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Volume 207, No. 3

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WINTER CARNIVAL MEDALLION’S OUT THERE, FOR FIRST CLUE TO LOCATE IT, SEE PAGE A3

WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM Newsstand Price $1

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 22, 2015

COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND

For 207 Years

► FOR ‘TWENTY UNDER FORTY’ NOMINATION FORM, SEE PAGE A2, OR VISIT WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM

40 To Select ‘Twenty Under Forty’ 6 Judges Named “Twenty Under Forty” Judges, from left, Ben Guenther, Seth Hait, Chris Kuhn, Luisa Montanti, Val Paige, Martin Tillapaugh.

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

The Clark Sports Center boys team hoist the trophy after winning the 11th annual Patrick C. Fetterman Memorial Basketball Tournament Monday, Jan 19, at the sports center, besting 10 teams from around the region. New Hartford won the girls competition.

Chamber Seeks Member Views On Paid Parking COOPERSTOWN

he Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce is conducting a survey to gauge the opinion of its members about onstreet paid parking in the downtown. “We believe that it is important for the businesses to be well represented throughout this process,” said Executive Director Matt Hazzard. He said the findings will be share with the Village Board. The trustees plan to expand paid parking this summer to Church Street and parts of Fair and River. 40TH SEASON: Single tickets go on sale Monday, Jan. 26, for the Glimmerglass Festival’s 40th anniversary season. Call 547-2255 or order online at glimmerglass.org. MONTHLY MEETING: The Village Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at 22 Main.

ix Otsego County citizens from business, government and non-profits have agreed to select “Twenty Under Forty” – 20 of their fellow residents under 40 years old who are already contributing to the betterment of local life, and show promise to do so in the future. They are: ► Ben Guenther, Oneonta, partner in Five Star Subaru and a patron of the local arts and philanthropy. ► Seth Hait, Delhi, Springbrook chief operating officer and former vice president/institutional advance-

20 TwenTy under forTy 40 20

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ment at Hartwick College. ► Chris Kuhn, Oneonta, center director, Oneonta Job Corps. ► Luisa Montanti, Oneonta, Southside Mall general manager and Foothills Performing Art Center board president.

► Val Paige, Cooperstown, director of the Clark Sports Center. ► Martin Tillapaugh, Cooperstown, attorney and owner of Tillapaugh Funeral Service. New this year, “Twenty Under Forty” is being co-sponsored and

organized by the Otsego County and Cooperstown chambers of commerce, and Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal. The public is encouraged to make nominations, suggesting an admired employee, co-worker, friend, family member, or simply someone whom the nominator admires or observes excelling. A nomination form appears on Page A3 of this edition, and is also available at www.allotsego.com. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 6. The 20 will be honored at a reception Thursday, Feb. 26.

5 Mile Point Camps Safe Stronger Retaining Wall Will Allow Road Repair

The deteriorating retaining wall that is allowing Route 80 to shift toward Otsego Lake will be replaced with a reinforced concrete one.

By LIBBY CUDMORE FIVE MILE POINT

I Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

t was a twisted road, but for the lakefront homeowners along Route 80, the path is finally starting to clear. On Friday, Jan. 9, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced the state Department of Transportation has rethought its plan to

seize properties along Five Mile Point to fill the lakefront with rip-rap to slow the erosion of McDonald West Lake Road. Instead, the road will be stabilized with a concrete retaining wall, with new pavement installed across Please See DOT, A7

D.A. Warns Against ‘DIESEL’ After 2 Heroin Deaths By JIM KEVLIN & LIBBY CUDMORE

ome little glassine bags of heroin sold in Otsego County in the past have had a little “Batman” symbol in one corner.

Another batch had a skull & crossbones. The images work like a logo or a brand. In the past several days, the tiny word “DIESEL” has marked the tiny bags bearing heroin, laced with

fentanyl, an opiate 30 times stronger than heroin, and it is being blamed for two deaths so far and 12 overdoses in the last week alone. “It happens to be much stronger than users have used to date,” said Dis-

trict Attorney John Muehl. “When they use the same amount, it’s causing overdoses.” While bad batches of heroin have caused overdoses in the past, this is the first time one is killing people, he said.

The alarm about “possible tainted heroin” was raised Wednesday, Jan. 14, in a joint statement from county Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr., and Oneonta Police Chief Dennis Nayor. Please See ODs, A7

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

Communit there’s a little something for everyone, and a lot for your community.

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A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

LOCALS

Murder Mystery Genre Hatched In Cooperstown, MacDougall Says

HERKIMER NURSE WINS MOE AWARD

Treika Scarano, R.N., center, has won the 2014 Henry Allen Moe Prize in honor of Pearl F. Day, given annual to the Bassett Healthcare employee that shows concern for patients and their families, enthusiasm and integrity. A 19-year employee, she works in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit/ Procedure Room at Herkimer Health Center. Congratulating her are President/CEO Vance Brown and Judi Brendle, R.N., chief nursing officer.

