This Week	Our Services	Time Outs	Review: 2004	Photo Gallery	Contact Us	FAQ Page	Great Links	Return Home	Classified Ads

The Year in Review: 2004

	By JOHN AUFENANGER            January 9, 2004            Cooper Family Donates Land      MIDDLEFIELD - Four descendants of Judge William Cooper, the founder of the village that bears his name, gave the Otsego Land Trust stewardship over 361 acres of land in the Red Creek Valley which has been owned by the Coopers for more than 90 years. Katherine L.F.C. Cary, Susan F.C. Weil, and their brothers, James F. Cooper, and Henry S.F. Cooper Jr., made the gift to ensure that the rural, agricultural, scenic, and ecological characteristics of the property will be protected as a conservation easement for the benefit of present and future generations. The land is immediately east of Cooperstown, extending approximately 1.7 miles along Estli Avenue and County Route 33, with about 167 acres on the ridge between the two roads, and 194 additional acres, including the major part of Red Creek Farm and the old Fynmere property. The site is considered strategic to officials of the Otsego Land Trust, as the property affords some of the most beautiful views in the area surrounding Cooperstown.      Photo provided. A scenic view of Red Creek farm.            HoF Inductees Are Elected      COOPERSTOWN - The Baseball Writers Association of America chose to elect lifetime designated hitter Paul Molitor and pitcher Dennis Eckersley to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Molitor's 3,319 hits rank him eighth in big league history, and Eckersley is best known as a relief pitcher, but began his career in baseball as a top-rated starter. Although Molitor played every position except pitcher and catcher in his 21 years in the sport, he is the first player to be elected to the hall to spend most of his career as a designated hitter. He batted an impressive .306, playing 15 years for the Milwaukee Brewers before moving to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he earned MVP of the 1993 World Series win over Philadelphia. Eckersley's career spanned 24 years, 10 of those as a starting pitcher for Cleveland, Boston, and then the Chicago Cubs. After a trade to Oakland, he distinguished himself as the game's top closer, and ended his career as the American League's record holder for career saves, with 324. He also won MVP and the Cy Young Award for 1992. He is only the third relief pitcher to be elected to the Hall, after Hoyt Wilhelm in 1985, and Rollie Fingers in 1992.             January 16, 2004 Local Tradition Returns After 25 Year Absence COOPERSTOWN - The Cooperstown Fire Department planned to revive its "Fireman's Candlelight Ball," a former annual tradition which has been on hiatus for the last quarter century. The event was slated for January 24, 2004 at The Otesaga Hotel. Chief A. Fred Lemister, who joined the department in 1969, said he had fond memories of the event as it was held in previous years at St. Mary's parish hall. "It's a little way for firefighters and their spouses to have a night to themselves," he said, "It's about camaraderie, fraternity, and friendship - the things that make the fire service what it is." The triumphant return of the Fireman's Ball was made possible in large part by the generous donations of Jane Forbes Clark, according to Lemister, who expressed his gratitude. Photo provided. Eric and Angie Pierce cut the rug. Power Outages Investigated in CV CHERRY VALLEY - After a power outage that affected 1,000 Niagara Mohawk customers on January 9, 2004 from 5:30-11:30 a.m., the New York State Public Safety Commission was prompted to investigate the frequent occurrences of such outages in the Cherry Valley area. Ni-Mo officials declined to comment on the recurring nature of the service interruptions. David Flanigan, public information officer with the Public Safety Commission, said that he would check to see if his staff had been tracking the frequency of such interruptions in Cherry Valley. In August of 2004, Ni-Mo had approached the Town of Springfield about securing franchise status in the town. This would have enabled the power company to operate a NYSEG-owned substation in East Springfield to supply power to Cherry Valley. At that August meeting, Ni-Mo officials admitted that electrical power in Cherry Valley and Roseboom had become increasingly inconsistent in recent years. The proposal to use the NYSEG substation, or to build a new one, if necessary, was Ni-Mo's attempt to improve service to the area. The company was in negotiation with NYSEG to purchase the inactive substation. January 23, 2004 Route 20 Byway Strategy is Finalized OTSEGO COUNTY - When the New York State Thruway was constructed in the 1950s, the economic impact on the towns along U.S. Route 20 was devastating. Members of the Route 20 Scenic Byway Steering Committee hope that their efforts will help to revitalize the 118-mile stretch of the former Cherry Valley Turnpike from Duanesburg to Lafayette, a corridor encompassing seven counties and 28 municipalities. The designation of this section of Route 20 as a National Scenic Byway will bring much-needed attention to the area from state and national government agencies, offering tax incentive advantages and other benefits to the communities through which the historic road passes. Locally, these communities include Sharon Springs, Richfield Springs, Springfield and West Winfield. The village of Cherry Valley, for which the road was originally named, was bypassed by new road construction in 1956, but is still considered within the corridor. The Byway project also includes Route 80 from the intersection of Route 28 in Cooperstown. Former Village Mayor Passes Away VERO BEACH, FL - Frederick Hamilton McGown, former Cooperstown mayor and village trustee, died on January 16, 2004. He was born at the Thanksgiving Hospital in 1916, attended Cooperstown Central School, Andover Academy, and Yale University. He met his wife, Elizabeth Yaeger Davies, while teaching at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA, and after serving in the Army, returned to Cooperstown to join his father as a partner in the McGown Company, which later became the Fred McGown Corp. After selling the business to the Bruce Hall Corp., he remained there as an employee. During his retirement he became a certified emergency medical technician, volunteered for the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, and was active during his lifetime in too many organizations to list in this brief space, including the Cooperstown Lions Club, the American Legion, the Native Sons of Cooperstown, and the Doubleday Dancers. For the past five summers he had worked with his daughter, Margaret, at Cooperstown Dreams Park. McGown served as village mayor in 1957 and again in 1960-61. He also served as a village trustee, and remained on several village committees throughout his lifetime. He was 88. Lady Wildcats Remain Unbeaten in Tri-Valley League MILFORD - The Milford Central School Lady Wildcats basketball team met the Morris Lady Mustangs at the Anton Remy Jr. gymnasium on January 16, 2004, besting Morris, 38-35. The Wildcats entered the game with a record of 4-0 in the Tri-Valley League, but the Morris girls proved hard to beat, especially in the third and fourth quarters. According to coach Jim Weir, "We played a little game of cat and mouse during the fourth quarter. We'd hit a shot or a lay-up, and they'd answer right back." But, despite Morris' solid game, the Milford girls held on for the win. Rachel Baxter led the scoring with 14 points and swiped seven steals. Liza Hendricks added 10 points and ripped down seven rebounds. Alicia Strong sank eight points for the Lady Wildcats. January 30, 2004 Area Barn to be Preserved by Miniature Golfing HARTWICK SEMINARY - As each month seems to reveal new plans for commercial development along State Route 28, a Cooperstown businesswoman saw an opportunity to preserve a 19th-century barn which stands between Gary Enck's Car Store and Cooperstown Dreams Park. The barn had most recently housed Great Labels, a warehouse clothing outlet that re-opened recently in a new location within the village, but remained vacant after that company relocated. Marcy Birch, who had been developing the idea for opening a miniature golf course for about four or five years, decided to buy the barn and the 2.27-acre property on which it stands, hoping that putting it to good use would help save the picturesque structure. The 18-hole miniature golf course will be called "The Barnyard Swing," and will feature scale replicas of area barns and other farm buildings built by Castle Golf, an Arizona-based company. Possible Trouble For CCS Athletes COOPERSTOWN - Although no word had yet been released on the results of Cooperstown High School Principal Gary Kuch's meetings with athletic coaches and school team members, one of the coaches, on condition of anonymity, spoke to a reporter about possible violations of the school's athletic code of conduct. The code, which was adopted several years ago by the Board of Education, stipulates that school athletes will refrain from using drugs, alcohol and tobacco products. The athletes are asked to sign a contract to that effect before beginning practice. Kuch, along with Middle School Principal/Athletic Director, Michael Cring, reportedly met with coaches and players during a marathon of meetings on Wednesday, January 28, 2004, after it was learned that dozens of Cooperstown student athletes were involved in a weekend party at which marijuana, alcohol and tobacco were apparently used. According to the coach, team members were questioned by the school officials about their involvement in the party. He added, "I'm very pleased with the way the school is dealing with the issue." February 6, 2004 Village Tavern Gets New Owners, Old Name COOPERSTOWN - When the new owner of the stone building at 49 Pioneer Street, formerly the site of The Bold Dragoon, was looking for a name for his bar and restaurant, he decided to delve into the building's history for inspiration. Thirty-three year-old Tim Gould, who moved to Cooperstown in May, 2003, researched deeds and titles at the county clerk's office, and discovered that the building had been known as "Cooley's Stone Shop" and "The Cooley Building" in the late 1800s. The Bold Dragoon had been named to pay homage to Cooperstown's literary history. Gould decided to name his tavern and eatery Cooley's Stone House Tavern in order to continue to honor Cooperstown's history, while putting his own "stamp" on his new business. He also said that he wanted to avoid using a baseball theme, saying, "Another twist on baseball in Cooperstown would have been redundant." School Re-Thinks Eligibility Policy RICHFIELD SPRINGS - School officials were scheduled to implement a new "eligibility/ineligibility" policy, to go into effect on Monday, February 9, 2004 at the Richfield Springs Central School. According to interim Principal Barry Gould, the old policy had punished students who failed, rather than encouraging them to pass. Under the new policy, recently adopted by the Board of Education, students who are failing in two or more core subjects will be given incentives to improve, which include being "strongly encouraged" to attend after-school study groups in which guidance counselors and teachers will help students to learn more effective study strategies to raise their grades. The school will provide bus transportation home after the study groups. The old policy rendered failing students "ineligible" to participate in school extra-curricular activities, including athletic events, without providing incentives, or offering positive solutions, to such students to bring their grades above the failing mark. According to Gould, the new policy will make it possible for failing students who "work hard to maintain a passing grade in a failed course" to continue to attend extra-curricular events. Conduct Violations Result in Suspensions COOPERSTOWN - According to Cooperstown Central School Superintendent Mary Jo McPhail, violations of the school's athletic code of conduct have resulted in six of the school's nine winter athletic teams having to play short-handed this season. Although McPhail declined to reveal the names of the students involved - based on a recent investigation of student athletes who participated in a party in which drugs, alcohol, and tobacco were reportedly used - the unidentified students were punished with a "first offense" under the code of conduct. This suspends the students from 20 percent of athletic games, including Sectional play. In a related story, the Cooperstown boys' varsity basketball team, which lost three of its starters as the result of unspecified "disciplinary reasons," lost a bid to take the Center State Conference League championship when they fell to Waterville in a February 2 match. Despite Shane Connelly's game-high 25 points, and Dave Pikarski's 24 points, and also despite calling up three players from the junior varsity division to fill the gaps, the Redskins ultimately lost to Waterville, knocking them out of league contention. Coach David Bertram said, "It was our league to win, and we gave it away," expressing his frustration at losing the three starters to the disciplinary action. February 13, 2004 Festivities Brighten Winter Weekends COOPERSTOWN - Several events were held in the area during late January and early February to brighten the otherwise dreary mid-winter period. The Lion's Club-sponsored Cooperstown Winter Carnival immediately followed the Richfield Springs Winter Carnival. Both events were well-attended, according to their organizers, with nature obliging by providing a blanket of snow and temperatures cold enough to freeze both Otsego and Canadarago lakes. Despite the theft of carnival mascot Frosty the Snowman's head during the Cooperstown event, area residents and visitors enjoyed a wide variety of winter-time activities ranging from snowmobile races to ice sculpting, along with the many contests, tastings, the annual Polar Bear Jump, and social events put on by local businesses, churches, and civic organizations which have become a traditional part of the season. In 2004, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce created another weekend-long series of events following the Winter Carnival. "Cooperstown Presidents' Weekend 2004," was scheduled for February 14 and 15, coinciding with both Valentine's Day and school vacations. The chamber had launched a similar event - "The Winter Getaway Weekend" - in 2003. Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce Director Polly Renckens plugged the centerpiece event - a snow sculpting contest based on "The Lord of the Rings" - and also provided a run-down of the dozens of other President's Weekend events at area venues. Some events were scheduled to be held at The Farmers' Museum on Lake Road, which is usually closed until April 1. Dreams Park Expands Again HARTWICK - An expansion project which would increase attendance at Cooperstown Dreams Park by 20 percent received approval from the Town of Hartwick Planning Board at its meeting on February 10, 2004, albeit with a list of conditions based on concerns raised by the county Planning Board, area residents, and the environmental advocacy group Otsego 2000. Light pollution caused by the Dreams Park's existing and proposed lighting for playing fields led to some heated discussion, but Board Co-chairman Richard Kelly pointed out that no formal complaints about the lighting had been received. Also of concern was the impact of the expansion on traffic along State Route 28, and the likelihood of placing a traffic light at the park's entrance. The project called for the construction of four new playing fields, 10 new bunkhouses, and other additions, amounting to $1.5 million. Two other projects, including "The Barnyard Swing" miniature golf course, and DiMaggio's Family Restaurant, met with unanimous approval by board members. February 20, 2004 State Study to Focus on Otsego County ALBANY - Each of New York State's 62 counties will be scrutinized in a new University at Albany program that will study the connection between public health, infrastructure, and transportation over the next five years. Otsego County and the Bronx were selected as the first two counties to be examined. Jeff Olson, co-director of The Initiative for Healthy Infrastructure, explained that Otsego County was chosen because of the wealth of public health information that had already been gathered during a recent health census conducted by Bassett Healthcare. The IFI study seeks to research the relationship between public projects like highways and the availability of trails to public health. While the study does not have a mandate to make recommendations about how counties may improve public health through its infrastructure, Olsen said they may make suggestions for broad policy changes that could have a positive impact. Otsego Lake Water Clarity Best Since Early 80's COOPERSTOWN - According to tests conducted by the SUNY-Oneonta Biological Field Station, the water of Otsego Lake is the clearest that it has been in 20 years. A "Secchi" reading was taken by BFS officials on February 12, 2004 which was compared to similar readings taken in the early 1980s. In the test, a white metal disc is inserted into the water, and the reading is based on the depth at which the disc remains visible from the surface. The reading for 2004 was 8.4 meters. The highest ever reading was 10 meters in 1969 and again in 1982. The worst ever reading came in 1995, at .8 meters or 2.8 feet. BFS officials credit better lake management, and the stocking of walleye, which reduces the algae level. February 27, 2004 MCS Is "Most Improved" Again in State MILFORD - Milford Central School has made the list of "Most Improved" schools released by the state Education Department for the second year in a row. The assessment is based on student scores on mathematics and English language arts tests in the fourth and the eighth grades. Milford students scored well on both ELA tests, increasing over last year. District Superintendent Peter Livshin said that the district's continued success has been a school-wide effort. "I credit the hard work of our principal, Lynda Bookhard, our teaching staff, our kids, and the involvement of their parents," he said. Bassett Nursing Is Honored COOPERSTOWN - Bassett Healthcare received Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Association, the nation's highest honor for nursing excellence, in an announcement made on February 13. In order to receive such recognition, a health-care organization must demonstrate exceptional nursing practices. Bassett is one of only 103 organizations nationally to be so distinguished for the high level of its nursing care, joining the ranks of Johns Hopkins and Massachusetts General. The only other upstate New York hospital to receive the honor was St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse. Bassett President and CEO William F. Streck, acknowledging the hard work of the nursing staff, said, "Our nurses are among the highest quality, most professional and compassionate nurses in this country." Polar Bears Top $15,000 GOODYEAR LAKE - The Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Club once again dove into the bone-chilling water to raise money for a local cause. One hundred and twelve jumpers took the plunge, as hundreds of supportive spectators turned out to watch the increasingly popular annual event. The group raised a total of $15,315, mostly from pledges solicited by the participating jumpers, with business sponsorships pitching in for a raffle at the "Polar Bear Party," which raised $780 in 2004. The proceeds were immediately donated to 13-year-old Kayla Doroski of Hartwick, and Aaron and Haleigh Johnson, ages 3 and 5, of Burlington Flats, to help defray their medical costs. According to event organizers Brenda and Jamie Waters, the amount raised surpasses all previous tallies. "We just really want to thank everybody who was involved," said Brenda. March 5, 2004 Area Organic Farmers Receive Award WESTVILLE - Several area organic farmers have received the Horizon Organic Holding Corporation's "Exceptional Quality Award," including the Miller Bros. Farm in Richfield Springs, and the Rain Dance Farm in Westville. For Rain Dance owner Siobahn Griffin, this was the third year in a row the corporation that distributes her organically-produced milk products has awarded her the designation. Griffin grazes 85 cows on 130 acres of pasture in Westville. Feeding her cows by the age-old grazing method, said Griffin, produces organic milk that numerous medical studies have suggested is beneficial to human health, including recent studies which show that a component of milk fat can help to prevent cancer. There are many other benefits to organic farming, she explained, economic as well as health-related. For farmers just starting out in the business, grazing cows is the most affordable method. Milk from Rain Dance Farm is distributed by Horizon Organic's network to area P&C and Price Chopper stores. "They're doing a really good job of supporting the local farmers," said Griffin, who urged health-conscious consumers to consider buying locally produced organic foods. CCS Student Finishes Second at State Wrestling Meet BUFFALO - Cooperstown's Brendan "Poppy" Hill took second place in the New York State Class C championship wrestling meet late in February. Wrestling coach Jim Jordan said, "Poppy should be extremely proud of what he accomplished this year. The best part about all of this is that he's only a junior. He'll be back next year." Hill, who won tournament titles at Little Falls, Unadilla, Richfield Springs, and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, concluded his 2003-2004 season with an overall record of 34-4. March 12, 2004 Town Board Recommends Moving House HARTWICK - As the massive state Department of Transportation Route 28 project proceeds in the planning stages, the Hartwick Town Council passed a resolution at its March 8 meeting to "request" an historic house owned by Michael Wilsey be moved away from the road for safety reasons. "This action shall improve a dangerous curve and provide room for sidewalks to handle pedestrian traffic, thereby eliminating a hazardous condition," the resolution read, in part. Town Board and Planning Board members had met with DOT officials late in February to discuss issues related to the road. Project Manager John Fitzgerald had told town officials that while moving the house would improve the safety of the area, it would also add another 18 months to the project timeline. Planning Board Co-Chairman Richard Kelly told the board at that time that he believed Wilsey would be in favor of moving his home. According to state DOT guidelines, homeowners are reimbursed in such cases for any loss of property. Planning Board Sued for Brookfield Decision SPRINGFIELD - A development project proposed by a local property owner that had come under fire from area residents and advocacy groups received a negative declaration from the town Planning Board under the State Environmental Quality Review protocol, which moved the project into the site plan review stage. Developer William Miller, who planned to open a resort-style accommodations facility on the property known as Brookfield, received notice that he was being taken to court by his neighbors, Paul and Davia Batista. The Planning Board was also named in the lawsuit which asked that the negative declaration be nulled and vacated, that Local Law 3 be enforced on the project, and that the site plan process be halted until a full Environmental Impact Statement could be completed. The suit cited 46 instances where the Planning Board and Miller had allegedly not complied with proper laws. Despite the lawsuit brought by the Batistas, the board decided to continue the site plan review process for the time being at their regular March meeting, pending further advice from town attorney, Michael Trosset. March 19, 2004 Voters Return Incumbents in Widely Uncontested Elections OTSEGO COUNTY - In village elections held throughout the area on Tuesday, March 16, voters returned incumbents to their seats at the helm of village governments in largely uncontested elections. In the Village of Milford, neither the Democrat or Republican caucuses had turned up any candidates for the one opening for village trustee, so a four-way write-in race was won by David West with a total of 31 votes. Justice Fredy Herr was voted back on the bench in Cherry Valley with 21 votes. Richfield Springs Mayor Lenny Butler was returned to office, and village trustees were returned to their seats. In Cooperstown, Mayor Carol Waller, who was endorsed by both parties, was returned to office with 31 Republican and 12 Democrat votes. Trustees Hubbell and Taugher, also endorsed by both parties, were returned to their chairs at the table as well. In Memory of Nicholas "Nick" J. Alicino BOSTON, MA - Former Cooperstown Central School 9th-grade English teacher, poet, husband, and father Nick Alicino died peacefully at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA on March 10, 2004 after a lengthy illness. He was 55. Alicino was born on January 3, 1949 in the Bronx, and spent his youth and teen growing-up years in New Jersey. He married Carole Manginelli in 1975. After relocating to central New York, he taught at Milford Central School for five years before taking the teaching position in Cooperstown, which he held for 19 years. Alicino was a lover of poetry, and a published poet. He was well-known for his poetry readings in the area. As a teacher, he introduced many students to the works of William Shakespeare, and he had the ability to bring out the inner poet in his students' writings. Alicino enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to music, playing tennis, trout fishing, and writing. A Cooperstown resident for 22 years, his amiable personality and lively spirit touched many lives and will not be forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Carole, of Cooperstown, and two daughters, Lisa Alicino of Boston, MA, and Megan Alicino of Cooperstown. He is also survived by his parents, Nick and Gene Alicino of Red Bank, NJ, and a large family of siblings, nieces, and nephews around the country. March 26, 2004 Otsego Codes Officer Suddenly Resigns FLY CREEK - Citing personal difficulties, but not revealing what they specifically were, Town of Otsego Codes Enforcement Officer Edward Olsen submitted a letter of resignation stipulating his two-week notice to the Town Council. In an emergency meeting of the council on March 22, officials unanimously voted to set another meeting to hash out their difficulties with Olsen face-to-face. Olsen had said, "It's a conflict of personalities. That's all I can tell you." Olsen served as the Town's codes enforcement officer for the past six years. He is also the CEO for the Town of Middlefield, but he said he had no plans to vacate that position. Otsego Town Supervisor Tom Breiten said, "Ed ... has done admirable work in what is often a difficult and thankless job." American Legion Celebrates 85 Years COOPERSTOWN - The American Legion Clark F. Simmons Post 579 met for a special dinner commemorating their 85th anniversary. The members-only event included 1950 Post Commander Pershing Dickinson, 1950 Adjutant Sue Stevens, and Marge Pomeroy, the niece of Clark F. Simmons, for the whom the post was named in 1919. According to Post Commander Jeffrey Houghton, the presence of the esteemed guests "completes the circle of time." Houghton said, "That's what I'm looking for people to leave with: 85 years of wisdom and how the American Legion has affected them, and what they would like to see in the future." He and at least two other Legion members intend to travel to Washington DC just before Memorial Day to participate in the dedication of the National Monument to the fallen soldiers of WWII - a project the American Legion has been working towards for the last ten years. April 2, 2004 Village Officials Consider Dylan Concert for Doubleday COOPERSTOWN - In what was bound to be the beginning of a lengthy planning process, Cooperstown trustees and members of the Doubleday Field Committee met with a representative of the Goldklang Group and Jam Productions, promoters of a 20-30 date concert tour of minor league baseball stadiums featuring folk legend Bob Dylan and country-western giant, Willie Nelson. Tom Whaley, representing the promoters, answered questions during the late-March meeting on issues such as noise, timing, drug use and the impact on the field. Village officials reportedly liked what they heard at that meeting. The prospective date for the concert, if it were approved, was set for August 6, 2004. Whaley estimated 10,000-12,000 people would be likely to attend the concert. A proposal for a similar event featuring John Fogarty died a few years ago in the planning process, but board and committee members seemed much more positive toward the Dylan/Nelson proposal, and they determined that planning and further discussions would continue. Thanksgiving Home Re-Opens with Open House COOPERSTOWN - After a year of re-building, the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home was scheduled to re-open with an Open House for area residents on Monday, April 5, 2004. The home's residents, who had been living at The Otesaga since renovations began in 2002, were scheduled to move back in shortly. On Wednesday, March 26, 2003 an early morning fire leveled the structure, bringing 11 fire companies to battle the spectacular blaze. Scheduled renovations were underway at the time, and the residents were fortunately already staying at the Lake Road resort hotel, leaving the historic adult home empty at the time of the fire. CWTH Board of Directors president Jane Forbes Clark vowed to re-build the home shortly after the fire. Scores of contractors descended on the site for the better part of a year to completely reconstruct the landmark "home," following the designs of Altonview Architects. April 9, 2004 Fun Park Hit with "Cease and Desist" Order HYDE PARK - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordered Cooperstown Fun Park to immediately "cease and desist" a current expansion project, citing violations of the United States Clean Water Act. A letter written by the corps' chief of the Harbor Supervision and Compliance Section for New York State, Christopher S. Mallery, referred to an inspection conducted at the site that included several officials of the Harbor Supervision and Compliance Section, members of the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, and property owners, Robert Hickey Jr. and Robert Hickey Sr. The letter read in part, "During the course of the inspection it was noted that fill had been placed into waters of the United States, including wetlands, without prior authorization from this office." A variety of penalties could result from the violations, both civil and criminal, according to George Casey, who had conducted the inspection. "We're working to resolve the violation, and the Hickeys are being cooperative," he said. Four Dead Cows Are Pulled From Susquehanna ONEONTA - A taskforce of local and state agencies teamed up to remove the bloated carcasses of four cows from the icy waters of the Susquehanna River on April 2. Officials from the Oneonta and Otego fire departments coordinated with the New York State departments of Health, Transportation, and Environmental Conservation to perform the distasteful task. According to Oneonta Fire Chief Richard Barnes, when the first cow was reported he had decided not to put members of his department at risk in the high, freezing waters, until he had contacted the agencies to apprise them of the situation. Since the Susquehanna River provides drinking water for several municipalities, the nearest being Binghamton, it was deemed that the animal - along with the three others that had been discovered - posed a public health risk. Bob Pierce of the State Department of Health office in Oneonta supervised the removal of the animals from the river by DEC forest rangers with an airboat. The process took about six hours. April 16, 2004 Route 28 Project Delayed Until 2007 HARTWICK - A planned project to renovate State Highway 28 through the Town of Hartwick will not begin until at least the spring of 2007, according to officials from the New York State Department of Transportation. John Fitzgerald, DOT region 9 project manager, offered several reasons for the delay, chief among them the proposal to relocate an historic home owned by Michael Wilsey to improve safety, which has been recommended by town officials. The house relocation, which must come under the approval process of 22 federal agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration, will delay the project for 18 months, according to Fitzgerald. The other factor delaying the project was a dictate from state budget officials that the DOT scale back its programming to save money in the Albany budget. Snowtoppers Win "Club of the Year" RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The New York State Snowmobile Association named the Canadarago Snowtoppers Club "New York State Snowmobile Club of the Year." Club members Brad Smith and Steve Klem accepted the award on the club's behalf at an April 2 forum in Auburn. The Snowtoppers have 58 family members and 60 individual members who work in cooperation with more than 