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HoF Class Announced, Phones Ring Fans Clamor For Space At Induction ’15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan., 6, and announced four names to the mlb. com audience – Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio – the phone at the Cooperstown Chamber of Com-

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ven before Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson ripped open the envelope at 2

Proud grandmom Cindy Seward holds up her newest granddaughter, Vivian Thomas, 6 months, who was the hit of the afternoon when state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, and count Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. were sworn in for new terms on New Year’s Day in Courtroom #1 in the county courthouse/

For 206 Years

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 8, 2015

By LIBBY CUDMORE

The Freeman’s Journal

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WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDINGS, THERE’S A REASON FOR EVERYTHING/B1

is that we can predict our economy in advance, just by knowing who’s coming up on the ballot,” said Matt Hazzard, Cooperstown chamber executive director. “People look at who’s on the ballot and say, ‘This is the year we’re going to go Please See HALL, A3

merce was starting to ring.

And with Idelson’s “Welcome to Cooperstown,” announcement of the Induction Class of 2015, the calls haven’t stopped.

“The advantage of Cooperstown

Paid Parking To Target Fair, River, Church Sts.

By JIM KEVLIN

Great Fun For A Great Cause

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earing the move could inject another $100,000 into village coffers this year, trustees – with nary a discouraging word during a noontime Monday, Jan. 5, work session – united behind expanding paid parking to three more streets.

“The first season of full-scale paid parking worked very well,” said Mayor Jeff Katz, setting the tone for what followed. “I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to expanding in the proper areas.”

After 45 minutes of discussing a range of options, the trustees reached Please See PARKING, A7

MORE PHOTOS, A2

Gibson Turns Eyes Toward Governorship

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tsego County’s congressman, Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, he won’t run for a third term in 2016.

Instead, he will work with the state Republican Committee, seeking to develop the party’s bench, and may run for governor in 2018.

On Election Day 2014, Gibson decisively turned back a challenge from Democrat Sean Eldridge, who helped finance his campaign with $4 million from his husband’s Facebook fortune.

PIPELINE HEARING: The state Department of Environmental Conservation is convening a hearing on the Constitution Pipeline at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at SUNY Oneonta’s Lecture Hall IRC #3, 108 Ravine Pkwy.

IN SAN FRAN: Lou Allstadt, the renewables advocate and retired Mobil executive vice president, will be on a panel, “Oil Ahead,” at noon Monday, Jan. 12, at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

2 Trustees – Falk, Dean – Run Again COOPERSTOWN Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Arriving at “A Pink Tie Affair,” the Friends of Bassett’s annual New Year’s Eve gala at The Otesaga, are, from left, Cathy Raddatz, Sue and Frank Miosek (foreground), Cathy and Tom Chase (behind them), Don Raddatz, Amanda and John May, and Deb Kaiser. Among the attendees were, at left, Dr. Tim Pedley of Rye, who at the stroke of midnight became the new chairman of the Bassett Healthcare Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Barbara Koppel, who was raised in Fort Plain. 425 attended and raised $140,000 for the Women’s Imaging Center/MORE PHOTOS, A3

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oth incumbent village trustees up for reelection this year – Jim Dean and Cindy Falk – plan to run in the March 10 elections.

Both began their current three-year terms in 2012, but Dean had been appointed to a one-year term in 2011.

For his part, Dean said he’s running again because he enjoys his colleagues on the Village Board and is interested Please See RUNNING, A7

Hartwick Neighbors’ Feud Shared With Nation Via ABC’s 20-20 20-20 interviewed Paul Sohacki and Katherine Gannon, and ran a clip of Gene Ellis, far right.

By LIBBY CUDMORE HARTWICK

M Screenshots from 20-20

any homeowners have encounters with a pesky neighbors, but the feud between Hartwick couple Paul Sohacki and Katherine Gannon and their neighbor, Gene Ellis, went all

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o view ABC’s 20-20 episode on the Hartwick neighbors’ feud, follow the link from

OTSEGO.com

the way to prime-time.

On Friday, Jan. 2, the couple, as well as Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl, were interPlease See FEUD, A3

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

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A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

LOCALS COOPERSTOWN’S JACOB RUSSELL HARVARD-BOUND

Seward, Devlin Sworn In On New Year’s Day State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, is sworn in for a 15th term by state Supreme Court Judge Michael V. Coccoma as the senators’ wife Cindy and their granddaughter Norah Thomas bear witness on New Year’s Day in historic Courtroom #1 in Cooperstown.

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

CCS senior Jacob Russell received an early Christmas present, learning in mid-December he had been accepted at Harvard University under the early-admission program. With him are his parents, Nancy and David Russell, and his brother Patrick. In addition to top grades, Jacob believes his selection last summer as the first high-school student to intern with the National Republican Senatorial Committee helped his candidacy. He is also an Eagle scout, and has obtained a pilot’s license.

He plans to study economics. He will join another Cooperstownian, Tom Franck, who will be a Harvard sophomore next year.

THE ART OF COOPERSTOWN

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., Milford, left, is sworn in for a third term by county Judge Brian Burns while his wife Laurie and daughter Kimberly looked on.

Below, Drue Quackenbush hits those high notes in the National Anthem which she sang at the beginning of the ceremony. She is the daughter of county Rep. Janet Quackenbush, RTown of Oneonta.

HVCC HONORS: Logan Griffiths of Milford and Brett Adams of Roseboom are on the President’s List at Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, for the fall semester.

ON DEAN’S LIST: Elisabeth Emhof, Edmeston, a sophomore Theatre Arts major, is on the President’s List at Bob Jones University for the fall semester.

3 HONORED: History major Daniel Menendez of Edmeston; music performance major Joshua Naar Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal of Morris, and music education major Khaya Palada Kylie Sala, left, and Allison Swart, both 7 and second-grade classmates at Cooperstown Central of Gilbertsville are on the School, put the finishing touches Saturday, Jan. President’s List for the fall 3, on their panel – Kingfisher Tower – for a mural semester at SUNY Potsdam. being painted over the weekend at The Fenimore Art Museum.

An InvITATIOn TO OTSegO COunTy CITIzenS All around us, young men and young women are creating Otsego County’s future.

[

That observation inspired Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce to recognize these future leaders.

]

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TwenTy under forTy In next week’s edition, you will find a nomination form to help us identify and celebrate Otsego County’s future.

We hope you will participate, suggesting an admired employee, co-worker, friend, family member, or simply someone you’ve observed who is excelling and inspiring.

Of the nominees, 20 will be selected by a panel of community leaders to be honored Thursday, February 26, at a reception.

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See next week’s Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal for details.