Lake House Proprietor Corrigan Takes Richfield Chamber Helm Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Cooperstown Village Historian Hugh MacDougall fields a question from the Friends of the Library’s Hilda Wilcox Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, after delivering a paper on “Elinor Wyllys,” a little known 1845 novel by Susan Fenimore Cooper, daughter of James Fenimore Cooper. The courtroom scene in “Elinor,” and her father’s 1850 mystery novel, “The Ways of the Hour,” were early examples of what continues to be a popular genre today, said MacDougall, an expert on the Cooperstown family of writers and a founder of the James Fenimore Cooper Society.

County Students Win Perfect 4.0s At SUNY Oneonta

our Otsego County residents earned perfect 4.0 GPAs at SUNY Oneonta during the fall semester, earning them Provost’s List honors. They are Sam Benedict of Otego, Sara Krum of New Berlin, Elijah Nelson of Fly Creek and Emily Schultes of Garrattsville.

4 WIN HONORS: Four Cooperstown students – Cassidy Griger (Biology), Shyah Miller (Digital Media Production), Alyssa Baker (Psychology) and Youtse Dori (Undeclared) – are on the Dean’s List at SUNY New Paltz for the fall semester. ON DEAN’S LIST: Kayla A. Federow, Schuyler Lake, is on the Dean’s List at SUNY Canton for the fall semester. A Richfield Springs Central School graduate, she is majoring in management.

RICHFIELD SPRINGS

ith an her eye towards capitalizing on both tourist and Thruway traffic, Christine Corrigan, co-proprietor of The Lake House with her KENISON LAUDED: GENESEO KUDOS: Five husband, Gene, is the new president of the Richfield Linda M. Kenison, a senior students from Cooperstown Springs Chamber of Combiology major at Alfred – Amy Bishop, Sarah University, has been named Dewey, Josephine Hinrichs, merce. “We are perfectly posito the Dean’s List for the Erik Mebust and Anna Sams tioned to attract business,” fall semester. A CCS gradu- – are on the Dean’s List at she said. “Both 20 and 28 ate, Linda is the daughter of SUNY Geneseo for the fall Patrick and Irene Kenison of semester. Alexandra French, come right through here.” Corrigan, who was on the Hartwick. Milford, is also on the list. slate proposed to the membership at the Thursday, Jan. NEW SPECIALIST: 3 EXCELL: Three CCS 15, annual meeting, turned Austin Pecenak, Richfield grads – Austin Boulay, Springs, serving with the Gianna Marsala and Chelsea back a challenge from Karen Collins, owner of Hidden Headquarters and HeadMoakler of Cooperstown Gems & Treasures. quarters Company, 2-108th – are on the Dean’s List at The new president had Infantry, Army National SUNY Oneonta for the fall attended chamber meetings Guard, has been promoted to semester. in the past, and when the the rank of Specialist.

nominating committee suggested she run for Carmela Chiodo’s slot, she jumped Christine on the opporCorrigan tunity. “I’ve always been interested in business.” In 1997, the Corrigans purchased The Lake House, which, at the time, was condemned. Since then, they’ve reopened it as a restaurant and have renovated the former Maple Terrace Lodging as summer rentals. As president, her first step is to form a liaison between the chamber, the village and the town. “We need to promote Richfield Springs so people know it’s a good place to do business.”

40 20

TwenTy under TwenTy forTy under forTy

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 and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce to recognize these future leaders. this nomination form will help us identify and celebrate otsego County’s future. the form is also available on allotsego.com, cooperstownchamber.org and otsegocc.com. 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.

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

For 207 Years

HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

We will recognize 20 young professionals within otsego County who have had a positive impact on the company or organization they work for and the communities in which they live.

Nomination Form RequiRements — nominees must be employed and have lived and worked in Otsego County for at least 2 years. — nominees must be under 40 years of age as of march 1, 2015. — nominees must have some community involvement. Community involvement will be strongly considered. nominees who hold political office will not be considered solely on the basis of political achievements. Professionals in business and non-profit sectors are eligible. individuals are also encouraged to nominate themselves. Nominations must be received by February 6, 2015. NomiNee Name: ______________________________________ __________________________________________ First

last

Birthdate: ______________________________________ (must be after March 1, 1975) Company Name: __________________________________________________________ Position: ________________________________________________________________ Business Address: ________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ e-mail: ______________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ NomiNAtor Name: ______________________________________ __________________________________________ First

last

relationship to Nominee: __________________________________________________ Company Name: __________________________________________________________ e-mail: ______________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Please explain why you are nominating this person/yourself ____________________________________

Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce 31 Chestnut Street • Cooperstown, NY 13326 • 607-547-9983 • www.cooperstownchamber.org

_________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Email form to info@allotsego.com or mail to twenty Under Forty, PO Box 890, Cooperstown, NY 13326

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

ENJOY WINTER CARNIVAL 2015 • FEB. 6, 7 & 8 48th AnnuAl Cooperstown

Winter Carnival February 6, 7, 8 PRESENTS

inter Carnival 2015 W operstow

and the

Chocolate Factory Medallion Hunt! WIN $500!! a medallion is hidden somewhere in Cooperstown! Here iS tHe FirSt ClUe!!! Prize awaits seeker, Bar of joy & victory Where confidence grows. The second clue will appear in the Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta on Jan. 30. Get your copy on Thursdays • 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown.

Here are the rules:

Winter Carnival Coloring Contest! 1. Contest open to children 12 and under. 2. Prizes awarded to the top three in each of the following age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12. 3. One entry allowed per person.

