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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
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founded in 1808
seasons greetings and happy holidays! pages 7 and 8 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 217, No. 50
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 18, 2025
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Cherry Valley Health Center Expected To Come in Under Town Budget for the Year By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
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CHERRY VALLEY he Cherry Valley Community Health Center, though facing financial challenges, is set to come in under its town-allotted budget for the year. The town, which owns and operates the center while leasing staffing and other services from Bassett Healthcare Network, had budgeted around $800,000.00 toward the health center. At the December 11 town board meeting, officials reported it had only required approxi-
mately $236,000.00 out of the town’s budget, likely to land around $250,000.00 by year end. “I feel good,” Town Supervisor Tom Garretson told AllOtsego after the meeting, saying he is particularly hopeful for the town’s recently created oversight board for the health center. The board has been identifying cost-cutting measures and grant opportunities. The news comes after a November 7 New York State comptroller report warned the town could deplete its fund balance as a result of “unrealistically low” expenContinued on page 13
Coop Trustees Talk Trolley Contract, Dog Park Location By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
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COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees discussed the village’s trolley agreement with the county, a possible site for a new dog park, grants, watershed inspection fees and more at its Monday, December 15 regular meeting. The board also passed a local law allowing an expedited process for minor lot line adjustments. On December 10, the board received letters from the presidents and chief executive officers of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm, and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce expressing concern about the potential loss of trolley service. At the prior board meeting, officials had said the village’s arrangement with the county was financially burdensome. “We had advised the county, through vote, that we did not encourage entering into a five-year fixed contract in response to their RFP,” Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk said. Continued on page 13 INSIDE ► ai pROJECT bUSINESS PLAN, page 2 ► RILEY GIVES NYSEG A SHOCK, page 3 ► MORATORIUM ON SOLAR, WIND, page 3 ► FAITH LEADERS PAN 287(G), page 4 ► CCS WINTER SPORTS UPDATE, page 6 ► FRIENDS OF CHRISTMAS SERVE DINNER, page 7 ► DRUG STRIKES VS. DRONE STRIKES, page 12 ► HOLIDAY FUN! page 14 Follow Breaking News On
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Ralston Remembrance Roll Out COOPERSTOWN—On Sunday, December 7, Cooperstown Friends of the Parks volunteers gathered to roll out the Badger Park skating rink for the season. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of longtime Friends of the Parks board member Bill Ralston, who passed away unexpectedly on July 5. Supporters ages 8-84 assisted with the roll out. A special thanks was extended to the Leo Club crew, who came out in force. Friends of the Parks is seeking volunteers to assist throughout the season with upkeep of the skate shack and ice maintenance. Those willing to donate an afternoon or two this winter are asked to contact Bruce Miller at millerbu@yahoo.com.
Program Makes Local Woman’s Dream Come True By MARIA GRISWOLD
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NEW BERLIN veryone has dreams they want to accomplish in life, but some just don’t work out as planned. At Oneonta’s Heritage at The Plains at Parish Homestead senior care center, there is a program specifically to address this. And earlier this month, one of these previously unrealized dreams finally came true. The “Tree of Dreams” is a program facilitated through the staff at The Plains to provide those living in their care an opportunity to live their dream. “There is a committee of staff members, management
Photo by Heather Anderson
Emma Golden looks on as Eileen Crowell samples products at Golden’s paint bar on her “Tree of Dreams Day” outing.
and aides. We decide on an idea and brainstorm what we can do with them,” explained Heather Anderson, director of Magnolia Trails at The Plains, “Eileen Crowell loves to paint, but put her painting aside to raise her family. I thought, can we try to do something for her?” “We try every quarter to make someone’s dream come true,” Anderson shared. “Eileen said she would know she made it as an artist if her paintings were on display.” Crowell’s dream came true on the morning of Wednesday, December 3. She began her day with a private VIP tour of Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin. Continued on page 13
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD