also Tell County’s Happy Story

CHAMBER/From A1 as possible in hopes they will remain here after graduation.

OTOT, the Friends of the Oneonta “They’ve never been Theatre, are seeking support for a asked to stay,” said Heegan, $35,000 study by the premiere comwho is two-thirds through munity-theater planning firm, Webb Manher first year on the job and agement Service, to help guide the develophas already recruited 61 ment of the city’s thespian community. new members. “They were “They don’t just make a plan and give never aware of the opportuit to you,” Patrice Macaluso, FOTOT nities.” president, briefed a gathering of theater The Chamber itself has Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA enthusiasts Saturday, March 16, at the Patrice Macaluso addresses sup10 interns, provided by History Center. “They come to town for porters. Front row, from left, RoSUNY’s Megan Ackley and four months and sit down with organizasalie Higgins, Doug Hallberg and Hartwick’s Melissa Maritions who will use the theater – colleges, Janet Potter. Second row, Celeste etta. students, Orpheus, Glimmerglass, even Thomas and Kathy Meeker.

“It’s incredible how many Goodrich Theatre – and get a sense of the interns continue workupgrades to the train station.” arts community.” ing with their employers,” Proctor’s also took over the Palace TheTaking into account seasonal visitors and said Hutzley, who lives in atre and the Capital Rep, both which were economic profiles as a “scan” of the audiGarrattsville and commutes facing closures. ence, Webb develops a budget, a board, a daily to Albany.

She also cited the Bardavon in Poughfive-year plan, even a profile of who to hire, The two were interviewed keepsie, which, on Webb’s advice, partwhat order to hire them in, and what to pay. in advance of the Annual nered with the nearly bankrupt Hudson Macaluso, who also chairs SUNY Banquet & Appreciation of Valley Philharmonic and the Ulster PerOneonta’s Theatre Department, credits Business Friday, March 22, forming Arts Center in Kingston, saving Webb with the revitalization of Proctor’s at SUNY Oneonta’s Hunt three historic institutions in the process. in Schenectady. “It’s astounding what the Union Ballroom, which Of the cost, Macaluso said, “As far as community has done with that building,” is also the culmination of I’m concerned, that’s a great bargain.

We she said. “They leveraged it into economic Otsego County Chamber need to figure out the best mode of moving development – restaurants, hotels, even Appreciation Week. forward for the health of the arts.”

To Hutzley and Heegan, The Shops at Ford & Main – 10 businesses in a minimall Peter Clark developed last summer in an long-vacant mattress store across from City Hall – exemplifies an entrepreneurism that $1,000/mon. plus heat. included in the asking price is making Oneonta a more COMMERCIAL RENTAL enticing place for young Contact Rob at 607 434of $1800 per month. Of5177, Benson Real Estate. fered by John Mitchell Real people. (Hutzley also chairs Main St. Oneonta comthe “SUNY in the EntrepreTFN Estate. Contact Michael mercial building (490 Main neurial Century” initiative.)

Swatling (607) 264-3954 St.). 1,200 sq. ft., plenty of The shops range from Central Cooperstown VilTFN parking. Call (607) 432Creative Dress Boutique, to lage House for Rent: 5458, cell (607) 287-4100.

Monkey Barrel Toys, to the 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, launCommercial rental; Near 3ClassMar22 Spice Company, to the Coldry, garage, large lawn area, the only stop light in lage Food Boutique, where walk to Cooperstown. Plenty of off Caroline was lunching everything. $1600/month street parking for clients with fellow students Kasey APARTMENTS FOR RENT plus util. Contact Rob Lee, and employees. Newly Lightfoot of Holbrook, L.I., 607- 434-5177, renovated. 1/2 bath. 1,400 and Megan Harrington of Benson Agency Real Essq ft. Call Hubbell’s Real Cooperstown 2 BR apt.

Fonda. tate.

Estate for details. 607-547– $600 per month plus As Heegan tells it, and TFN 5740. utilities. Available May TFN 1st. First floor, living room, kitchen & bathroom. Lovely three bedroom home in immaculate condi- FOR RENT: Main Washer/dryers hoop-up. tion with top of the line Street business locaNo smoking. Pets to b e appliances, attached one car tion in the village of discussed. Off-street parking. Call (845-674-0438 or garage, fireplace, two bath- Cooperstown........525 rooms, excellent closet and square feet of (845) 265-3086. storage space, in the Village space....$750.00 per 3ClassApr15 near the lake with spectacu- month.....includes heat, lar lake views. For lease at water, trash removal. Two Oneonta furnished effi$1900. per month plus utili- year lease required. Call ciency apt. Near Neahwa ties, snow removal, garbage Lamb Realty at 607-547— Park, close to downtown. removal and lawn care.