Rules & Regulations

4. All entries must be submitted by noon on Sunday, Feb. 8. Winners will be announced at the Carnival Closer Sunday, Feb. 8. You do not need to be present to receive your prize!

Entries can be dropped off or mailed to The Freeman’s Journal Office, 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown, by Feb. 6, or dropped off at the Carnival Kiosk in Pioneer Park during the Winter Carnival Feb. 6 -8, or mailed to PO Box 912, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. All entries must be received by Feb. 8.

COLORING CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name: Address: Phone: Age:

1. WHERE: Medallion will only be hidden on Village Public Property. a. Medallion will NOT be hidden on private property. b. Medallion will NOT be hidden on Doubleday Field. c. Medallion will NOT be hidden in any construction sites. **No Village property will be dug up or destroyed during the Medallion Hunt. 2. WHO: Anyone can participate in the Medallion Hunt, EXCEPT: a. Immediate family members of the Winter Carnival Committee are INELIGIBLE to win the Medallion Hunt prize. b. All contestants under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent or guardian to participate in the hunt. c. All contestants agree that the Freeman’s Journal and the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee, their advertisers and agents, and the Village of Cooperstown and town of Otsego will have no liability whatsoever, and will be held harmless by contestants of any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind resulting in whole of, in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation in this contest. 3. WHEN: Clues about the location will be published by the Freeman’s Journal for three weeks prior to Winter Carnival. a. When the medallion is found, the finder must immediately return it to the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee, by calling 607-282-2762 b. The winner will be required to execute and return a CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY and GENERAL RELEASE FORM within 14 days of notification. If winner is under the age of 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her parent or guardian. Non-compliance may result in disqualification. MORE INfO: WWW.COOpERstOWNCaRNIval.ORg

COOPERSTOWN OPTICAL Wm. H. “Todd” Murdock, II

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Liquor Store

Licensed Optician

todd.murdock@hotmail.com

Open seven days a week for your shopping convenience

P.O. Box 1170 Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-8080 800-724-9462 Fax: (607) 547-2152

We’re happy to be in our 42nd year of serving the needs of the community Join us Saturday, February 7 from 2-4 pm for our tasting featuring Pail Shop Vineyards!

The Lake house

International Nights!

with executive chef, Michael Gregory

Friday, Jan. 23

Winter Carnival Wine Tasting Saturday, Feb 7 12 to 4 pm

Viva la France!

Menu Includes: - Baked Brie - Shrimp and Scallop Provencal - Crêpe Suzette Visit a different country each Friday!

Only $16.99 - Reservations: 315-858-2058

Cooperstown Wine and Spirits

143 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-8297 (over 21 years old please)

2521 CounTy highway 22 • RiChfieLd spRings 315-858-2058 • cooperstownlakehouse.com

Cooperstown Natural Foods

Enjoy the 48th Cooperstown Winter Carnival!

Extensive Grocery Selection Gourmet Specialty Items 61 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown (Just past the high school entrance)

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Best wishes from your friends at

Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc. Funeral Home

Peter A. Deysenroth

Co-Chairperson 2009 Cooperstown Winter Carnival

82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

Perspectives

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

If He Must, Go. But Challenges Remain For Senator Seward Here

t’s uncanny. The summer season ends. Students return to Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. The Christmas season begins, and long days and warm nights seem a long way away. Suddenly, Joan McDonald, state DOT commissioner, sends out a letter that, as if out of nowhere, resolves one of last summer’s most contentious issues: A road project along Otsego Lake’s west shore, the focus of summer-long rallies by camp owners, many from Oneonta and Cooperstown, around Five Mile Point. A retaining wall on the lake side of Route 80 had been collapsing, and the DOT had planned to remove it, and a few docks and outbuildings, and stabilize the section by extending rip-rap into Glimmerglass’ somewhat-pristine waters. Instead, McDonald reports, the new plan will replace the iffy retaining wall exactly where it is with a sturdier concrete one. The docks and buildings stay; the riprap goes. The DOT plan was prompted by the collapse of the Route 80 roadway, beginning with the floods of 2006 and worsened by the floods of 2011. Under the new plan, McDonald reports, asphalt will be laid on the length of the disputed area, stabilized by the stronger retaining wall. Plus, the work will be done in such a way that camp owners will have access throughout the project. And it will be completed by Memorial Day, five months from now, in time for the Glimmerglass Opera season.