300 area landowners to make snowmobiling in the area fun and safe, including the maintenance of a trail system. April 23, 2004 Dylan/Nelson Concert Receives Unanimous Approval COOPERSTOWN - Sustained applause followed the Cooperstown Board of Trustees' 6-0 decision to allow contract negotiations to proceed for a Doubleday Field concert featuring Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, scheduled for August 6. The board's April 19 meeting was attended by an overflow crowd, with residents spilling out into the hallway. The positive reaction was unanimous among the officials, and almost unanimous among members of the public who attended the meeting, as the applause indicated. But there were voices against the concert. Elm Street resident Lucia Colone, whose property directly abuts Doubleday Field, said, "I love Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, but I don't want them in my back yard." Colone said that she had to contend with the baseball games played there from April through October every year, citing the fans as the chief problem. She explained that litter had been left on her yard, and trespassing leads her to install a temporary fence each year. "I'm worried about my property, and the safety of my neighbors," she said. Trustee Stuart Taugher, who had previously been skeptical about the planned concert, added his voice of support after speaking with concert promoter David Sullivan of Jam Productions. "I was very impressed," said Taugher, "He said he'd see to it that the field was covered, so we don't have to worry about that." April 30, 2004 CCS Student Wins Congressional Art Contest UTICA - A Cooperstown High School student has taken the top prize in "Artistic Discovery 2004," an annual contest sponsored by U.S. Representative Sherwood Boehlert for high-school students within the 24th Congressional District. CCS student Joel Feitzinger took top honors for his oil painting, titled "Man." The award was presented to Joel by the congressman at the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute, and it included a $400 scholarship to the Pratt School and a $100 savings bond from Boehlert. There were 47 entries in all. CV-S Student Is Mourned by Community CHERRY VALLEY - A senior at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School died tragically when he fell asleep at the wheel while returning from a friend's house on State Route 166 south of Cherry Valley. He had collided with a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene. Kenneth Craft, a popular honor student, and member of the Richfield Springs Bible Church, was remembered by his family, friends, and school principal, Charles Strange, who said, "He was a fine young man with amazingly positive qualities." May 7, 2004 Business Closings Are a Concern COOPERSTOWN - A handful of businesses in the village closed down in the early part of 2004, with several others drastically scaling back operations. The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, and several merchants, continued to struggle with how to attract and maintain businesses in the area. Combined with the most recent closings and down-sizings within recent memory, the list includes Affinity, Homescapes, Jordan's Cottage, A Cooperstown Christmas, and the Cooperstown Candle Factory. Chamber of Commerce Director Polly Renckens said, "We're certainly disappointed to see the loss of diversity on Main Street." But she added, "I think we'll see more businesses coming in. We're actively trying to bring more businesses here." Renckens pointed out that the prospects were not all doom and gloom, adding that there was a new realtor in town, Great Labels had opened on Pioneer Street, and Pioneer Patio was taking over the space left vacant by Straws n' Sweets which moved to Main Street, replacing A Cooperstown Christmas. Historic Preservation Awards Are Announced COOPERSTOWN - The 2004 Historic Preservation Award winners were honored at a reception at the Cherry Valley Old School Gymnasium on May 7. Photographer Frank Rollins received a Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Hartwick's John Mott, and Sandra Manko of Sharon. Mott was recognized for his life-long work in agriculture and historic documentation, and Manko for her record of service and leadership in the Town of Sharon. The Underground Railroad exhibit received a Special Nomination. The exhibit involved the joint efforts of the Cooperstown Graduate Program and the New York State Historical Association, and the 2003 Cooperstown Elementary School fourth-grade class. The exhibit was displayed at the State Museum in Albany. Twenty-one Railroad Street received an Honorable Mention for rehabilitation of an historic structure, as did the Springfield home of George and Barbara Rutler, who took painstaking effort to ensure that historically appropriate materials and construction methods were employed. The event was sponsored by Otsego 2000 and the Cherry Valley Historical Association. May 14, 2004 Officials Wrangle Four-Room Limit COOPERSTOWN - A joint meeting was held by the Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals to hammer out the contentious issue of stipulating a room limit on accommodations in the village as part of a redrafting of village zoning laws. The issue, which had been dominating village government news, concerned a disagreement between the planners, who had unanimously voted to not set a numerical limit to the number of rooms a village accommodations facility could rent to visitors, and members of the other boards, who had been weighing the pros and cons of raising the two-room limit to four rooms. The two-room limit had been stipulated in an earlier redraft as a way to curb the unchecked expansion of accommodations. Earlier in the year the trustees decided to propose doubling the number, but Planning Board Chairman Paul Kuhn stated that the zoning law already contained sufficient regulations, without placing an "arbitrary and capricious" limit on the number of rooms such a business could rent. As the necessary permits for any new or expanding accommodation were already obtained on a case-by-case basis, the planners continued to view the limit as unnecessary. Mayor Carol Waller stated that, while she could agree with the planners in principle, "I'm hearing very strongly from the public, and I've gotten many calls, that they want a four-room limit." Brookfield, Ni-Mo Get Thumbs Up SPRINGFIELD - Within days of each other, the Springfield Planning Board and Town Board gave approval to two development projects. The proposed 23-room Brookfield Resort project, which had attracted much contention, was approved by the planners on May 6 with a list of 27 stipulations. First among these was the stipulation that construction not begin until a decision was reached by state Supreme Court Justice William O'Brien III concerning a lawsuit brought against Brookfield owner William Miller and the Planning Board by town residents Paul and Davia Batista. That decision was expected in June. Officials from the Niagara Mohawk power company were in attendance at a May 10 meeting of the Town Board, where they outlined final plans for the purchase and refurbishment of an old substation owned by NYSEG. That was good news for Cherry Valley, as the expansive upgrade of electrical supply lines into that village, as well as Roseboom, depended upon the Board's approval of franchise status for the power company. May 21, 2004 Tennis Takes Title COOPERSTOWN - The Cooperstown varsity tennis team took the Center State Conference League for the third year in a row. On May 21, the Redskins topped Hamilton, 3-2, and then went on to beat Little Falls, 4-1. Cooperstown's Chris Gentile captured first singles by defeating Simon Jarcho 10-2 in the first match. Finn Dusenbery beat Ricky Galvez 10-2 in second singles. Reid Snyder and Eric Moglia won first doubles against Hamilton. Gentile, Moglia, and the dynamic of Dusenbery and Snyder won their games against Little Falls in the second match. Maggie Kuch and Kenneth Root won over their opponents, 10-5, in second doubles. With the regular season over, the Cooperstown tennis team turned their attention to the Sectionals. Planning Board Co-Chairman Resigns HARTWICK - Planning Board Co-chairman Dick Kelly submitted his letter of resignation in a special meeting on May 17 which was held between planning and town boards. He thanked the town for the opportunity to serve, but gave no specific reason for his resignation except to say that he had been considering it for some time, and he hoped it would be "a positive thing." Kelly had been tapped for the job in 2000, and co-chaired the board along with Ferd Thering. The position carried a seven-year term. Town Supervisor Carol Niedzialkowski said he would be missed, "but I understand that sometimes you've just had enough. A seven-year term is a long time." School Budgets Are Approved OTSEGO COUNTY - School budgets for 2004-2005 got the voters' approval in all four area districts, and there were relatively few shifts on local school boards. Cherry Valley-Springfield voted "yes" on their $9.7 million budget, which carries a 9.4 percent tax increase by a vote of 337-215. Incumbent Christopher Graham was returned to his seat on the board, with Frank McGrath filling the second opening. Voters okayed a $13 million budget in Cooperstown, with a 7.4 percent tax increase by 397-205. Incumbents Kelly Branigan and Betsy Del Giaccio Jay were returned to their seats. Milford voters overwhelmingly approved their $7 million budget with its 5.75 percent tax increase 214-49. All three incumbent board members ran unopposed. Richfield Springs approved an $8.6 million budget, containing a tax increase of 5.27 percent, by a final count of 312 to 168. Board newcomer Thomas Shypski ousted incumbent James Marzeski in the board of election contest. There were several propositions on the Richfield ballot. The RSCS annual library fund was approved, a music department staffing level proposition squeaked by, and the creation of a pre-kindergarten program was voted down in Richfield Springs. May 28, 2004 Local Man Scales Mt. Everest TIBET - Cherry Valley resident Tim Horvath reached the summit of Mt. Everest, the world's highest mountain, on May 26, 2004, at around noon. High winds and snow greeted Horvath, his climbing partner, and their three Sherpas at the summit. They were the only climbing team on the mountain that day, as others were waiting for more favorable weather conditions. According to Horvath's wife, Elizabeth, he returned to advanced base camp happy, and safe. Conservative Party Meets at Otesaga COOPERSTOWN - Members of the local Conservative Party convened, along with conservatives from across the state, at The Otesaga Hotel on May 25 to meet the party's most likely picks for the forthcoming election. The reception was hosted by the Otsego County Conservative Party and its chairman, Stan Konopka. State Senator James Seward was in attendance, along with state party chairman Michael Long, and Otsego County Justice Michael V. Coccoma. Long spoke of the political and ideological differences between the Conservative Party and the state's Republican Party, saying that GOP leadership in the Northeast "started to not reflect the values we agree with." June 4, 2004 Local Athletes Fare Well in Regatta COOPERSTOWN - Canadian canoer Serge Corbin, along with partner Jeff Kolka, won the C-2 pro race in the annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta held on Memorial Day. For Corbin, this was his 20th consecutive victory in the 70-mile-long canoe race on the Susquehanna River from Cooperstown to Bainbridge. Locals also did quite well in the respective categories. John and Steven Collier of Cooperstown finished the Men's CC Endurance race in 8:09:08, and Chris Glockler, of Latham, and Cooperstown's William Glockler finished the Men's in 9:15:26. Bruce Phillips of Hartwick and Erica Collier of Cooperstown finished the Mixed Endurance in 8:20:57. Alex and Norman Freund of Cooperstown completed the Open K-2 Kayak Endurance in 11:34:38. In the Open Recreational Endurance category, Drew Porter of Cooperstown and Seth Ritcher of North New Brunswick finished at 9:52:01, and Jeff Harrington of Morris, along with Tracey Parker of Mt. Vision, finished in 10:03:12. Cooperstown's Russell Marcy competed in the Open C1-70 Standard Endurance, 9:42:47. Barbara Harman and Bill Rath of Cooperstown did the Open Stock Aluminum Endurance in 10:38:57. Milford's Hank Loeffler did the Men's C1-70 in 9:56:27. Museum President Steps Down COOPERSTOWN - Dr. Gilbert T. Vincent, president of the New York State Historical Association and The Farmers' Museum, announced his intention to step down from his position in June in order to move his career in a new direction. Vincent had served in various capacities at NYSHA for more than 20 years. Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of The Farmers' Museum board, praised his work during his tenure there, as did Esther Nelson, who will serve as interim CEO while a replacement is being sought. Nelson is a consultant to NYSHA, and had served as the general director of Glimmerglass Opera. June 11, 2004 Another Lawsuit Looms For Brookfield SPRINGFIELD - A citizen's action group made of Springfield residents, called "Advocates for Springfield," lined up to file suit against developer William Miller's proposed Brookfield Resort project. The Advocates said through their attorney, the Cooperstown law firm of Green and Seifter, that they believed Brookfield violated Local Law 3 of 1987, and announced their intention to file suit against the town and Miller in an article 78 proceeding. Since the town and the developer were already being sued by Springfield residents Paul and Davia Batista, with a decision expected shortly from a state Supreme Court Justice, the Advocates said they would prefer to wait until that decision was rendered before proceeding with their own. "The Advocates are clearly looking for any reason possible to keep this project from going forward," said Miller. June 18, 2004 Fame Game Good for Baseball, Mixed Bag for Business COOPERSTOWN - The 58th annual Hall of Fame Game was held on Monday, June 14 at Doubleday Field, and Hall of Fame officials pronounced the weekend a success. The Milwaukee Braves met the Minnesota Twins for the traditional exhibition match-up at "the birthplace of baseball." (The Braves beat the Twins, 10-7.) According to Hall President Dale Petroskey, the game was sold out eight weeks in advance. The game was preceded by a parade on Main Street, which included the Fralinger String Band from Philadelphia, invited back after its performance last year in which they accompanied the Phillies to the Hall of Fame Game. While the game was held on Monday before a capacity crowd, the Saturday and Sunday prior to the game was disappointing for many village merchants, with a fewer-than-expected pre-game tourist numbers filling the shops. This was the second year the game was held over a month prior to the annual Induction Weekend, and the numbers for 2003 were better. Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce Director Polly Renckens suggested the presence of the Philadelphia team had helped things out in 2003. Cooperstown Mayor Carol Waller said she thought it was a wonderful weekend, with a great crowd. "As far as business is concerned, I've heard mixed reports. It depends on who you talk to." Brookwood School Announces Expansion Plans TODDSVILLE - Officials from The Brookwood School announced that they would embark upon a multi-million dollar expansion project that, according to the school's director, Amy Williams, will triple the capacity of the school. The plan called for a new structure created to adjoin the existing County Route 59 learning facility. Precipitating the expansion, the school entered in a childcare partnership with Bassett Healthcare. According to Williams, "Bassett has, for a long time, been looking at the need for childcare ... this partnership will enable them to provide childcare without opening a childcare center of their own." To pay for the project, the Brookwood School applied for several state grants. Its plans were already under review by the Hartwick Planning Board. June 25, 2004 Fender Benders Ongoing Problem FLY CREEK - Difficulty maneuvering into traffic and increased volume as a result of motorists trying to bypass Cooperstown were suggested as possible explanations for the high number of traffic accidents at Fly Creek's four corners. Resident Debbie Kantor, who is also the owner of Portabello's restaurant, which stands on the south side of the busy intersection, said, "As a community with lots of kids on bikes, tourists, and other people, it's scary." The Otsego County Sheriff's Office reported 19 accidents in its database for that period, which only accounts for those accidents for which the police were called. But, according to Kantor, there had been six collisions at the intersection between January and June of 2004, and she thought it was probable with the ever-rising volume of baseball related seasonal traffic that matters would become worse. Despite Kantor's claims, Otsego County Sheriff Don Mundy said he could see no evidence to support them, adding that the number of accidents at the Fly Creek "blinker" was not unusual, and the current traffic signal and stop sign, coupled with motorist responsibility, were sufficient. Kantor said she was not alone, however, in her desire to see the blinker replaced with a stop light by the New York State Department of Transportation. "The whole community would love to have [a stop light]. There's nobody opposed to it. I know that," she said. July 2, 2004 Night Fire Scare Spooks Main St. COOPERSTOWN - Members of the Cooperstown Fire Department were able to determine that the thick, black smoke coming from the roof of 67 Main Street was caused by soot from a malfunctioning water heater. Mickey's Place owner Vincent Russo called the fire department just after 9 p.m. on June 30 after several of his customers reported seeing the smoke. The building, owned by James Florczak, houses Carmen Esposito's Italian Ice store. Firefighters performed several searches with a thermal imaging camera before determining the source of the smoke, and recommending the owner have the water heater serviced. Village Historian Hugh MacDougall was among the spectators who gathered around the scene. He said, "I hope they catch it. It's one of the few 18-century buildings in town." Commencement Commences OTSEGO COUNTY - Graduating high-school seniors said farewell to area schools in commencement exercises held throughout the region. Milford Central School held its event indoors due to inclement weather on June 25, but the relocation did not dampen the spirits of the Class of 2004. Cherry Valley-Springfield's graduation ceremony was held on the grounds of the Alice Busch Opera Theater in Springfield. Cooperstown High School saw its graduates off in a ceremony at Fenimore Art Museum. July 9, 2004 Fireworks Wreck Fairy Spring Dock COOPERSTOWN - The annual Fourth of July fireworks display - which was viewed by thousands of spectators on Saturday, July 3 - came to an abrupt halt just before its grand finale as a 10-inch fireworks cannon blew a six-foot hole in the dock at Fairy Spring Park. The village beach was closed until the following Tuesday while repairs were being made. No injuries were reported. The fireworks display was executed by the American Fireworks Company of Utica and the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department. CFD Chief Jim Tallman said the igniting was done from a safe distance electronically, and by the experts, but the dock simply could not withstand the force. Although it was not standard procedure to launch the fireworks from the dock, CFD President Al Keck said the fire department was trying to put on a particularly spectacular display. "They were just trying to do an extra special job," said Keck, "In the 11 years that I have been involved this is the first mishap." Town Sued Again; Attorney Resigns SPRINGFIELD - Antique dealer Richard Spellman, along with his attorney, Lester Sittler of Fly Creek, served the Town of Springfield with an article 78 petition on July 1. The suit demands that the town grant Spellman approval to operate his Springfield Center antique business and pay for the attorney fees that may accrue as the result of the litigation. The town already had a lawsuit in process against Spellman concerning the inappropriate use of his building which had been filed several months earlier. That suit maintained that Spellman's antique store was operating in violation of Site Plan Law. Spellman's suit against the town was likely to become the last matter town attorney Michael Trosset would handle for Springfield. Trosset had turned in his resignation - to be effective at the end of the calendar year - due to time constraints arising from his duties as the assistant district attorney for Otsego County. July 18, 2004 Windmills Make Return to Valley CHERRY VALLEY - A New Jersey-based developer contacted various individuals in June who own land in Cherry Valley, where wind-harvesting turbines could possibly be built. Reunion Power Company's continued interest in the area was described as a small step in determining the feasibility of such a project in Cherry Valley. Reunion had apparently purchased the information which another power company, Global Winds Harvest Inc., had gathered in their own bid to build wind turbines in the area - a plan which had made headlines in 2003, but never materialized after the initial planning stages. According to Planning Board Chairman Edward Harvey, who was contacted himself as a landowner, Reunion Power mailed 12 page-long draft contracts and land lease options to the property-owning residents. The contract would prevent landowners from selling their wind rights to other companies for a term of 30 years. The company had also offered the group of landowners $1,500 to hire a lawyer to look the package over. According to Harvey, the possibility of Reunion Power developing wind harvesting turbines in Cherry Valley was still in its earliest stages, and where the planning process was concerned, the company would have to start at square one. Richard 'Dick' Thompson Dies MILFORD - County representative, community leader, and country music band