For 206 Years

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HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

2014 Very Cold At Outset, But Warmer Months Foiled Record 2014 was the colderage, (May, Octoest year in the ber and December). greater Cooperstown/ We received Oneonta area in over 44.89 inches of 30 years. Thanks liquid precipitation, goodness temnormal is 39.36 peratures began to inches, so we had modify, at times, 5.53 inches surplus beginning in May, or for the year…and we could have been DAVID that’s wet! The area putting last year into recorded 75.6 inches the record books, as MATTICE of snow, normal is one of the coldest 78.0 inches so we ever. Records have been were just 2.4 inches short kept daily in our area since of the mark. Just a neat 1854, and no, I’ve haven’t factoid, in 2013 we had 75.8 been doing the observing inches of snow. since then! Temperatures Brutal and unbearable are averaged 2.4 degrees below the words that best describe the normal mean for the the January-April period. year and that is significantly January was 5.2 degrees colder than normal. Only below normal, February was three months during the year 4.3 degrees below aversaw temperatures above av- age, March was 7.9 degrees

EYE ON THE WEATHER Editor’s Note: David Mattice, National Weather Service observer in the Oneonta area for the past 30 years, is providing monthly and annual summaries of local weather as a public service.

SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS FOR 2014 Highest Temperature.....................................................87°F (July 2) Lowest Temperature..................................................-17°F (Jan. 22) Average Maximum Temperature............................................53.6°F Average Minimum Temperature.............................................33.3°F Monthly Mean Temperature...................................................43.5°F Precipitation Total....................................................................44.89″ Most Precipitation in One Day...................................2.38” (May 17) Thunderstorms................................................................................18 Snow...........................................................................................75.6” Most Snow in One Day...................................................9.1” (Feb. 5) YTD Precipitation.....................................................................30.71” Number of Days at or below 0°F...................................................20 Number of Days at or below 32°F...............................................170

below normal and April was 1.6 degrees below average.

We recorded 19.5 inches

of snow in January, 27.0 inches in February, only 1.5 inches of snow in March,

Induction Class ’15 Buoys Cooperstown HALL/From A1 to Cooperstown’.”

For the first time in 60 years, the 549 Baseball Writers of America selected four inductees instead of the more typical three (or sometimes two, or one), and there’s a record at stake.

The induction of Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn in 2007 brought a record 82,000 visitors to Cooperstown, and the 1999 induction of Nolan Ryan brought 50,000. Last year, 48,000 people packed into the Clark Sports Center field when Joe Torre, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux came to town.

“Our economy is based on what happens on Induction Weekend,” said Hazzard.

“You can see the impact in 2014 versus 2013.” In 2013, no living players were inducted, leaving Cooperstown with the weakest attendance in modern history.

“The village is going to do great again,” said Tim Haney, Cooperstown Bat Company owner. “This is a very diverse, top-notch class. Everybody knows these guys.”

Though some fans will be disappointed that New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza was once again left off the ballot, Hazzard sees the upside. “No matter who gets voted in, there always are great names left off,” he said. “But that means they’ll come to Cooperstown in the future.”

Next year, Piazza will join Ken Griffey Jr. on the ballot, and already the village is looking ahead to 2020, the first year Derek Jeter is eligible.

“It’s always going to be an exciting year,” said Hazzard. “From here on out, there will always be someone elected. We will never have to face 2013 again.”

and 2.9 inches in April.

May was the first month the area saw above normal temperatures, and it was to be the last until October.

Things went downhill in a hurry after May. We experienced a much cooler and, for the most part, a very wet summer. June gave us temperatures of 1.6 degrees below normal but we had 2.56 inches more rain than normal. July was 3.5 degrees below the average and we received 2.72 inches more rain than average and August was 2.7 degrees below what it should have been with 1.4 inches below normal precipitation.

If we combine September and October, both in terms of temperature and precipi-

tation, it was a pretty normal fall season.

November was drastically colder, 4.0 degrees, with 15.1 inches of snow. And finally, December gave us temperatures that averaged 4.6 degrees above normal with above normal precipitation, but just 9.6 inches of snow.

So my friends, that’s the way it was for 2014. Hopefully, I can report a milder winter, a warmer summer, and lots of sunshine to you next year at this time. But as you know, I don’t make any promises regarding the weather.

Thanks for making 2014 a fun year for me, and remember, Keep Your Eye On The weather!

GALA AT OTESAGA

‘A Pink Tie Affair’ Raises Funds, Fun

Robin Abbas and Melene Mulchy, New Hartford, came to “A Pink Tie Affair,” The Friends of Bassett’s New Year’s Gala at The Otesaga, ready to dance.

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Carmen Mazzotto and his wife Amy, Niskayuna, left, and Kate Groenevelt, Rochester, and Katelyn Nicoletta, Richfield Springs, sample a sumptuous buffet line.

Local Feud, National Audience FEUD/From A1 viewed by Tom Llamas as part of the “Nasty Neighbors” episode of ABC’s 20/20.

“There’s nothing like a good border war to get the blood boiling,” said Bob Borzotta, who runs the website www.neighborsfromhell.com, where Sohacki and Gannon contributed their story.

For eight years, the couple filmed Ellis, who they said had built his driveway 1/8th of an inch onto their property. They put up cameras around their property, wore body cameras at all times, and followed him in their cars to film his every move.

“What was that like, living in a sick reality show?”

Llamas asked.

“It was like a reality show,” replied Sohacki.

But Ellis gave it right back, posting “No Trespassing” signs and bulldozing through the creek on their property. “Go get a job instead of recording people,” he said into their cameras.

“You are the worst freakin’ neighbors that ever existed!”

He declined to be interviewed for the show.

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Muehl called the whole thing “ridiculous” and told the network, “They’re all acting like 10 year olds.”

Though the property dispute was settled, the cameras kept rolling and the calls kept coming into the DA’s office. “He’s 3 feet onto our land and he is not allowed to do that!” said Gannon, in a call played over surveillance footage of Ellis.

But when they brought the evidence to Muehl, they were surprised to find themselves in cuffs. “It showed them committing the crimes against him,” said Muehl. “We had independent evidence corroborating that they were following Gene and taking pictures of him. They were obsessed with him.”

The couple was charged with stalking, but the charges were eventually dropped, a move Sohacki said was proof that the DA trumped up charges. “The DA and the police are out to get me,” he said.

Ellis eventually moved, and the couple is planning to do the same. “When you look back on this behavior, do you believe it was obsessive?” asked Llamas.