• A miracle, you might say. And miracles are inexplicable. Unless you know the miracle worker, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, the addressee of McDonald’s letter. Have you ever seen Senator Seward blow his stack? If he does, few have – perhaps wife Cindy, and she isn’t telling. His public persona is friendly, polite. He listens patiently, even to people you might think aren’t his natural allies. He lives among us, relatively modestly. His public statements are balanced, mostly free of partisan rhetoric. This mild-mannered public face belies the underlying reality: Jim Seward has clout. He is among the handful of most influential Republican senators in the GOPcontrolled Upper House. Albany hands will tell you, no legislation gets to the floor of the state Senate without Jim Seward signing off. His alliance with veteran Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magee has ensured Seward-Magee bills become law. With Magee likely to retire at the end of this term, it’s likely, even certain, that Seward has a fall-back strategy. You can be sure that when Republican priorities land on the Democratic governor’s desk, Seward’s preferences will be reflected, to a degree, in whatever finally emerges. When something inexplicable comes out of Albany – an odd item on the annual CFA list, for instance – you can be sure it’s because Seward wants it there. Over 14 terms – his 15th began Jan. 1 – Seward’s 51st District, over three redistrictings, has been adjusted so it is, not quite, but al-

FOR THE RECORD

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Senator Seward receives a congratulatory kiss from wife Cindy after he was sworn in for a 15th term Thursday, Jan. 1, in Courtroom #1. Peeking out from the middle is granddaughter Norah Thomas.

most centered on the traffic signal in the Village of Milford, a few steps from the senator’s home. Another miracle? Born in the county, raised near Colliersville, married to a Schenevus girl, educated at Hartwick College, the youngest GOP chair in county history, serving us in Albany for almost three decades, rising each morning and looking out his window at Otsego County scenery – can you think of anyone who could be better prepared or able to serve his Otsego County constituency?

• Unfortunately, Congressman Chris Gibson, R-19th, elected to a third term in November, announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the day he was sworn in, that he would not run again. Unfortunately, because he was just getting started on what looked like an ever-more-promising Congressional career. (Although if, as he has hinted, he plans to lay the groundwork for a gubernatorial run in 2018 and wins, his knowledge and understanding of Otsego County won’t do us any harm.) Also unfortunately, because state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, was immediately among the 19th District’s prominent Republicans mentioned as possible successors, along with a couple of county executives and assemblymen. In an interview, Seward – he already represents five of the 11 counties in the 19th, “but there are six other counties” – said he is exploring a possible run, including taking a look at the fundraising possibilities, and plans to announce a decision, one way or another, in the spring. Characteristically, he said he’s guided by this question, “How can I be of service to the people of the region?” Certainly by continuing as senator. Who would replace him? Possibilities would include Duncan Davie, the former Town of Oneonta supervisor and longtime Seward aide. Perhaps county Treasurer Dan Crowell on the Democratic side. Maybe Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R-Schoharie, whose district already includes eastern Otsego County. Able folks. But it would be a shame – for Otsego County – to lose Seward’s

clout. Even worse, to lose the seat to some other county. Our selfish preference is for Seward to stay where he is. Still, you can see how a few terms in Congress – the first congressman from this county since Oneonta’s George Fairchild served six terms in the early 20th century – would be a satisfying capstone to a fine career. Who can blame him if he wants it? Yet, there’s so much to do in Otsego County, with the apparent acceleration of outmigration from Upstate New York generally. How can we beat the trend? How can we build a sustainable economy and society? With his “Seward Summits” and support of the IDA’s three-year, $3 million experiment in turning things around, he’s been THE foremost impetus in working toward a positive local future. “I’ve spent my adult life in public service,” Seward will tell you – to Otsego County, we might add. So 60-ish, if he wants the Washington experience, go for it. Change, often much regretted and much to be regretted, is part of life. Who knows what he might accomplish there, and what trees may grow in the forest when the giant oak is transplanted? Still, if Jim Seward stays put, that’s fine – very fine – too. • P.S. One issue remains near Five Mile Point. The DOT claims it owns the right-of-way and the land under the camps. However, camp owners have been paying property taxes for decades. It can’t be both ways. For peace of mind all around, that also needs to be resolved.

LETTERS

Yes, This Guy Can Write Editor’s Note: In an article on Page B1, Robert B. Lifset, author of “Power on the Hudson,” said he recognizes former Sports Illustrated reporter Bob Boyle’s writing style, even though Time Life magazines practiced “group journalism,” using few bylines. This excerpt from SI’s 1965 article, “From A Mountaintop To 1,000 Fathoms Deep” proves Lifset’s point.

and sharks, striped bass, yellow perch, white perch, sea sturgeon, pipefish, black bass, tomcod, butterfish, common jack, billfish, pickerel, bluefish, menhaden, anchovies, American sole, summer flounder, smelt, sunfish, sea horses and trout mingle in startling confraternity. Once in a while even porpoises move in from the sea, swimming as much as 100 miles upriver, where they blister and die in fresh water. In the summer muskrat and mink live in the ballast rock under the New York Central tracks on the east bank, and in the fall rafts of wild ducks dive for food within sight of the George Washington Bridge. In the winter bald eagles in search of fish ride the ice floes south to Croton Point, and in the spring fishermen spread gill nets on hickory poles to catch shad on their run from the sea. In any season this river is an intricate and awesome thing.

D&H Yards Prime Candidate For Cuomo’s $1.5B In Funding To the Editor: GO/EDC (The Greater Oneonta Economic Development Council) casts its vote for the 250+ acres of the former D&H rail yards as the singular Oneonta project to be submitted as a top priority for the “Revitalization Competition” that Governor Cuomo proposed in recent days to distribute $1.5 billion in new economic-development funding. Time and planning have already been done within the former D&H rail yards. What is lacking is money, a substantial amount of money. The 85 acres do need clean-up, but have passed all environmental reviews. Capital funding is needed to pursue development plans. The site aforementioned is more shovel-ready than most any site for miles around. It has three-phase electricity, and public water and sewer that can be extended to all parts of the site.