leader Richard "Dick" Thompson died on July 11, 2004, following an illness. He was 72. Thompson was born in Morris in 1932, the only son of Walter J. and Gertrude Estella Thompson. He was a three-term representative of the towns of Milford and New Lisbon, and a founding member of "Dick Thompson and the Driftwoods," a popular regional country music group. Public service, leadership, music and sports were named as his life-long passions. He founded his first band, "The Canyon Riders," in 1946. He was an assistant football coach for the Milford Wildcats, and a strong supporter of the school's athletic program, for which he had recently been awarded Milford Central School's Patron's Award. He married Loretta J. Pier of Milford in 1953, celebrating 50 years of marriage until her death later in 2003. They had three daughters and one son, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Hartwick Town Supervisor Carol Niedzialkowski said, "He certainly was a representative of the people, and he always spoke from his heart." July 23, 2004 Trustees Vote on Restrooms, Parks COOPERSTOWN - The Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees met on July 18 to agree to the location of a new public restroom adjacent to the Main Street entrance of Doubleday Field. A state grant had been awarded to the village for just such a purpose. During a previous meeting, village merchants had expressed their displeasure at the prospect of locating the facility in Pioneer Park, which was the other option that had been considering. The only resident who spoke on the matter at the July 18 meeting was Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce information kiosk staffer Jan Gibson, who spoke eloquently on the need for the village to install a new restroom so that elderly and disabled visitors did not have to go all the way to Doubleday Field or Lakefront Park. The board also okayed a plan to allow the village trolleys to conduct guided tours of Cooperstown's historic and horticultural sites to help boost revenues for the trolley fleet. The idea, which was presented by trolley chief Gordon Hage, included using Planning Board Chairman and tourguide Paul Kuhn as a narrator, and passed unanimously. Finally, the trustees reversed a previous resolve to close the Three Mile Point public park during the winter after receiving impassioned pleas from area sportsmen, who use the facility to gain ice fishing access to Otsego Lake. Earlier in the year, the board had reacted to apparent damage at the park, which had been blamed on the ice fishing enthusiasts. They now agreed the park should remain open. July 30, 2004 Board Okays Rt. 20 Byway ALBANY - The New York State Scenic Byways Advisory Board unanimously recommended the designation of U.S. Route 20 from Duanesburg to Lafayette as a New York Scenic Byway, moving the project to the state legislature for a final decision. If approved in the legislature, communities and groups along the historic road, - which include Sharon Springs, Cherry Valley, Springfield, Richfield Springs, and Cooperstown, - will be eligible for funding for projects that enhance and promote the corridor. Several other routes in the area were included in the project, including Otsego County Route 54 and State Route 80 to where it intersects with Route 28 in Cooperstown. 15,000 Attend HoF Induction COOPERSTOWN - July 25 started out rainy, but began to clear by the time the 2004 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees took the stage on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center on Susquehanna Avenue before an estimated crowd of 15,000. Joining the celebration were 50 of the hall's still-living members, including Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax - to the spectators' delight. Players Paul Molitor and Dennis Eckersley were officially inducted into Baseball's national shrine, with hall President Dale Petroskey, board Chairman Jane Forbes Clark, and Baseball Commissioner Bug Selig in attendance. Journalist Murray Chass was awarded the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball writing, and Lon Simmons received the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting. The ceremony began with a heart-felt rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by America's tenor, Daniel Rodriguez. Jose Tomas Gil Dies at Age 92 COOPERSTOWN - Beloved village resident and 68-year member of the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department Jose Gil died on July 25 at Bassett Hospital. He was 92. Born on March 7, 1912 in Mazaleon, Spain, Gil immigrated to the U.S. in 1933, and remained a life-long Cooperstown resident until his death. He married Julia Maddalone Gil in 1940 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Elm Street, where the couple maintained an active spiritual life. Gil was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Mohican Club and Redman's Hall. The Gils resided on Pioneer Street for many years, before taking up residence in the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home. His death was considered sudden and unexpected, despite his advanced age. He remained physically active and quite healthy until the day before his death, according to CWTH Administrator Pat Donnelly. He had recently taken part in a Schenevus parade with his comrades in the fire department. Numerous Cooperstown residents spoke about him with great warmth, including Mayor Carol Waller, who said, "He was my honorary mayor. He's going to be very much missed by everyone." August 6, 2004 Local Activists Enter Third Year COOPERSTOWN - The group of area Quakers and other peace activists who had been seen protesting outside the Cooperstown Post Office every Wednesday entered their third year of activism. The demonstrators had become a familiar sight for residents and visitors on Main Street, as they quietly held signs in their prime location directly across the street from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, occasionally entering into conversation with passers-by. The activists were expressing their disapproval of the Bush administration's foreign policy, specifically the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fly Creek resident and activist Ann Geiger said, "Until we are a nation of peace, until our primary thrust is to settle the disputes we have by peaceful means, until we support the lives of other people and their way of living, I'll be out here." Long-awaited History Complete ROSEBOOM - Although it was a long time in coming, a book chronicling the history of this rural town was published by local historian Patricia Mabie, and went on sale at Bob's Corner Store for $29.95. The 304-page volume, which includes maps and pictures, was the result of many years' work, as Mabie had been compiling her area's history for some time. But the idea to publish the book first came to her in 1999. "I wanted to do it a little differently," said Mabie, "and a lot of publishers didn't want to do it my way." The history book, titled "Traveling Through 150 Years of the Town of Roseboom, 1854-2004," was written in such a way that the reader is brought through the town's hamlets as if he were driving or walking, and there are many personal stories of town residents, past and present, which are included in the volume. Mabie had raised the money to publish the book herself, and she stated it was important to her to keep the price affordable. It was released to coincide with Roseboom's 150th anniversary celebration. August 13, 2004 Concert Attracts 15,000; Biz Good COOPERSTOWN - An estimated 15,000 people converged on Cooperstown on Friday, August 6 for a sold-out concert at Doubleday Field featuring music legends Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. About 3,000 of those people did not even get to attend the concert, according to village officials, but sat in cars or in village parks to listen. Police Department Chief Michael Crippen reported making only two concert-related arrests for infractions of a minor nature. Village Trustee Stuart Taugher, who had been skeptical of the idea of having the concert, spoke glowingly of the event's success, and the general disposition of the crowd. Out of the 31 calls related to the concert that were received by Mayor Carol Waller's office, only one was negative, related to an Elm Street resident's complaints about the concert promoter's trucks, which had used the street as access to Doubleday Field. Village merchants agreed that the concert was good for business, particularly among those whose shops offer non baseball-related merchandise, and the village's many restaurants also reported doing extremely well with the concert crowd. It was noted that a significant number of local people were out on the town, as well. Officials Defend Themselves SPRINGFIELD - After a letter and petition was circulated by The Greater Springfield Merchants' Association calling for the resignation of two council members, the officials in question met with the press to answer the allegations contained in the letter. Members of the Merchants' Association had called for the resignation of Dan Rosen, Jim Willsey, and Town Clerk Jeanette Armstrong, detailing perceived irregularities in their handling of the town's business. It was signed by association founder Bruce Hargrove and other members. Rosen and Willsey addressed the letter's content point-by-point in their defense, and both declared that they had no intention of resigning from their positions on the Town Council. August 20, 2004 Staten Island Man Wins Big HARTWICK SEMINARY - It had been known since late July that someone had purchased a winning New York State Lottery ticket at the P&C store in the Cooperstown Commons that won - and won "big." Finally, a 61-year-old retired sanitation worker from Staten Island showed up to receive a check from lottery officials for $1,489,746 on August 16. Ron Delrosario, a frequent visitor to the area - whose sister, Doreen, is an oncologist at Bassett Healthcare - said he had gone into the P&C to purchase a loaf of bread, and decided to buy the ticket at that time. He split his winnings with his ex-wife, who resides in Florida and participates in lottery drawings there. According to state lottery officials, the winning ticket was the first in the million-dollar range ever sold in Otsego County. Dreams Park Hit with Violation HARTWICK - According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Cooperstown Dreams Park illegally filled in federal wetlands near its sports complex on Route 28 some time before November, 2003. The violation was only made known to town officials and the public once Dreams Park owner Louis Presutti III had made a settlement offer that was being seriously considered by federal authorities, although the amount was not disclosed at that time because negotiations were still continuing. Park Triathlon Attracts 94 Teams COOPERSTOWN - The 22nd Annual Glimmerglass Triathlon was held on August 15 with a fewer-than-usual number of athletes participating, according to race Coordinator Dave Peterson. An ominous weather forecast was blamed for the lower turn-out, although the forecast was proved wrong, as skies remained gray but the