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

ALAN CHARTOCK CAPITOL CONNECTION

Chartock Recalls ‘Conversations In Candor’ With Mario Cuomo ALBANY

listic, bombastic Koch who was Mr. New York and had won a previous primary for the New York mayoralty.

There I was, a youngish professor running a series of public radio stations and feeling sorry for myself.

Cuomo would never talk to me because I had picked the wrong horse.

Then one day I got a call from a Cuomo press secretary, Steve Morello, who wanted to talk to me.

I went down to the Capitol, hat in hand, to meet Morello and, as we were talking, the phone rang.

M

ario Cuomo has passed. We all knew it was coming, but no matter how prepared we think we are, it still comes as a shock. He was a huge part of my life.

It started after I wrote a column headlined, “Meet Governor Koch,” during their gubernatorial primary.

For years, Cuomo told me that he kept that column in his top drawer just to torture me. It seemed impossible that this obscure Queens lawyer could beat the bal-

“Guess who’s here with me? Alan Chartock,” he said, and then told me that it was the governor on the phone and he wanted to see me. Within moments of my arrival, he asked whether he could be on my radio show.

“Anytime,” I said.

“No,” he said, “I mean every week.”

Thus began our 12-year run, a weekly conversation during which we argued, we bantered, we had fun. He was simply the brightest, WAMC photo funniest, cleverest man in Mario Cuomo jousts with Alan Chartock durthe world. Yes, I mean that ing weekly radio shows that aired for years on – in the world.

WAMC, Northeast Public Radio.

M ‘ aster’s Hand’ Enriched Oneonta

LETTERS

County Should Share NEW Tax Revenues

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for large warehouse and/or distribution centers; Northern Eagle Beverages has broken ground on a new facility; Cooperstown All Star Village has increased its capacity from 40 teams per week to 72 teams starting in 2015, and Bettiol Enterprises is sketching plans for a commercial complex off I88 intended for retail service and a hotel.

These are wonderful investments coming to Otsego County, and will surely deepen our sales and bed tax pools, and stretch and strengthen our tax rolls (good for curbing school and city/town taxes). All of these projects are in the Town of Oneonta.

As these investments take shape, I argue that our county needs to proactively plan for managing the new (I want to stress new) revenues when they are realized.

When sales- and bed-tax receipts increase, how will the county respond? The burden of shouldering the associated costs of the increased traffic is not evenly spread across the county, so it does not seem reasonable for the same distribution formula to apply for much longer. It is fair for Oneonta to expect an allocation model from the county that does not result in an imbalance of tax responsibilities and promotes a municipality’s ability to engage in economic development.

DAN BUTTERMANN Town of Oneonta

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To the Editor: Recent letters have stressed the importance of recognizing and distributing county bed tax revenues fairly. This is an important topic, as it speaks to a central issue of fairness in the county’s dealings with its municipalities and tax revenue distribution. However, the bed-tax distribution line is not the only one on the budget where changes should be considered.

Otsego County’s tax experience is better than its immediate neighbors with the highest sales-tax revenue and lowest real-property tax levy relative to its budget.

One could simply argue that the low tax levy is due largely to the magnitude of the sales tax driven by tourism and by Oneonta as a regional economic center whose many inroads come from outside the county’s borders.

However, sales tax is not collected evenly across the county, and about a quarter of the $34 million sales tax pool is generated in the Town of Oneonta. This is a significant amount of traffic and activity taking place in the town, for which it receives less than 2 percent of the distributions. My claim is not to send a larger check to the town, at least not just yet.

Consider these business developments: The IDA is preparing Pony Farm Industrial Park as a marketable “shovel ready” site

For 206 Years

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

Mary Joan Kevlin Associate Publisher

Thom Rhodes • Jim Koury Advertising Consultants Celeste Brown Thomas Copy Editor Judith Bartow Billing

Kathleen Peters Graphics

Katherine Monser Office Manager

Libby Cudmore Reporter

Ian Austin Photographer

Stephenie Walker Production Coordinator

Accountant Johnna Peachin addresses a packed Foothills’ Atrium New Year’s Eve, where First Night Oneonta celebrations began with a dedication to the late Mayor Dick Miller.

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

► JOHNNA PEACHIN AND AL CLEINMAN WERE AMONG A NUMBER OF LEADING CITIZENS OF

ONEONTA WHO DELIVERED TRIBUTES TO DICK MILLER AT FIRST NIGHT ONEONTA, WHICH WAS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE FORMER MAYOR.

Can We Bring Mayor Miller’s Vision To Fruition?

By JOHNNA PEACHIN

I

am a sixth-generation Oneontan.

Perhaps that’s why a business colleague from Rochester and boyhood friend of Dick’s called me one day – “Johnnie, take care of Dick.

He’s moving to Oneonta.”

I attended the very next Hartwick event to reach out to him. It didn’t take but a minute, however, to look around the room and grasp that he had already made his mark. Dick wouldn’t need help from me or anyone else to get acclimated.

As we all know, Oneontans embraced him so much they “Picked Dick” and elected him mayor.

Then he turned the tables and pulled

me into a much deeper involvement with the city.

• Collaborations with the city and the YMCA on children’s and recreational programs • Wooed me – my arm is almost normal now after all the twisting – into becoming a Foothills board member.

Foothills wasn’t even on my radar screen.

• Assigned responsibilities at Foothills that were outside my comfort zone.

Dick became my “boss” – handing out tasks and expecting results.

He was irreverent and told it like it was. Neither of us had the patience for the political dance or political correctness. We were both comfortable calling it as we saw it. It was what we

Tom Heitz Consultant

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Town of Cherry Valley • Town of Middlefield Cooperstown Central School District Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $48 a year. All other areas, $65 a year.

First Class Subscription, $130 a year.

Published Thursdays 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 Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main St., Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449 Postmaster Send Address Changes To: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326 _____________ Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of Judge Cooper is in The Fenimore Art Museum

loved about each other and the glue of our mutual respect for each other.

Dick became my friend.

My office was his office – my staff was his staff. We miss him popping in to ask: “Is Johnnie here? Does she have a minute?” We would meet – it would result in a memo needing to be typed - he gave it to Ramona ...They all loved and treated the mayor with the respect of a big city mayor...

His legacy, if not gift, to Oneonta is the enthusiasm he brought to the table.

He was everywhere. He got so many other “locals” moving with tasks/missions important to this community.

In many respects, we picked Dick and he became the soul of the city.

I hope we all can bring his vision to fruition.

‘Life Enjoyed’ Park Fitting Tribute To Fallen Leader

By AL CLEINMAN

Tara Barnwell Advertising Director

I ended up writing a book about that relationship, “Me and Mario: Conversations in Candor,” that chronicled our adventures, from his years as governor and beyond.