DesignConnect Cornell has been instrumental in the initial planning stages of the 85 acres that are privately owned by the River Corp. The balance of acreage is owned by a rail company. Many people who have the expertise have said the property needs an overpass that would allow truck traffic better access to the property. Site developers believe that it would open the door to some very substantial development if this were done. Certainly the “Revitalization Competition” would provide money for substantial economic growth. This project would bolster the heart of our city and restore a once-vibrant rail yard. The revitalization of the rail yard has appeared on the City of Oneonta’s Comprehensive plan for the last three cycles. However, money is needed to bring this redevelopment to reality.

“Revitalization Competition” funding is an answer. That entire area needs to be commercially revitalized with an eye towards creating lots of new jobs for the area. Currently, there are over 150 jobs within a close proximity of the 85 acres. In December, the Otsego County IDA was awarded a CFA grant of $47,000 to conduct a master plan of the area. So now we believe any new infrastructure resources dispatched to the area should be applied to implementation efforts to put this massive chunk of Center City real estate back into productive use. GO/EDC casts its vote for the rail yards as the area’s top priority for “Revitalization Competition” funds. All should get behind the project for support! BILL SHUE & AL COLONE GO/EDC Co-Founders Oneonta

THE REV. MARK MICHAEL OTHER VOICES

To Be Effective, We Can’t Be Apart

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

Mary Joan Kevlin Associate Publisher

Tara Barnwell Advertising Director

hom Rhodes • Jim Koury T Advertising Consultants

Kathleen Peters Graphics

Celeste Brown Thomas Copy Editor

Libby Cudmore Reporter

Judith Bartow Billing

Katherine Monser Office Manager Ian Austin Photographer

Stephenie Walker Production Coordinator

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

Editor’s Note: Sunday, Jan. 18, was Christian Unity Sunday, and pastors from different Cooperstown churches preached in each other’s pulpits. One notable call for ecumenism was delivered at Cooperstown Presbyterian Church, the village’s oldest, by the Rev. Mark Michael, rector at Christ Episcopal, the village’s second oldest. This is an excerpt.

y family and I have lived here in Cooperstown for nearly five and a half years and I decided on one of those snowy days a few weeks ago, that it was well past time for me to begin reading James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales.” When I first came here, Hugh MacDougall gave me a copy of “The Pioneers” which he had edited a few years ago for Barnes and Noble, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven’t read “The Pioneers,” it is a partially fictionalized account

Temple, a stand-in for the author’s father. One of the book’s opening episodes focuses on an event much like what we are doing today. Parson Grant, an Episcopal missionary, leads the village’s first service of worship according to the “Book of Common Prayer.” He has a mostly Presbyterian congregation on hand, as the village has, as of yet, no resident pastor of any denomination. The Presbyterians are not much impressed, much to the dissapointment of Richard Jones, Temple’s agent, who is an Episcopalian booster, with plans for a brick church on the brow of the hill, if he can just persuade all of them around to his way F.O.C. Darley captures a moment of thinking. of reflection in his famous illustraBetty Hollister, the proprietor of the tions in Cooper’s “The Pioneers.” Bold Dragoon, the village’s principal tavern, sums up the general verdict of 1790’s Cooperstown, renamed when she noted that Parson Grant’s Templeton, but still set at the foot of sermon was reasonable, but the kneela stunning lake and presided over by Please See MICHAEL, A6 a benevolent patriarch, Marmaduke

AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS ON A-6

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 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

Duties on Manufactures – The House of Representatives, on motion of Mr. Epps of Virginia, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the Bill to “provide additional revenues for defraying public credit, by laying duties on various goods, wares and merchandise manufactured within the United States.” Duties specified in the Bill: Pig iron per ton, one dollar; Castings of iron, per ton, one dollar, fifty cents; Bar iron per ton, one dollar; Rolled or slit iron, per ton, one dollar; cut nails, brads and sprigs, made wholly, or in part, by machinery, per pound, one cent; Candles of spermaceti or white wax, per pound, ten cents; Mould candles of tallow, or of wax other than white, or in part of each, per pound, three cents; Dipt candles of tallow, or of wax, other than white, or in part of each, per pound, one cent.” January 19, 1815

175 YEARS AGO

Diet – To say that no attention is to be paid to diet is madness. You must pay attention to it sooner or later. If you are faithful to take regular vigorous exercise every day in the open air, then you may eat and pay less attention to quality and quantity. But if you take but little exercise, you may be sure you are to be the sufferer if you do not take food in the same proportion. January 20, 1840

150 YEARS AGO

The question of submitting to the States a proposition to amend the Federal Constitution in order to abolish slavery throughout the Union, has, as our readers are aware, passed the Senate by the requisite two-thirds vote and is now before the House of Representatives. The Republicans support the measure to a man; most of the Democrats oppose it – not because they care to perpetuate slavery, but because they doubt the policy and good effect on the country of bringing forth this important and radical measure at this time. They also fear that one effect will be to prolong the war. A number of Democrats in Congress, however, support the measure. January 20, 1865

100 YEARS AGO

The famous Cooperstown Polo Team will be conspicuous in the polo tournaments held at San Francisco in March in connection with the Panama-Pacific International Exposi-

125 YEARS AGO

50 YEARS AGO

Richfield Springs fluoridation supporters are using “a technique common to a police state which cannot be tolerated in a democratic community.” The Rev. Lawrence C. Butler told parishioners of St. John’s Episcopal Church there in his sermon Sunday. “Men and women will not permit the infringement of their civil right of free speech and thought,” Father Butler said. “These methods are the short but sharp fears that constitute conniving communism. There has been name-calling, intimidation, deep embarrassment, spying, calling people into account for their actions, and even the fear of losing employment should one speak his views as January 24, 1890 an opponent to fluoridation,” Father Butler said. At issue is a proposal to fluoridate the village water. “People are confused and when they are confused they become alarmed tion. In 1913, this team was virtually invincible, winning both the senior and the open championship at Narragansett they get angry. We have an angry village right now. The village has been caught up in a whirl of vindictiveness.” Pier, a feat never previously accomplished. In 1914, the January 27, 1965 team was slightly split up owing to a broken wrist sustained by Mr. VonStade, the result of a fall at the United Hunt race last spring. Mr. VonStade has entirely recovered and will accompany the team when it goes west this During the 10 a.m. worship service, Sunday, January 14, month for preliminary practice. The Cooperstown ponies 11 new members became a part of the Fly Creek Methodist were shipped to the coast early in December. The ExposiChurch family which numbers 152 on its roll. The church tion Tournament will be managed by James C. Cooley, endeavors to meet the spiritual needs of folk of varied backa widely-known New York sportsman and authority on grounds, as it is the only church in the Fly Creek area. Eight hunting and polo. More than 25 teams have been entered of the persons received into membership are graduates of in the Exposition Polo Tournaments which represent an a three-month confirmation class, led by Rev. Kenneth R. investment of $100,000. Baldwin of Oneonta. These young people are: Melanie January 20, 1915 Brienza, Jim Foster, Sarah Good, Brian Green, Mark Pernat, Matthew Pernat, Lucy Schaeffer and Jessica Tedesco. January 24, 1990 Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd advised the U.S. Navy by radio that the Antarctic expedition’s seventeen-ton snow cruiser was safely ashore at the Bay of Whales. The Chef David Neil and his partner, Purple Star owner Donahuge vehicle demolished a ramp while being taken off the beth Reed, have big plans in the works. The two are planning flagship North Star and only quick action by Dr. Thomas a new restaurant on State Route 28 in Index to be known C. Poulter of Chicago, who was at the controls, saved the as the Yum Yum shack. Neil, who has been the chef at the $150,000 machine from catastrophe. As a 60-foot steel Cooperstown Country Club for the past two summers and and wood landing ramp gave way, Dr. Poulter applied full was instrumental in local culinary offerings at the Hoffman power, jolted ashore and sped a full mile before coming to Lane Bistro and Gabriella’s, said the new enterprise will have a halt. The cruiser attracted large crowds of sightseers as a seafood theme, but he hopes to offer something for everyit crossed New York State on Route 20 headed for Bosone. “We want to do something casual, very family-oriented ton. One of the largest gatherings was at Richfield Springs and fun,” he said. “We want the bikers to come by, the docwhere the gigantic vehicle spent a night. tors to come by and we want the families to come by.” January 24, 1940 January 21, 2005

25 YEARS AGO

75 YEARS AGO

10 YEARS AGO

Promoting Addiction Recovery Through Every Available Means

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MEREDITH L. BAIO

has joined the firm as an Associate Meredith L. Baio is a member of the firm’s Morris, Edmeston and Oneonta offices who maintains a general practice in business and individual representation in real estate, trusts and estates, elder law and Medicare planning, guardianships and adoptions. Ms. Baio graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2011, where she was a member of the William & Mary Journal of Women and the Law. Meredith serves on the Board of Directors of the Otsego County Bar Association and Co-Chairs the Young Lawyers Section of the Otsego County Bar.

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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 22-23, 2015

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Cooper’s ‘Pioneers’ Shows Denominations Jousted From Start MICHAEL/From A4 ing and standing of the Episcopal liturgy left her distinctly cold, “unasy” was her term. “It’s no so small a matter,” she told a curious patron, “for a body in their fiftynint’ year to be moving so much in church.” …Religion on the frontier, Cooper is telling us, was disputatious, democratic, and a thoroughly marked by the ethos of free market capitalism. Alexis de Tocqueville, in his famous study written about a decade after Cooper’s novel, confirmed many of the novelist’s observations, noting that American religious life was dominated by “an innumerable multitude of sects.” I understand that in American law, for the most part, churches are still considered a voluntary association of like-minded people,

bound together by the accident of similar opinions, and relatively free to divide and reorganize themselves according to their own wishes. This American way of religion is often praised for the way it has deepened the spirit of toleration among us, as it limits anyone’s ability to coerce anyone else to agree with him on theological matters. Giving lay people a strong stake in running things has led to a general tendency toward moderate and public-minded forms of Christianity in our nation. By requiring greater accountability and keeping church leaders well away from the reins of secular power, we have been spared some of the most scandalous forms of corruption, though we’ve had our share of superstar pastors who could give the Renaissance popes