rain held off. This made conditions ideal for the canoeing portion of the race, and the athletes had a glass-like lake surface to paddle through with relatively low temperatures. There was a hitch in the event's running portion, however, when a mistake which was made in laying out the course turned the five-mile run into a six-mile run. Nevertheless, the athletes persevered. Fred Joslyn of Binghamton helped pace Dale Persons, Bob Zaveral and Glenn Swan to take their eighth overall Glimmerglass Triathlon victory. Cooperstown's Schatzi Hall regained her 2002 overall Iron Woman title, completing the grueling race in 3:27:10. Bob Gramling broke the three-hour mark with 2:59:14, competing in the 40-49 age group. This was his first Iron Man title at Glimmerglass. CV-S graduate Derek Prill of Westford defended his Iron Man title in the 14-18 age group and came in fourth overall, finishing in 3:13:35. September 3, 2004 Milford Ponders Cost of Water MILFORD - Although a second well was deemed necessary for the village of Milford, Mayor Sabine Curry voiced her concerns about the cost of such a project, which was estimated at $390 per resident per year. Former Mayor Harry Segrist raised the question of continuing to use Goey Pond as a back-up in emergencies, but Ronald Sheppard, senior engineer with the state Department of Health, put the kabosh on that idea, pointing out that it would take $1.5 million to improve the pond itself without even taking into account the need for new water mains. Segrist, however, remained adamant that village officials could be more aggressive in seeking funds to help defray the costs, saying that during his tenure the village received a $400,000 HUD grant. Curry said that Milford had been turned down by both state and federal funding sources, despite a recent appeal to State Senator James L. Seward, but the village had applied for a $1.2 million 30-year interest-free loan from the New York State Drinking Water Revolving Fund. The village intended to hold a referendum so that residents might vote on the loan approval, but as Curry explained, the second well would have to happen one way or another as mandated by the state. County Chamber Picks Biz of Year ONEONTA - The Gordon B. Roberts Agency was announced as Otsego County Small Business of the Year by officials of the Otsego County Chamber. The insurance carrier has been in business for 55 years. The award is presented each year to county businesses with 20 employees or less that make a significant impact on the well-being of the community. An award ceremony and reception was planned for October at Cooperstown's Otesaga Hotel. September 10, 2004 Mill Celebrates 75th Anniversary RICHFIELD - John Dyn first started pressing apple cider in 1929 in Edmeston. Since then, the family business has changed and grown. Dyn's Cider Mill, now located on State Route 28 between Canadarago Lake and Oaks Creek, celebrated their 75th year in business in 2004. Kenneth Dyn, John's grandson, moved the cider mill to its present location in 2003. The business had grown to include a wider variety of merchandise, including Palatine cheese, fresh-baked pies, cheeses, and other goods. Events held to commemorate the family business milestone were planned to include a first annual craft fair with 15 vendors, and a number of events were also set for October, including pumpkin picking, a scarecrow contest, and tractor rides. Students Head Back to School COOPERSTOWN - As thousands of area youth returned to schools on September 7, the theme announced by Principal Teresa Gorman for the 2004-2005 academic year at Cooperstown Elementary School was "Together We Can Make a Difference." Gorman explained the school's theme was chosen by faculty members. "We always have an ongoing theme of helping others," she said, adding that in 2003 the school had begun a program of helping to fund a school in India, which would continue into 2004, along with contributions to area food banks and other activities to help the less fortunate closer to home. Elementary school students began their first day with the Pledge of Allegiance and "God Bless America," followed by a short assembly in the gymnasium. Students were introduced to the year's theme song by music teacher Barbara Lopez, with piano accompaniment by Judy Green, as she led them in learning the melody of "We Can Make a Difference." September 17, 2004 Sports Rivalry Re-ignites COOPERSTOWN - The last time the Cooperstown varsity football Redskins met the Richfield Springs Indians was in 1998. The traditional local rivalry game, which had been held since 1931, was renewed after its brief hiatus, with a game scheduled for September 18 at Lambert Field. For many years the two teams had been in the same league. With that no longer being the case, the "Route 28" game had fallen by the wayside, and the rivalry between the two teams all but forgotten. Richfield Springs Assistant Coach Bruce Andrews, who played varsity football for Cooperstown in the early 1970s, remembered how fierce that rivalry had once been. "Matter of fact, my first varsity start as a player was against Richfield Springs," he said. Recalling the former glory of Redskins-Indians games, Andrews added, "Sometimes it would decide who would play on and whose season would end." In 1965, the Indians beat Cooperstown, 7-0, at Doubleday Field to knock Cooperstown out of the Center State Conference League championship in front of one the largest crowds of the season. Cooperstown coach Steve Pugliese said he expected the game to be exciting. "I'm sure my guys are starting to hear about past games with Richfield Springs from some of their fathers," he said. [Cooperstown would go on to decisively win the September 18 game 24-6.] Boehlert, Kelly Win Primaries OTSEGO COUNTY - Voters turned out on Tuesday, September 14 for primaries in the region. The most hotly-contested race was between 22-year incumbent Sherwood Boehlert and his conservative opponent David Walrath for the 24th U.S. Congressional District's Republican primary. The sitting congressman received 20,365 votes over his challenger's 14,741. Locally, Walrath received 872 votes in Otsego County to Boehlert's 1,229. Walrath, who won the endorsement of the Conservative Party, would be on the November ballot to challenge Boehlert again. In the 20th U.S. Congressional District, which takes in portions of Eastern Otsego County, Democrat Doris Kelly bested John Coleman. September 24, 2004 Opinions on Hotel Dominate COOPERSTOWN - Most of the people who attended the September 19 meeting of the Coopers-town Board of Trustees showed up to voice their opinions about changing the status of a Chestnut Street bed and breakfast to designation as a hotel. The new designation would enable Landmark Inn owners Peter and Jennifer Landers to operate the business without having to reside there. It would also expand the number of rooms the inn could make available for guests from nine to 11. The Landers had made the application in order to be able to move with their growing family to a larger residence. Under village law, any accommodation operating as a bed and breakfast requires owner occupancy. But, according to several opponents to the application, allowing the inn - which stands in a residential area - to operate without the owners being present could have a negative effect on the community. This was the view expressed by resident Stephen Mahlum. Vincent Russo also expressed his misgivings about the application, stating that he was concerned about the precedent that might be set by its approval. Trustee Stuart Taugher spoke up on behalf of the Landers' application. Trustees May Be Added to Board CHERRY VALLEY - The Village of Cherry Valley Board of Trustees met on September 19 to discuss the possibility of adding two more seats to the table. The board was composed of only two trustees, and according to Mayor Don Brigham, residents had been requesting doubling that number for some time. A public hearing was set for October in order to determine that matter. Brigham said, "If we get a lot of response, we'll probably put it on the ballot in March." Of greater contention was the board's decision to sell village property, which contains the Cherry Valley Reservoir to Phil Zenir for $20,000. For several months this issue had been debated, as some residents would have preferred the sale had been open to the highest bidder. Trustees had received higher offers during the summer, but decided to stick with their agreement with Zenir, who owns property adjacent to the 12-acre parcel containing the reservoir. Zenir had revealed in August that he intended to put the land in an irrevocable trust, which would keep it undeveloped forever. October 1, 2004 Cossa Resigns from Opera SPRINGFIELD - The general director of Glimmerglass Opera resigned from the post she had held for the past two years, citing family health concerns. Joanne Cossa, who had been spending most of her time in New York City to attend to two ailing family members, said that the continuing situation prevented her from giving her attention to the demanding job at the opera. "Under the circumstances, I felt it best for the company that I resign my position," Cossa stated. Robert Schlather, chairman of the opera's board of directors, said that the board accepted her resignation with great regret. A committee was in the process of being formed to search for a new general director. Campaign Signs Disappear OTSEGO COUNTY - Several reasons for the mysterious, and apparently maliciously conceived, disappearance of campaign signs from the lawns of area supporters were offered by officials from both local Republican and Democratic parties. Otsego County Republican Party Chairman Charlotte Koniuto suggested the signs' vanishing act was the result of either rival candidate's supporters' overly developed zeal, or collectors looking for campaign memorabilia. She described the situation as "sad," adding that the county committee had to struggle with state Republican officials to even get the signs, which had only arrived two weeks before some of them began to disappear. Democratic Chairman Henry "Hank" Nicols agreed with the memorabilia collectors possibility. Signs supporting the Democratic Party's presidential aspirants were disappearing at a rate to match the disappearance of the "Bush/Cheney" signs. "I certainly hope they think someday they'll be valuable collector's items," said Nicols, "rather than someone trying to suppress anyone's political views." October 8, 2004 Pumpkin Winners Are Announced COOPERSTOWN - The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce presented the first annual Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 2 in the parking lot of Doubleday Field. Despite spotty rain and cool temperatures, pumpkin growers from far and wide brought their best gigantic gourds to be inspected, weighed, and judged by members of the New York State Giant Pumpkin Growers' Association as hundreds of spectators were entertained by the music of Panther Creek and an assortment of vendors and activities. Randy Sundstrom brought along the biggest pumpkin, weighing-in at 1,141 pounds. Gourds which had been grown here in Otsego County included