8145 for additional inforKitchen, bathroom. Heat, & garbage pickup included. References required. Please mation.

TFN No smoking,. No pets. One call Ashley-Connor Realty at 607-547-4045. year lease plus one month TFN Turn-key Greek/American security. Call (607) 432restaurant at busy State 5458, cell (607) 287-4100.

3ClassMar22 RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT Routes 7/23 location. Seating for 20 and brisk takeout and delivery in place now.

Cooperstown Main Street 2 2000 SQ FT COMMERLease will be $1,200 per BR apt. Third floor, availCIAL SPACE FOR RENT. month with tenant purchase able now, $650. Includes Located in Cooperstown of equipment. Plenty of heat, year’s lease, one on Railroad Avenue. Wide storage space. Low overmonth security. No pets. open floor plan with phone, head. Contact Rodger MoCall Hubbell’s Real Estate, high speed internet and ran at Benson Agency Real (607) 547-5740. power connections spread Estate.

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Chamber President Brian Hutzley and Executive Director Barbara Ann Heegan.

Hutzley concurs, a large part of the Chamber’s purpose is to rally the business community, to point out the good things about doing business locally, to help people collaborate.

Some of the initiatives they pointed out include: • Networking, encouraging Chamber members to do business with each other, to offer discounts to each other.

The networking luncheon at St. James Manor last fall attracted 85 businesspeople; one earlier this month in the Foothills Atrium attracted 92. A second “cash mob” was planned Wednesday, March 20, at The Shops at Ford & Main: “Cash mob” members pledge to spend $20 at the targeted establishment, then gather at a local watering hole to share a glass of wine and conversation.

• Workforce development.

The Small Business Development Center – Michelle Catan is director – has moved from across the hall into the Chamber offices.

The Chamber is also working with Broome Community College to offer college courses to students and advanced training for adults in local high schools.

• Outreach beyond the county line. Heegan has become active in CANY, the Chamber Alliance of New York, and is developing contacts in Schenectady, Saratoga and even New York City that she hopes will bear fruit later.

• Collaborating with the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce on the “Local First” campaign that aims to dramatize what products and services are available in downtowns throughout the county, and to encourage shoppers to go there first, before turning to the Internet.

“People want to see that we’re working together,” said Heegan of the collaboration with Cooperstown.

“They don’t want to see the silo thing.” “...And is just doesn’t work,” Hutzley added.

Pat Szarpa, Cooperstown Chamber executive, has four interns through the Otsego Chamber’s program who are exploring the question, “How do you market to college students?”

Through all this, Heegan brings an element of boosterism – Hutzley believes she should – to her job, talking up the quality of life, the college and universities, the tourism attractions, the environmental and other factors that people enjoy about living around here.

She pointed out that such companies as Mamco Precision Molding, the ultracapacitor-maker Ioxus, and Apple Converting, which fabricates the tops for Chobani yogurt containers and Lindt Chocolate have prospered here.

Others can too, Heegan will tell you, and should.

HOMES FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN. Large 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath with new kitchen, hardwood floors, nice 2nd level deck and good size back yard.

Close to all amenities. $1800 per month including all utilities. Tenant is responsible for phone and internet only. Offered by John Mitchell Real Estate.

Contact Michael Swatling (607) 264-3954 TFN

BUSINESS LOAN SPECIALS

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House for rent: Newly remodeled 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Country setting, great views, 3 acres. Laundry.

No smoking. Pet possible.

Cooperstown schools. $1,400 a month. Available immediately. Contact Rob at 607 434-5177, Benson Real Estate.

TFN House for Rent: 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2000 sq. ft, laundry, walk to everything, hospital, grocery stores, main st. Available now through May 31, ‘13,

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3/11/13 2:02 PM

AllOTSEGO.homes

A-8

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2013

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

E !

IC CED R U PD RE

MLS#85025 - Motivated sellers will consider all offers.

Come take a look at this home set on 2.62 acres. $95,000 Call or text Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681

MLS#86909 - Cedar raised ranch w/4 - 5 BR, 3 full baths, open DR and LR w/fireplace, family room, kitchen and bath w/skylights, 3 decks, 2 patios, 4+ car insulated, heated garage w/water, barn, pool, 2 tax parcels. Close to Cooperstown and Oneonta w/Milford schools. $289,000 Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683

MLS#87919 - Gorgeous contemporary is ready for you to move in and start enjoying the good life. Immaculate home has all that you need and is extremely well kept.