a run for their money. But of course, this American way of religion has also made us the land of 10,000 Christian denominations, the greaters originators of schism in the 2000 year history of the Church. In America, we don’t just have Anglicans, we have the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in North America, the Anglican Catholic Church, the Anglican Orthodox Church. We don’t just have Presbyterians, we have the Presbyterian Church,USA; the Presbyterian Church in America, Orthodox Presbyterians, Bible Presbyterians, Associate Reformed Presbyterians – and you know I’m just getting started here. …God … calls us to be united, to put away dissensions, to be of one mind, he says. And “one mind” doesn’t mean that every-

one must have precisely the same opinion, for Saint Paul will go on to say that at Corinth there are legitimately different ways of understanding what foods can be eaten and if widows should remarry. But the people who hold those different opinions should be united in a common life of love, in which individuals are prepared to sacrifice their own principles to respect and honor the consciences of others. This diversity is important, and yet as he would bid the Ephesians, we must always “endeavor to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We can’t do this well without each other. When we are apart, we cannot be as effective and comprehensive as Christ intends us to be. We need all the fellow-workers Christ has called to

accomplish what He intends to do through us to bless and heal the world. We can begin by identifying those distinctive gifts in the midst of our current divisions. The social witness of Presbyterians, the mystical life of Roman Catholics, evangelicals’ passion for the conversion of sinners, the splendid liturgy of Episcopalians, the joyful exuberance of Pentecostals – maybe you’d assign some of those different gifts to different groups, but you see what I mean. Even in the midst of our unhappy divisions, the Spirit still pours out His gifts, and He calls us to use them to do the work of the kingdom. And if we are so richly blessed even when shattered by ten thousand divisions, imagine what we could be when restored to that glorious fullness that is God’s deep desire.

LETTERS

Thank A Fracker? Don’t Anti-Frackers Deserve Our Thanks, Too? To the Editor: I always enjoy reading Dick Downey’s articles, such as the recent “Fracking Is Dead. Long Live Fracking” (Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta, Jan. 15-16). They almost always communicate some truth in clear, vivid, and colorful terms. But the truth of Mr. Downey’s rhetoric is invariably partial. As his article musters the chant of “Thank a fracker” for boost-

ing the economy and stimulating supply of domestic petroleum, thereby reducing the price of gas, he conveniently avoids the truth that the lower price of oil is due not to the largesse of oil corporations but to the efforts of OPEC to frustrate U.S. expansion of domestic gas and oil extraction. The invisible hand of the market place? Sort of. More important, if we are in the business of thanking frackers,

For Library Donors, Thanks; But Others Can Still Donate To the Editor: The Friends of the Village Library recently conducted our annual fund drive, which generated over $9,000. We want to express our thanks to all the people who donated so generously. Although the Cooperstown Village Library is now receives much of its funding as part of the school budget, maintaining the high quality programs would be impossible within the confines of that budget. Friends of the Village Library have traditionally provided extra support. Some of the Friends recent contributions have included a Wi-Fi connection, a dedicated area for teens, expansion of the large print book collection, and providing a comfortable space for parents to read to their children. The Friends have donated scores of books on CD, leather armchairs a leather sofa, two desk chairs, and magazine racks. We all know a fund drive is never “over.” If you have a library card; if you borrow audio books for your commute to work; if your children frequent the children’s corner; if you attend our free

monthly programs; if you belong to the Tuesday-afternoon knitting group; if you love the annual book sale – then you need the library, and the library needs you. If you didn’t donate in 2014, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution this year. And thank you again to all our generous donors. Antoinette Kuzminski and Paula Matteson

Co-Chairs

Melinda Hardin

Publicity Chair Friends of The Village Library

let’s not forget to add to the list: melting polar ice; loss of species; Greenland’s glaciers sliding into the sea; loss of coastline from Maine to Florida to Texas to California to Japan; extreme weather events. For all this and more, we can thank a fracker. But let’s try not to focus on the negative. Mr. Downey reports that the average household is likely to enjoy annual energy savings of $750. I would gladly pay

that amount and more – and have, in legal fees and well water testing – in order to keep the frackers out, to keep my state from being overrun with uncontrolled, Wild-Weststyle industrial build-out and air and water pollution. So, I guess I will thank an anti-fracker. I will also thank the New York state and U.S. governments for offering incentives to stimulate alternative energy production (just as oil corporations have long

First, Residential Parking Permits To the Editor: We read that the village trustees have voted to put parking meters on residential streets. As homeowners in the village, our understanding has been from the outset that parking meters would not be put on predominately residential streets without first implementing a resident parking permit program. Such a program requires the state’s approval, but the village has now had over two years to get such approval. Until a resident permit program is in place, expanding paid parking to any residential street sets a very bad precedent for all residential streets. Some residences in the

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enjoyed such incentives), making solar energy affordable for homeowners in this early stage of its development. I will also thank General Motors and other auto manufacturers for investing in electric car technology (the way of the future affordable TODAY) – so that I don’t have to thank a fracker. GEORGE HOVIS Cooperstown