He could do any dialect and there was no better storyteller. There was the one about the giant blue spruce in front of the family’s home in Queens. The tree was felled after having been struck by lightning but Cuomo’s father exhorted the boys to get shovels and rope, telling them, “Comeonna boys, we’re a-gonna Please See CANDOR, A6

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s others have said, it is only fitting that we honor Dick Miller at this First Night event, within this institution that he was so instrumental in turning around.

Thank you, First Night Committee, for this special and well-deserved tribute.

I’m honored to share some words about this special individual, although I must say that I didn’t know Dick Miller as intimately as many others.

We shared many beliefs about the Oneonta community and our pride in resid-

Al Cleinman recalls collaborations with former mayor.

ing in Center City.

I had the pleasure of working with Dick on the beautification of the intersection of Main, Maple and Lettis Highway.

I came to have great admiration for Dick as an entrepreneur, educator and leader.

He worked to understand our unique firm and was instrumental in referring several employees to us.

Like so many others in this room, it didn’t take long nor many interactions to understand that Dick was a very special man with a unique combination of talents that added up to what I can only describe as

“thoughtful action.”

And as Dick was so unique, I felt it appropriate that I honor Dick, and his actions, in a unique way.

(At this point, Cleinman read the poem, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” of a violin master who played a worn instrument at auction and its price rose. See A5) This poem by Myra Welch epitomizes the Dick Miller I knew. He took tired buildings, worn processes and strained relationships and worked them with the touch of the master’s hand to change their worth. Our community’s worth.

On the Wednesday prior Please See TRIBUTE, A5

AllOTSEGO.com • LETTERS TO EDITOR, A6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

BOUND VOLUMES Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library

200 YEARS AGO

Advertisement – 1st Volume of Blackstone. The person who some time ago borrowed the first Volume of Blackstone’s Commentaries, with Christian’s Notes, Duodecimo, either from Elihu Phinney, deceased, or from H. & E. Phinney, is requested to return the same to the Bookstore of H. & E. Phinney, and receive their thanks.

January 5, 1815

175 YEARS AGO

10:30 a.m. of a ten-car ski train from the Capitol District bearing 387 skiers under the sponsorship of the Schenectady Winter Sports Club. A telephone call on Saturday to R.B. Saford, the local D. & H. agent, inquiring about local weather conditions, was the first inkling that the skiers were planning to visit Cooperstown rather than North Creek.

There, weather and snow conditions were reported to be poor. The Chamber of Commerce hastily organized the transportation needed to transport visitors to and from the Pierstown ski area. Another two hundred skiers arrived by automobile.

January 10, 1940

150 YEARS AGO

The peculiarities of the weather for the past year (1864) have been somewhat more marked than usual. In the first place, we mention the recovery of a lost season. Otsego has for many years past ignored the existence of spring. Winter has been so tenacious of his grasp, and has oft, of late, “lingered in the lap of May,” that the poor damsel has fainted under the burden, and yielding up the ghost, has faded away like a dissolving view into the arms of summer. But in 1864 the season reclaimed her lost position, and the early, regular and rapid advance of leaf and blossom, and the genial influences of sun and shower of the past spring will long be remembered. This was followed by a summer of unusual dryness. Less rain fell during the months of June and July than for any corresponding period of the past nine years, the aggregate for 70 consecutive days not equaling the amount that fell on three several occasions in 1863. During the autumn the weather was rainy, yet no great quantity of water fell at any one time. Thus, at commencement of winter the lake and streams were much lower than usual. It is a remarkable fact that we did not have one steady, heavy rain, continuing throughout the day, the entire year!

January 13, 1865

125 YEARS AGO

The Cooperstown Hospital – The four children of the late Mrs. Jane R.A. Carter unite in the generous gift of $10,000 for the proposed Village Thanksgiving Hospital, or so much thereof as shall be necessary to erect a suitable building for that purpose – one-half to be paid on the commencement of the structure and the rest when needed. The gift is by Mrs. P.A.H. Brown, Mrs. G. Hyde Clarke, Miss Anna Grace Carter, and Mrs. L. Averell Carter, and will form a Memorial to the memory of their deceased mother. It is certainly a fitting one, for Mrs. Carter was ever charitable to the full extent of her large means, and wise in its disposition.

The sum thus given will put up a fine building, ample for

January 13, 1840 all the needs of this village. Through the liberality of Mrs. F.F. Beadle, a large and finely located lot has already been provided. The “Jane R.A. Carter Memorial Building,” as the property of “The Cooperstown Thanksgiving Hospital,” which has an endowment of $25,000, will be erected next spring.

January 10, 1890

100 YEARS AGO

The following pupils of the Cooperstown High and Union School have attained places on the honor roll by credible work in the five week examinations ending December 18, 1914: Doris H. Davey, Altana B. Willis, Ferne E. Burke, Ethel A. Bowen, Annie H. Potter, Gertrude C. Munford, Edna P. Grover, Ethel Apman, Marion V. Greene, Margaret N. Thayer, Dorothy G. Thompson, Edna I. Garlow, Anita M. Cole, Grace E. Farquharson, Vesta L. Gage, Andrew C. Davidson, Clifford L. Loudon, Howard A.B. Bliss, Ralph E. Finch, Guilford R. Howard, Carey C. Tubbs, John L. Cronauer, Grace A. Putnam, Mildred A. Carr, Mabel E. Gruby, Harriette L. Barnum, Marion G. Steere, Lura J. House, Marjorie M. L. Fitch, Ruth B. Gage, Mildred H. Seward, Ina M. Garlow, Dorothy G. Bliss, Esther H. McEwan, Mildred A. Tubbs, Louanna S. Bowen, Douglas L. Root, John W. Stiles, Harry Mulkins, Leonard W. Jones and Wilber D. Wilson.

January 13, 1915

75 YEARS AGO

A two-year-old dream of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce came true on Sunday with the arrival here at

50 YEARS AGO

A piece of sheet music composed by J.B. Cohen and bearing the title “Cooperstown March and Two Step,” has been found by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Tabor in the attic of their Fly Creek home. It brings to mind that a little over a century ago the village was the home of many little industries.

This music piece was published in 1907 by the still extant Pease Piano Co. of New York. On the back page there is a statement that reads in part “the first Pease Piano being made in Cooperstown in 1844.” However, research reveals that Pease pianos were being made in the 1830s as an advertisement from August 1838 proves.