Call or text Sharon @ 607-267-2681

MLS#84136 - This 3 BR, 2 bath ranch features lots of new: windows, appliances, furnace, wtr htr, wtr filtration system. Hardwood flooring, spacious kitchen, sun/family room, full basement and oversized 2-car garage. Master BR suite is an efficiency apartment, paying the mortgage! $129,900 Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068

!

E IC ED PRDUC RE

MLS#87687 - 4-5 BR, 2 bath farmhouse w/attached 1-car garage, is set on 3.45 open acres. Upgrades include roof, exterior and interior paint, some windows and appliances.

Pole barn, detached garage/workshop, chicken house, and stream. Close to Cooperstown and Oneonta. $178,000 Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068

MLS#84612 – Location, seclusion, views on 10.8 acres!

Close to Oneonta and Delhi, this secluded location is convenient to schools, hospitals and shopping. $199,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

MLS#88224 - This wonderful country home has 4 BRs, 2 full baths, newer kitchen, and plenty of room to move around.

Call or text Sharon @ 607-267-2681

MLS#87502 - Move-in condition 4 BR, 1 bath ranch is perfect for full-time residence or weekend getaway. Walking distance to Catskill Scenic Mountain trails. Low taxes! $99,900 Call Gabriella Vasta @ 607-267-1792

New listing! MLS#88200 - Great business opportunity! The Major League Motor Inn is only minutes from Cooperstown and Dreams Park. Newly renovated rooms w/flat screen TVs, newer beds and bedding. Fully refurbished w/new roof, carpets, windows and more. Owners motivated. $299,000 Call Chris Voulo @ 607-376-1201

MLS#86907 - Calling all hunters and those who like their privacy: This is a solid home on 15.22 acres that is absolutely worth the money!

Call or text Sharon @ 607-267-2681

MLS#86175 - New 4 BR, 2 bath home w/3-bay garage and workshop on oversized lot. Wood-burning fireplace in LR. Lots of new: kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile floors and island, all flooring, sheetrocked walls and ceilings, electric, plumbing and much more. $149,900 Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068

MLS#87948 - Impeccably kept 3 BR, 2 bath home features attached garage, newer on-demand wtr htr, roof, windows, furnace, central air, generator, paved driveway and water softener. Energy-efficient w/gas fireplace. Close to Cooperstown, Oneonta, Norwich, Richfield and Chobani! $119,000 Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683

MLS#87451 - Country home w/open concept. Many improvements include: windows, siding, heating system, coal stove and insulation. Cooperstown school district.

Very motivated seller. $128,000 Call Jim Vrooman @ (603) 247-0506

MLS#87103 - 3 BR, 1 ½ baths, 2-story home. Needs work.

Rt 33, 7 miles to Cooperstown. Cooperstown schools. $69,000 Call Frank @ 435-1389

MLS#87779 - 3 BR home w/wood floors, spacious kitchen, breakfast bar, DR and LR w/open floorplan, family room w/ gas fireplace, workshop and garage. Recent improvements include roof, siding and windows. Outdoor storage shed, fenced garden, stone walls. 3+/- acres includes a separate bldg lot. Cooperstown schools. $179,000 Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683

for complete listings visit us at realtyusa . com

Solid Center City Home!

Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land

This 2-family home could easily be converted back, or use it for extended family. First floor has spacious LR w/wood-burning fireplace, eat-in dining area, large kitchen, 1 BR and full bath. Second floor has small eat-in kitchen, LR, BR, and full bath.

Great location! Priced to sell! $89,900—MLS#88127

99 Main Street, Oneonta

Well maintained home just outside the village of Delhi. Located on 6 acres with stone walls, small pond, landscaping, yard and views. This home features 3 BRs with master bath. Dining room is open to a large bright living room with views of the mountian side. Relax outside on the deck while watching the wildlife and enjoying the views! $119,900 MLS #86997

office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580 www.oneontarealty.com

New Listing MLS#87635 - Great location, close to Chobani and NYCM, this 3 BR ranch is also close to great trout fishing and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. $149,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner

MLS#87821 - Richfield Springs Car Wash. Manual wash w/2 bays, heated floors, 2 vacuums, well maintained.

Also available: 4WD tractor w/plow and snow blower.

Adjacent home can be purchased w/or separate from the car wash: see listing MLS #87819 (below). $52,900 Call Rod and Barb @ 315-520-6512

MLS#87819 - Great starter home, empty nester or income home. Quiet street in Richfield Springs. Close to school, church, shopping. Large yard. Property can be purchased separately or w/Richfield Car Wash MLS #87821 (above). $64,900 Call Rod and Barb @ 315-520-6512

Great income producer!