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village depend on street parking for all or part of their parking needs. Residents already pay for that “privilege” via their notinconsequential property tax. To secure a spot, they have to battle with Bassett employees, tourists, etc. Making them feed a meter to park in front of their own house is grossly irresponsible – since the trustees have had ample time to implement a residential parking permit program. They should do so without further delay. CHIP NORTHRUP Cooperstown

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-7

Heroin Dealers Brand Products, And ‘DIESEL’ Is Deadly ODs/From A1 “There have been numerous overdoses attributed to heroin distributed in the area in recent days,” the two men reported. Two fatalities were confirmed the next morning by Julie Dostal, executive director at LEAF, the anti-addiction education agency. “We’re devastated,” she said. “We’re working with the recovery community to get the word out and keep people safe.” Fentanyl, an anesthetic, was part of the drug cocktail that killed singer Michael Jackson in 2009. Dealers used it to cut with heroin, thus making it more potent and addictive. But the combination of the two depressants, Dostal warned, creates a “heroin bomb.” “This kind of heroin is tainted,”

she said. “It’s less expensive, but it’s more deadly. The user can OD much more quickly.” Worse, even when a good Samaritan has a Naloxone kit to Muehl reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, it won’t work as well on the fentanyl, and depending on the dose, the user can still OD. “Narcan only lasts between 30-60 minutes, and if the high is strong enough, the patient can overdose again,” said Dr. Mark Winther, director of Emergency Services at the Bassett Hospital in Little Falls. In the last 10 days, seven overdoses had been treated in the

emergency room at Bassett and five in Fox Hospital’s ER. “It’s common to see clusters of overdoses due to variations in potency,” said Winther. “So if there is a dramatic change in potency, multiple people will overdose as that batch is distributed.” Muehl said the two deaths and rash of overdoses “cause us to go into high gear to find where this heroin is coming from.” But, because of the nature of the drug trade, “you can’t get to the central source right away.” Generally, the street-level heroin suppliers -- “mules” -- are sent into the county by major dealers from elsewhere, he said. Often, they are heroin addicts themselves, paid in the drug they need to feed their habits, he said.

Usually, there are two or, at the most, three operating in Otsego County at any one time; arrested, they are quickly replaced by the major dealers with similarly addicted “mules,” according to the D.A. Pinching off the supply involves arresting a “mule” and attempting to go up the ladder, a process that can take years. Since the end of 2008, when heroin arrived in force locally, Muehl said two major dealers have been sent to prison: Jose Rodriguez, 28, sentenced in 2011 to 40 years, and Dante Major, 36, sentenced in January 2013 to 20 years to life running a ring that was stealing a heroin substitute from Covidien in Hobart and

reselling it. Suggesting the difficulty in breaking up these enterprises, Muehl noted that Rodriguez’ prosecution, after three-year investigation, was the first in the state to go through a jury trial. Lately, instead of putting the “mules” in jail, the D.A. said he has been using the drug court process, where the addicts are put in treatment under court supervision. “If we can get them to straighten out, not only will we save them, we will get a dealer off the street,” Muehl said. Anyone with information about “DIESEL” may call the sheriff’s department tip line at 547-1690 or speak to city detectives by calling 432-1111, extension 1.

DOT Backs Off Confrontation With Camp Owners

DOT/From A1 both lanes along the entire reconstruction area, according to a letter to Seward from the DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald. And the work will be done by Memorial Day, so as not to hinder the Glimmerglass Festival’s 40th anniversary season. “I got loud last August,” said Seward. “I heard the plight of my constituents, and I took up their case. We needed a project to protect the viability of Route 80,

but what was originally planned would have been unsightly.” Under the original plan, the DOT would have seized three properties; despite being unable to produce deeds, the state claimed it owned all the land on the lake side of the road. Some structures – boathouses and docks – were to be bulldozed, and the rip-rap was to be piled 40 feet out into the lake. Camp owners Caroline and Jim Sever rallied to form Friends of Route 80,

retaining a lawyer, Gilbert Hoffman of Syracuse, and calling the Town of Otsego, the county, OCCA and Otsego 2000 together to block the DOT’s intentions. “The bulldozers were set to start in September,” said Caroline. “So we had to go to the commissioner.” Once Seward got involved, he took the neighbors concerns to Commissioner McDonald, urging her to rethink the plan. “In September, they took the first positive move,” said

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Seward. “They took another look and came up with an alternative solution.” “This was a really wonderful example of working together,” said Nicole Dillingham, Otsego 2000 president. “I’m really proud of how our community worked together.” The project is slated to begin this March and finished by Memorial Day. “We can replace what they have now to aesthetically fit into the area, allowing traffic to continue and not negatively impact the lake,” said Seward. “It was a culmination of a lot of efforts, and it is exactly what I advocated for.” The issue of land ownership remains in the air. “They won’t be bulldozing

The Freeman’s Journal

Camp owner Caroline Sever addresses a meeting she convened at The Otesaga Aug. 15 for her neighbors to discuss their concerns with Attorney Gilbert Hoffman, Syracuse, at right.

our land, but we still can’t sell or make improvements,” said Caroline. “This issue needs to be resolved, and we won’t let up on it.” Sever said that she was advised in a letter from the DOT to meet with the

department’s attorneys to further discuss the issue. “The DOT is silent,” said Seward. “I see this as a positive sign that this project will be completed and life will go on as it always has.”

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