January 13, 1865

25 YEARS AGO

News from Fly Creek – Jim Brophy is now a guidance counselor at Milford Central School. Just before Christmas, Jackie, his wife, and little Alexandria (Lexi) flew to Key West and Marathon, Florida. The Walkers, Jackie’s family, had a “gathering of the clan.” Lexi enjoyed it and learned quickly to go to the Tiki bar and ask for orange juice.

Mother and daughter returned just before Christmas time to spend Christmas Eve with the Cooperstown Brophys.

January 10, 1990

10 YEARS AGO

In 2002, at Bassett Healthcare’s New Year’s Eve Gala, President and CEO Dr. William Streck announced the public launch of the Bassett Healthcare Campaign. Two years later, on December 31, 2004, he announced that the $12 million goal had been achieved. In remarks at the 2004 Gala Streck paid tribute to the donors and volunteers who helped Bassett achieve the campaign goal.

January 14, 2005

The Touch of the Master’s Hand

T

was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his

while To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile: “What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried, “Who’ll start the bidding for me?”

“A dollar, a dollar”; then two!”

“Only two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars twice; Going for three..” But no, From the room, far back, A gray-haired man came forward And picked up the bow; Then, Wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening the loose strings, He played a melody pure and sweet As caroling angel sings.

• The music ceased, and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low, Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

“Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

“Three thousand, once, three thousand, Twice, and going and gone,” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, “We do not quite understand what changed its worth.”

Swift came the reply: “The touch of a master’s hand.”

Myra ‘Brooks’ Welch

‘Life Enjoyed’ Park Fitting Tribute To Mayor Miller TRIBUTE/From A4 to Dick’s passing, we met with my team, members of the Garden Club and city leaders to dedicate the garden placed within the small island at the head of Lettis Highway.

This garden was a continuation of the beautification project that Dick and I worked on for several years, starting with the replanting of Curtis Park.

It was on that day that we discussed plans to develop the right side of the Lettis Highway entrance, on property adjacent to Benson’s Insurance.

It was our vision that this become a sculpture garden following the theme, “Live Enjoyed.”

And in my opinion, it is only fitting that we work with our city leaders to dedicate this new park as Miller

Park, a small but permanent memorial to this visionary leader.

Dick Miller, you were one of Oneonta’s bows...and for that we will always be in your debt.

Thank you for all that you accomplished for our wonderful community and for the groundwork that you laid for our future. You will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Scenes From The Tribute Oneonta Common Council member Larry Malone, above, the Hartwick College economics professor, displays two charts Mayor Miller often cited. The one at right shows community interests in conflict. The one on the left shows them going in the same direction.

Tony Avanzato, left, proprietor of Ristorante Stella Luna and a friend of the mayor, recounts how his mother, Guiseppa, was killed in an auto crash in 2013 near Goshen and his brother Vincent was hospitalized. Miller dispatched an ambulance to retrieve Vincent, Tony said, so his brother could attend their mother’s funeral in Oneonta.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-9, 2015

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Santa’s Elf Weewonder On Way To Help Village Planners To the Editor: It’s been a long time since I wrote a letter to Santa for the kids to place on the table next to the Christmas tree along with the cookies for Santa. Anyway, I wrote one this year and received a text message from Santa as he made his way back to the North Pole. He promised me an answer right after New Year’s Day. In my letter, I asked

Santa to LETTERS drop a bag of money down the chimney of the Cooperstown Village Offices to fix the potholes and trench-like depressions on Church, Elm and Pioneer streets. I added that the village needs more money to maintain equipment so work like picking up leaves before it snows could be done on time. I casually

mentioned the use of out-oftown firms to conduct planning studies which are “in vogue” here. The suggestion by the Saratoga firm to cut trees in Lake Front Park to provide a better view of the Lake really annoyed a lot of residents.

Santa’s quick response arrived on Jan. 2. He said he wasn’t the federal government and didn’t give away bags of money. He promised

to send a booklet to the Village Office entitled “Basic Management for the Small Village.”

Santa also mentioned he employed an elf named Weewonder who handles planning studies for the North Pole and would love to visit Cooperstown.

Weewonder has a thesis. He thinks politicians always talk about planning studies to appear they are doing

Registration / Questions 607-547-8671 #1, Gallery@SmithyArts.Org 55 PIONEER STREET, COOPERSTOWN · SMITHYARTS.ORG

ITEMS FOR SALE 21st Annual Citrus Sale,

Oneonta First United Methodist Church. California large Navel Oranges, 23 for $10.

Other quantities available; also Florida pink seedless grapefruit. Order by January 27th for February 12th and 13th pickup. Free delivery, Oneonta area. 432-4102 or 431-9029.

3ClassJan23

HELP WANTED TELEMARKETING - Now hiring! Two shifts available: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., salary, commission and bonuses. Computerized dialing system. Non-smoking environment. (607) 398-0060.

18ClassFeb 20

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Office Space for Rent Cooperstown Commons, starting as low as $500/mo.

300 sf to 1000 sf available. kris@glenwoodco.com or call 919-280-0070 13ClassJan15

HOMES FOR RENT Oneonta 2 Bdrm, 1 1/2 bath townhouse for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. No Pets.

References and credit check

Two bedroom, two bath, LR, DR, one car garage, W&D hook-up, Rt.31, furnished, $850. per mo plus utilities, plowing, lawn care & garbage removal. No pets. References required. Call Patti at (607) 547-4045.

TFN Fly Creek 3 or 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Fireplace, Sun Porch, Patio, Garage, Yard & Woods, $1500. plus utilities 607267-2683 Kathy Fistrowicz Broker Associate RealtyUSA Cooperstown TFN For Rent, Center Village Home.

3 BR, 2 baths, den, modern kitchen, laundry, DR, breakfast room, 1 car garage. Excellent Location. $1400. per month plus utilities, snow & garbage removal, lawn care. Lease.

References required. One dog ok. No cats allowed. Call Ashley-Connor Realty 607547-4045 TFN

APARTMENTS FOR RENT Cooperstown 2 bedroom, first floor, edge of village $950.00 with heat and electric included. Lease. No pets. Dave LaDuke, John Mitchell Real Estate, (607) 547-8551.

TFN Village Studio Apartment

AllOTSEGO.homes Cooperstown Commons

CHIP NORTHRUP SAYS: Mario (seen here as a Pirates minor leaguer) was Cooperstown kind of guy. SEE PENNSYLVANIAFRACK.COM

Chartock On Cuomo’s Candor

CANDOR/From A6 push her up.” Years later, that spruce was still standing proudly in front of that house. Needless to say, we all cried as the can-do story ended.

Then there was the one about Ginger the dog. “Ginger is dying,” he read from his diary on the radio. Could he have treated Ginger better? Every animal owner’s heart melted. When had a governor ever shown a heart like that of Mario Cuomo?

Simple answer: never.

It sure wasn’t his predecessor, the dour Hugh Carey, or his successor, the plastic George Pataki. Nope, Mario

was one of a kind, an unreconstructed Rooseveltian social liberal who believed that everyone had to have a fair shot in life.

When it came to things he really believed in, like his refusal to embrace a death penalty or his fight for a woman’s control over her own body, he didn’t give an inch. He stood up to his own church and to the cleric whose words on the front page of a New York tabloid threatened that he would “Burn in hell.”

He once asked me whether I believed in the concept of hell.

“Yes, sir,” I responded.

“Where is it?” he asked.

“Right here, Governor,” I answered.

He allowed that I might make a good Catholic. One time he called me a “putz” available. Walking distance to on the radio. I told him that hospital. Ideal for one or two was a dirty word but, undepersons. Heat, electric, snow terred, he said it three more removal and lawn care includ- times, “Putz, putz, putz.” ed. Cooking facilities. Long When I told him the word or short term. $700/month. meant penis, he assured Contact: Robert K. Lee me that the correct Yiddish Benson Agency word was “schmuck.” I told 607-434-5177 him that was true but “putz” Two bedroom, one bath. Cen- was worse. Shortly after we ter of village of Cooperstown. recorded the show, he called In-house laundry, garage. No and said we needed to do it smoking, pets possible. Offover.

AllOTSEGO.classifieds required. $950 month + security. Call Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC at 607-432-4391.

TFN

To the Editor: Thank you Jeff Katz re the article on Rick Hulse.

Rather discouraging that this representative cannot see the issue at hand or at least offer some alternative.

TOM DAHULICK Omaha, Neb.

Retail Space for Lease

Winter Classes at the Smithy Studio start on Jan. 12 & Jan.20.

Experienced / Beginner / Adult / Kid $269 - 10 week adult classes with Karla $215 - 8 week adult classes with Normandy $170 - 8 week kid classes with Abbey $85 - 4 week kid classes (2 Sessions) with Abbey

something…and residents should be the prominent force on planning committees and doing future planning for the village. They know best and they pay the taxes. Ho Ho Ho! Happy New Year! From Santa Claus at the North Pole.

STAN HALL Cooperstown

Talk The Talk, But Don’t Walk Walk

street parking. $950/month including heat.

Robert K. Lee Benson Agency 607-434-5177 Cooperstown Apt. for rent.

1 br/1 ba, 175 Main St. $650/mo includes heat.

No smokers. No pets.

References req.

Frank Leo 607-547-9611 3ClassJan23

ITEMS WANTED Wanted: Belgium, German and English Sporting Firearms.

Call Henry: 315-738-1378.

3C lassJan16

ADOPTION #Adoption #Love #Stability #Happiness - We promise to give your baby the best in life.

Vivienne & Phil, 1-800-818-5250 3C lassJan16

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

MLS#97569 Cherry Valley $136,500 This renovated center-hall Colonial home is situated in the heart of Cherry Valley. Many new upgrades including the kitchen, new windows, and new hickory hardwood floors installed on the main floor. The home has 3 BRs and 2 baths, with a possible fourth BR, if needed. A beautiful soapstone woodstove keeps the main house cozy. Most of the work has been completed but some projects still remain. Owner is a NYS licensed real estate salesperson.

This home is priced to sell.

Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405

Laura Coleman 607-437-4881

Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183

Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697

It’s Time to Move!

Co-exclusively offered at $699,000

This Currier and Ives setting offers a 2-story, cottage-style home, barn, large pond, and detached garage w/apartment. The apartment offers 2 BRs, LR/kitchen w/stone fireplace, ¾ bath and private deck. The property has 80 acres of pasture and wooded areas with glorious views.

ProPerTy DeTaIls —80 acres of land —Cooperstown school district —Private well —Septic —48' x 60' barn InTerIor FeaTures —4 bedrooms —2 full baths; 1 ½ bath —2,556 square feet

Don Olin REALTY

—Full foundation —1,000 sq ft basement —Eat-in kitchen —Living room —Master bedroom —Bonus room —2 fireplaces —Sunroom off of kitchen —Baseboard heat —Electric and propane heat

exTerIor FeaTures —Built in 1803 —2 stories —Cottage style —Detached garage —2 garage spaces —Thermopane windows —Large stone patio —Circular driveway

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

Home of the Week

157 Main Street Cooperstown 607-547-5740 hubbellsrealestate.com

Paradise On 11 acres (7985) An enclave of calm on 11 acres. You will love the charm of this memorable, 3-BR, 3 bath ranch w/views of rolling hills. Enjoy features like vaulted ceilings and finished basement w/Pergo floors. This single-owner residence on a quiet street includes office/den, extra-space bonus room, entertainment area. Oak flooring, main-level master BR w/Jacuzzi, modern kitchen w/ breakfast room, formal DR. 2-car attached plus a large garage, large view deck. Warm your spirits here. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$315,000

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-9, 2015

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-7

Trustees Consider Expanding Paid Parking To Fair, River, Church Streets PARKING/From A1 consensus on acquiring eight additional Pay & Display machines and expanding $2-an-hour (or $14a-day) paid parking to: • Fair Street, between Main and Lake • The length of Church Street, behind the Baseball Hall of Fame, although it appeared further discussion will be needed to reduce conflicts on Sundays with Christ Episcopal Church and Cooperstown Presbyterian Church attendees.

• River Street, between Main and the Bassett Clinic “We should easily make enough in the season to cover the investment, and then some,” said Trustee Lou Allstadt.

The trustees aim to be prepared at their January meeting on Monday the 26th to set a public hearing for the following month on a local law to enable the expansion.

Trustee Cindy Falk, who chairs the trustees’ Streets Committee, distributed a spread-sheet on all streets in the downtown area, analyzing revenue potential on the lengths of Fair, Pioneer, Lake, Chestnut and Main, as well as Elk and Leatherstocking, and Fish Road, access to the boat launch.

While ATI, the P&D machine provider, tells its clients to expect the machines to operate at 60-percent capacity, Falk reported machines on the south side of Main Street – “the money side” – generated 75-88 percent, “significantly

better.”

Last year, the paid-parking regimen generated $351,000 villagewide, over which about $160,000 came from the newly installed P&D machines on Main and Pioneer.

In discussing Falk’s findings, Katz said he has heard few complaints from merchants about paid parking. Examining the parts of Main and Lake where all-day parking is still permitted, he found “local people, parking in the heart of the village, all day, for free.”