Cty Hwy 22 Richfield $549,500 MLS#87267

Gorgeous home with frontage on Canadarago Lake, just minutes from Richfield Springs and Cooperstown. Includes 2 cottages and a game house! Currently a Dreams Park rental. Both cottages rent for $890 a week, and the main house rents for $1,750 a week. The perfect property for summer rentals or year-round home!

John Mitchell Real Estate

Cricket Keto, Lic. Assoc. Broker

216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com

John Mitchell, Lic. Assoc. Broker Stephen Baker, Lic. Assoc. Broker

Dave LaDuke, broker 607-435-2405 Mike Winslow, broker 607-435-0183 Mike Swatling 607-547-8551

Peter D. Clark, Consultant

HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE

Joe Valette 607-437-5745 Laura Coleman 607-437-4881 John LaDuke 607-267-8617

COuntRy living at its bEst!

607-547-5740 • 607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

E-Mail Address: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Visit Our Web Site at www.hubbellsrealestate.com

OtsegO Lake-View COnteMpO

Set on 4¾ acres, this house offers a great room, year-round sunroom, country kitchen, laundry room, large formal DR w/fireplace, large master bedroom suite, walk-in closet and ½ bath. Lower level offers 2 BRs, ¾ bath and sitting room.

2-car attached garage and several small out buildings.

Exclusively offered by Don Olin Realty at $399,000

FLy Creek HOMe On 2+ aCres

(7622) Well-maintained 4 BR/2+ bath Dutch Colonial w/great valley view. Accents include fireplace w/woodstove, den, family room, finished basement, home office, oak and pine flooring, 2-car garage, large deck. 3½ miles from Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Co-Exclusive. $329,000

Mini FarM On 14+ aCres

(7302) Enjoy easy entertaining and quiet family life in this spectacular 4 BR/2+ bath home with panoramic lake views on 1.8 acres. Gracious residence highlights 2-story foyer, LR w/fireplace and vaulted ceiling, eat-in kitchen w/pantry, formal DR, den w/fireplace, master suite, large porch, deck, in-ground pool, hardwood floors, finished basement. Lake privileges. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$675,000

(7551) Vintage eyebrow Colonial with a valley view. 1850s home features 3 BRs, formal DR, back porch, beamed ceilings. hardwood floors.

A fix-up! Also horse barn w/4 box stalls, riding rink, hi-tensile fence, CV-S Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $134,000

Main street COOperstOwn

COOperstOwn ViLLage COMFOrt

(7589) Superbly kept 3-BR home. Many extras include formal DR, hardwood flooring, modern kitchen, garage, rocking-chair front porch. Near shops, lake, and golf course. Will capture your fancy! Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $285,000

(6447) Business block on Main Street. Four 2 BR apts, 2 commercial spaces w/total of 2,500 sq ft. New windows and hot water furnace. Storage space in cellar.

Well-kept stone and brick building. Income producer.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$495,900

OtsegO Lake LOt in COOperstOwn

(7407) Choice building site with excellent lake views.

Lake access and beach are directly in front of property.

Level lot, easy to build on.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$249,000

COOperstOwn ViLLage Cape

(7497) This well-kept 4-BR residence is near hospital, sports center, and schools.

Home features 1¾ baths, formal DR, built-in bookcases, brick fireplace,eat-in kitchen, playroom, oak flooring, newer furnace, garage, workshop, partially finished basement, enclosed porch. One-owner.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$299,000

AllOTSEGO.homes ADVERTISE IN

THE REGION’S LARGEST REAL-ESTATE SECTION! CALL 607-547-6103

Early 1900s farmhouse has been totally restored. House offers 4-6 BRs, 2 baths, LR, family room, kitchen, laundry, sitting porches. Country views add to the pleasure of this secluded property, yet it is close to Cooperstown.

Original hops barn is used as garage.

Exclusively offered by Don Olin Realty at $299,000 For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, Don Olin Realty at 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie – Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King – Associate Broker – 547-5332 Don Olin – Associate Broker – 547-8782 Eric Hill – Associate Broker – 547-5557 Don DuBois – Associate Broker – 547-5105 Tim Donahue – Associate Broker – 293-8874 Cathy Raddatz – Sales Associate – 547-8958 Jacqueline Savoie -Sales Associate -547-4141 Carol Hall - Sales Associate -544-4144

Don Olin REALTY

Make yourself at home on our website, www.donolinrealty.com, for listings and information on unique and interesting properties.We'll bring you home!

37 Chestnut st., Cooperstown • phone: 607-547-5622 • Fax: 607-547-5653

www.donolinrealty.com

PARKING IS NEVER A PROBLEM

Make yourself at Home on our website http://www.donolinrealty.com for listings and information on unique and interesting properties. We'll bring you Home!