The theory behind parking in the village is that, “as you get closer to the core, you should pay more,” he said.

A range of discussion followed.

Trustee Jim Dean focused on

Dean, Falk To Run Again For Village Board RUNNING/From A1 in the many initiatives underway. “If I didn’t like them or the way things are going, I probably wouldn’t run,” he said.

Falk wants to see through a number of initiatives: The $2 million Main Street sidewalk project, the just-initiated solar-energy project, and the comprehensive-plan update and strategic-plan development. “With all these exciting things in the works,” she said, “it would be nice to see them closer to completion.”

Dean, who disagrees with his colleagues from time to time at Village Board meetings, described Mayor Jeff Katz and Trustees Falk, Lou Allstadt and Ellen Tillapaugh as “heavy lifters.” His role has been to be supportive team member who helps “a well-oiled machine” function smoothly.

He recalled he first ran for trustee in 1978, a year after he arrived in town.

A proprietor of Architectural Stair Building &

Jim Dean

Cindy Falk

Hand Railing, he and wife Eileen have two daughters, Colleen, an acupuncturist in New York City, and Janice, a former assistant state attorney general who is now chief of staff at Pace Law School. Son Jeff and his wife Emily, from Laurens, provided his only grandchild so far, Lola, 7; they live in Boulder, Colo., where Jeff trains a computer-code writing training program.

In her first term, Falk obtained two large grants: $638,000 from the state’s Green Innovation Grant Program, made possible by the environmentally friendly components of the sidewalk program; and $1.2 million from the federal Transporta-

tion Enhancement Program, which aims to reconfigure the Main-Chestnut intersection.

Falk has chaired the Streets & Building (now Streets), Economic Development and the Hospital Zoning committees. She is a former member of the Planning and H-PARB boards.

A tenured professor at SUNY’s Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies, she published “Barns of New York” during her first term, and recently co-wrote “A Shared Legacy: Folk Art in America,” the catalogued for a show at the American Folk Art Museum in New York that will tour the country.

She and husband Glenn have two children, Lizzie, 14, and Isaac, 12, who attend CCS. Both candidates are Democrats, Party caucuses are usually held at the end of January to determination candidates.

Lake Street. There was discussion about capitalizing on fishermen who access Otsego Lake via Fish Road, next to Lakefront Park, and whether to charge for parking, or for boat-trailer parking.

It was suggested that paid parking on Pioneer be expanded all the way to the lake. Also, that it be extended to the lake on Fair as well, where, it was observed, Hall of Fame employees fill the spaces all day.

There was discussion about whether to extend paid parking to include Main and Leatherstocking in the area of the Otsego County government complex. “I’m not sure we should put paid parking around the county,” said Katz, who unsuccessfully sought $100,000 in

this year’s county budget to help cover the village’s costs of serving tourists. “But I’m not sure they should be exempt.”

On whether to add paid parking to Leatherstocking, the trustees questioned Public Works Superintendent Brian Clancy, who said it would be inconvenient for people living there. In the summer, for instance, he parks on the street to allow his wife to get in and out of their driveway more conveniently.

In the end, the board – all members were present – followed Katz’s lead on targeting “low hanging fruit.”

The next issue was where to put the machines, since “nobody really wants a machine in front of their house,” said Falk.

STRINGS ATTACHED TO FEDERAL FUNDS, TRUSTEES TOLD

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

After the Monday, Jan. 5, work session on expanding paid parking, the Cooperstown Village Board reconvened Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 6, to hear a report from engineers from Barton & LoGuidice, Syracuse, on implementing a $1.2 million U.S. Transportation Enhancement Grant for the downtown, particularly upgrading the corner of Chestnut and Main. The trustees learned that the single traffic light hanging from a cable may have to be replaced by eight traffic signals on as many as eight “mast arms.”

“There are certain things that are expected once you receive federal funds,” one of the engineers said. Failing to meet those standards could create liability for Village Hall and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Installation of the new signals would cost $250,000-300,000, the board was told.

You make your business decisions right here in town — and so do we.

And, that kind of hometown pride is what makes our business loans so, well, special. Stop into a branch today. And Bank Happy.

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.homes

OneOnta • 75 Market Street 607-433-1020 COOperStOwn • State Hwy 28 607-547-5933 for complete listings visit us at realtyusa.com

MLS #96682 $289,900 Fly Creek Village Victorian - 3 BR, 2½ bath, home had extensive restoration in 2008 including wiring, plumbing, insulation, Omega cherry cabinetry in the spacious eat-in kitchen w/island, granite, stainless appliances, pantry, 1st flr laundry, ½ bath. Hardwood floors, original chestnut woodwork in DR, LR and den along w/original tin ceilings. Charming front porch and large back deck, expansive fenced yard, w/landscaping, garden. Newer 26’ x 50’ metal pole barn w/2 overhead doors ! Walking distance to store, post office, just a few minute drive to Cooperstown.

Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

MLS#93225 $86,000 Adam Karns 607-244-9633 (cell)

lis NE ti N W g!

lis NE ti N W g!

MLS 92915 $224,900 Equestrian Farm w/State-of-the-Art Morton Horse Barn – Barn features 8 (12’ x 12’ ) stalls, tack room, grooming stall and bathroom. It is well insulated and heated and can be used as living quarters with a full bath and laundry area. 1990s double-wide serves as living quarters with 3 BRs, 2 baths; new skirting in 2014. Breathtaking views from 25 mostly open acres.

Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061 (cell)

MLS 96861 $519,000 Cooperstown Contemporary Bordering Susquehanna River! 4-BR, 5-bath home w/3,900+ sq ft on 6 + acres. Natural light fills this lovely home w/Palladian windows, cathedral and open-beam ceilings, beautiful cherry floors. Spacious eat-in kitchen, granite counters, stainless appliances. Formal DR and LR w/fireplace. First-floor master BR suite w/4 closets, tiled bath, soaking tub and steam shower.

Upstairs hardwood floors, 2nd master or guest BR w/private tiled bath and skylights. Accessible from the kitchen is 2-car garage. Screened porch, back deck w/sauna. Home has central air and security system.

Open and wooded property w/lovely landscaping.

Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

MLS#97672 $29,900 Exceptional Value! Highly desirable location! Relish the tranquility of brook and 10 wooded acres just a short drive to the NYS thruway. Priced to sell.

Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)

MLS #93358 $85,000 Bring a Reasonable Offer! Has passed FHA financing Spacious 4 BR, 2Wonderful bath houseviews is close to I-88. requirements. with this 4Large BR, 2 bath backyard, workshop/garage, small shed. Make your home. appointment today.Teator Priced@to607-267-2681 go this week! (cell) Text or call Sharon Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598

MLS#88858 $13,900 Priced Below Assessed Value! Level open fields and scenic country views. Start the new year crafting your dream home in rural Otsego County.

Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)

MLS#95484 $64,000 Bring Me an Offer! Owner financing possible.

Affordable and solid 3 BR home in the Village of Cooperstown Village home.to Seller Morris. This home is priced sell.pays closing costs (up to $3,000 offer).

Text or callw/acceptable Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)

MLS#96795 $184,999 Location and Style! 3 BR, 2 bath Colonial w/fireplace to snuggle by, newly landscaped open yard to play in, covered deck to entertain on and so much more. Close to shopping, schools, hospital and restaurants.

Call Donna A. Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)

MLS#95412 $264,999 Secluded and Peaceful! Large and spacious LR w/cathedral ceilings, woodstove, patio doors leading to deck, open kitchen, DR, 3 BRs, could be 5 if upstairs 2 rooms were finished. 20 mostly wooded acres, pond.

Call William “Billy” Vagliardo @ 607-287-8568 (cell)

MLS#94772 $79,000 Fabulous and Affordable! Upstate NY cabin, full poured concrete basement, underground electric, well, septic, 10+ acres —a perfect getaway for all seasons. The possibilities are endless.

Call Donna Anderson @ 607-267-3232 (cell)

MLS#94139 $119,900 Views! Very well maintained 3-4 BR, 2 bath home in Afton has spacious rooms, 1st floor laundry, 2-car garage, all on ¾ acre. Wood add-on furnace.

Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)

MLS#97869 $84,500 More Than $25,000 in Improvements! Darling 2-BR gingerbread cottage is priced below original price. Move-in ready. Seller is licensed realtor.

Call Leanne McCormack @ 607-287-8965 (cell)

MLS#97370 $99,500 Got Horses? 2.57 acres, barn, and 2 BR house w/hardwood floors. 2 decks to enjoy the views! Close to Gilbert Lake State Park, Cooperstown or Oneonta!

Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)

MLS#97857 $99,000 Value Priced! With $50,000 in updates, it’s a complete remodel of this 3 BR, 1½ bath home with lots of storage space, small storage shed.

Call Kjersti VanSlyke Briggs @ 607-624-6570 (cell)

MLS#95856 $164,500 Exceptionally Well Maintained 4 BR, 1½ bath, hardwood floors, expansive kitchen, deck, large yard, 2-car garage w/1 BR apt all on ½ acre in Stamford.

Call Suzanne Darling @ 607-563-7012 (cell)

MLS # 96460 $135,000 Lots of New: Heating system, hot water, paint, entrance door, garage door. Everything about this home is awesome!

Text or call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)

MLS#97817 $199,600 Below Full Market Assessment! Over $100k in home renovations on 26+ acres. Farmhouse in a dream setting w/ 3 acres of yard, original wood floors.

Call Katherine Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

lis NE tiN W g!

MLS#97599 $139,000 Modernized 3 BR, 2 bath farmhouse on nearly an acre of fenced land w/new roof, floors and paint.

Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell) Virtual tour: www.realestateshows.com/745530

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-9, 2015

MLS#97606 $119,000 Quaint 3 BR, 1½ bath home in Oneonta’s east end is minutes from downtown. Fenced yard, spacious deck.

Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell) Virtual tour: www.realestateshows.com/745532

360 Degree View! See for miles from this private

mountaintop retreat. This beautiful, well built home sits on 31 acres. Home has 4 BRs, 2 baths, sunroom w/woodstove, indoor BBQ grill in the downstairs kitchen, wine cellar and wood-burning fireplace.

Upstairs has an additional kitchen w/loft, bright LR, fireplace, spacious deck off the front w/magnificent views. Property has a ½ acre pond w/open fields and woods. Gazebo, stone patio, 2-story garage or workshop w/office, heat, electric and concrete floor.

This home has much to offer. Call today! $375,000 MLS #95288

$295,000 MLS#97951 Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner

Cooperstown Colonial! Spacious home overlooking the Susquehanna River

Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker

Mill Race! This 4-BR, 3-bath home features living room with bay window, formal dining room, modern kitchen, and large family room with fireplace insert and built-in storage/bookcase. Ready for the next owner to make it Home Sweet Home.

Nice central location just a short walk to the Clark Sports Complex, Bassett Medical Center and historic downtown Cooperstown, home of baseball.

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 · 607-547-4045 Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

LaVish cOuntry cOLOniaL

cOOperstOwn ViLLage

OtsegO Lake sanctuary

(7895) Appealing 3-BR, 3-bath Otsego Lake-view contemporary home on a full acre. Large LR w/fireplace, formal DR, den, 3-season room, oak flooring, main-level master BR. 2-car garage, large lake-view deck, lake rights.

Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$374,000

Shannon Stockdale

(7395) Exceptional 5 BR, 3+ bath home on a serene street.

Spacious layout w/family room, den, large LR, formal DR w/fireplace, pleasant center entry, oak flooring, ceramic tile baths. Handsome granite countertop, breakfast nook.

Large view deck. Wonderful Colonial comfort and style!

4 miles from Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$319,000

Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.

BUSINESS

Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820

REALTY

CONNOR

(7836) Welcoming 4-BR, 2-bath home has deck, spacious yard, new hardwood flooring and new carpeting. Newer eat-in kitchen, laundry, spacious LR, formal DR, family room w/woodstove, first-floor master suite. Garage, front porch. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$279,000

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)

AllOTSEGO.homes

Field Stone House in Cherry Valley, the historic village between Cooperstown and Sharon Springs. This home was built on bedrock w/3’-thick walls, and most of the original architectural detail remains. Originally it was likely a showroom for the Cherry Valley Organ Company which was next door.

This artist-owned property offers wood floors, beautiful stone detail, LR, DR w/Rumford fireplace, fully applianced kitchen, and a newer addition of family room/art studio w/full basement. On the main floor, ¾ bath w/an original outside stone wall. Upstairs are 3+ BRs and ¾ bath. Basement has what is likely the original cooking fireplace w/Dutch oven. Property is just under 4 acres bordering 2 streets. Cherry Valley Creek, a designated trout stream, runs through the property and the backyard has been transformed into a meditation pond (spring-fed) w/stone sculptures and stepping stones, flower and vegetable gardens, and trails. offered exclusively by Ashley Connor realty— $274,000 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

CALL 607-547-6103 TO ADVERTISE IN REGION’S LARGEST REALTY SECTION/MORE ADS, A6