Hartwick resident Amy Parr's 393-pound giant, and Mary and Nick Winne's 241-pound Fly Creek pumpkin. On Sunday, October 3, the festivities continued at Lakefront Park as many of the massive pumpkins were fashioned into dugout boats for a good-natured regatta that tipped most participants into the water either sooner or later. The first race was won by the pumpkin-boat captained by an Otsego County native supporting Cooperstown's "sister-city," Windsor, Nova Scotia, beating Cooperstown's Kristen Waller despite her valiant efforts. The sponsors' race was won by the Bruce Hall Corp. The Freeman's Journal's boat "was beset by an egregious natural imbalance," according to their own account, which means they capsized. Redskins Spank Golden Bombers Cooperstown - The Cooperstown varsity football team handed Ilion a 43-6 defeat in their game at Lambert Field on October 2. The game got off to a good start for the Redskins, as Frank Petroskey leveled Ilion's ball carrier. Unable to get past Cooperstown's defensive line, Ilion failed to move the ball forward during their first series of downs. Once the Redskins got possession, they posted a 6-0 lead on senior captain Brendan Hill's 22-yard touchdown, and it was their game for the duration, despite Ilion's best efforts to keep the boys contained. Hill ran for 138 yards on 16 carries. Tyler Combs added 56 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Chris Bush finished with 17 yards on three carries and completed four out of six pass attempts for 33 yards. Mike Tandle had two receptions for 21 yards. Senior Captain Teddy Van Buren, who played with an injured shoulder, led the team with 143 yards on 16 carries. The Redskins were 4-1 for the season, and were set to move next against Mt. Markham. October 15, 2004 Supervisor Says Books Balance SPRINGFIELD - In a six-and-a-half-hour meeting of the Town Council on October 11 that finally ended at about 1:20 a.m., Town Supervisor Tom Armstrong argued the town's books were in order despite a recent audit conducted by the Utica-based accounting firm, Moore and Hart that said otherwise. The firm's cover letter stated that the checking accounts for the General Fund were not reconciled to the general ledger account balances during the course of the year, but Armstrong maintained that his monthly balances were done on the back side of the monthly statements and were accurate within 10-20 cents. Said Armstrong: "As far as I'm concerned, when you're doing $752,000 and everything was right, I feel as if I've done a half-way decent job." But Councilman Dan Rosen disagreed, later telling the press that he found it "hard to believe" the accounting firm would find problems and make recommendations to fix issues that didn't exist. The council voted down a proposal that Armstrong submit monthly financial statements, but did approve a request that town attorney Michael Trosset consult an expert to determine the best way to address some of the other findings of the audit. October 22, 2004 Developer To Measure Wind CHERRY VALLEY - During the October 19 meeting of the Cherry Valley Planning Board, preliminary approval was given to Reunion Power's application to install two temporary wind measuring towers at two different locations in the town. The structures, known as "met" towers, stand about 164 feet tall and are 8 inches in diameter. Their purpose is to measure wind direction and speed, as well as temperatures, according to Reunion Power officials. The application to place the towers on East Hill and Cape Wycoff stipulates that they should be removed within three years at the most. According to the company, the presence of the towers would not indicate that further development of wind harvesting structures was inevitable in Cherry Valley. Accurate measurements would need to be taken for at least a year as a first step in determining the feasibility of such a project. RFS Boys Take League Title RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The boys' varsity soccer team returned to the field this year with high hopes after last fall's 7-4 record. The Richfield Springs Indians, along with coach Jerry Manning, took their first-ever Center State Conference Division III title, beating West Canada Valley, 4-0, in a game on October 13 at Richfield and later tying Poland, 1-1, in an October 15 away game, bringing the team's numbers up to 11-4-1 overall, and 6-2-1 for the league. They were scheduled to meet Mt. Markham's Mustangs on October 29. Court Finds in Spellman's Favor NORWICH - State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dowd ruled in favor of Richard Spellman on October 19, finding that the Springfield Planning Board did, indeed, approve his application to operate an antique business last March. The town had filed suit against Spellman, saying that he had been operating without the proper permit, and assessed fines. Spellman countersued in an effort to recoup his legal fees and force the town to issue the necessary paperwork for him to continue operating within the law. The town's contention was that, although the board had accepted his application, they had not approved his site plan. In siding with Spellman, the State Justice reviewed the minutes of the Planning Board's March 4 meeting and concluded that "the actions of the board at the meeting of March 4, 2004 went far beyond mere acceptance of the application." The justice ordered the Springfield town clerk to "issue a written statement of approval pursuant to the Town of Springfield Site Plan Review Law," but he denied Spellman's request to have the town pay his legal fees. October 29, 2004 Railroad: Grant Money Used to Upgrade Tracks COOPERSTOWN - Officials from the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad revealed that a $3 million grant the company received in 2002, ostensibly to help provide passenger service between Binghampton and Syracuse, was in fact used to make repairs and upgrades on their 400 miles of track in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. NYS&W Vice President Nathan Fenno said, "The work we've done to upgrade the tracks benefits everyone," referring to the freight services currently operating on the rail system. As far as passenger service was concerned, Fenno pointed out that the grant money was scarcely sufficient to even purchase the necessary equipment for such a venture, but he left the possibility open for the development of passenger service in the future. The confusion regarding how the grant was to be applied, as the Syracuse "Post Standard" newspaper reported in an October, 2004 article, stemmed from statements made by a Binghamton politician. Republican Thomas Libous had stated in June 2002, when announcing the grant, that he was "very excited to establish passenger rail service that connects Binghamton to the Amtrak system." According to the "Post-Standard" article, Libous had later said that he expected to see passenger trains running daily by 2003. Students Also Cast Their Votes COOPERSTOWN - High School students in Kathleen Clare's social studies classes at CCS were also given an opportunity to cast their ballots in the presidential election. Clare, a California native in her first year at Cooperstown, had kept students engaged in a full-fledged study and debate of the issues surrounding the election from the beginning of the year. "We've had lots of very good, and somewhat heated, discussions about the issues in class," said Clare, "They're all very well informed." Clare revealed that her students demonstrated a full spectrum of views, from conservative to very liberal. An important aspect of their work involved discerning media bias. November 5, 2004 Seventy-Nine Percent of Otsego Voters Turn Out OTSEGO COUNTY - Voters turned out in record numbers here, and across the country, most of them electing to return Republican incumbents to office. The 79-percent figure astonished Republican Committee chairman Charlotte Koniuto, a 30-year veteran of the party politics in the county. "I've never seen such voter turn-out in my life," she said, "People were calling me and begging to volunteer." In Otsego County, voters preferred Bush/Cheney over Kerry/Edwards by a rather slim margin. Republican Sherwood Boehlert was returned to his 24th Congressional District seat, as was John Sweeney in the 20th District, which takes in an eastern portion of the county. On the state level, James Seward was also re-elected, having run unopposed. The one notable Democratic victory belonged to Senator Charles Schumer. Not surprisingly, the County's Democratic Party chairman, Henry "Hank" Nicols expressed disappointment in the outcome. He said he did not think that Bush would win the presidency. Old School Receives State Grant CHERRY VALLEY - Assemblyman Marc Butler stopped in Cherry Valley to present officials with a $3,000 check earmarked for renovations to the Old School, which now houses a community center. Mayor Don Brigham was on hand to accept the grant in a photo-op session which included the "big check" so familiar at such occasions. Butler revealed that the Cherry Valley Old School was among his favorite causes, saying that he loved the building, and had made a priority to find funding sources for it. November 12, 2004 New Businesses Bring Diversity to Village COOPERSTOWN - Although the Cooperstown Kid Company closed its doors at the beginning of this month, leaving an empty storefront and questions about the future of non-baseball-related businesses in the village, several new businesses recently opened. Chamber of Commerce Director Polly Renckens expressed her optimism, saying, "They're not all on Main Street, but they certainly lend diversity to our community, and offer a selection that people should be aware of." The most recent new businesses to open in the village were The Sage Center on Railroad Avenue, which offers a selection of merchandise dedicated to enhancing wellness, and Christmas Around The Corner on Pioneer Street, which offers holiday-related merchandise. Owner Richard Busse - no stranger to the Cooperstown merchant scene - said the shop would feature a changing array of gift items as the year went on. These businesses joined the Cooperstown Natural Food Company and the Cooperstown Bicycle Works as new kids on the block. November 19, 2004 Otsego Manor Opens Before Crowd of 1,000 INDEX - The new $30 million county adult care facility, Otsego Manor, was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 13. One thousand participants, among them officials from state, county, town, and village governments, gathered in the huge lobby of the new building on Phoenix Mills Road just off State Route 28 as unpleasant weather drove the ceremony indoors. Construction of the manor had made headlines for several years, most recently concerning a problem which arose when concrete floors in some areas of the building simply "refused" to dry adequately, creating an 11th-hour headache for all involved. Most of the speakers at the ceremony, including County Board of Representatives Chairman Carl Higgins, and Walter Wrzesinski, president of the Residents' Council, made reference to the sometimes unexpected twists, and the delays which were encountered since the ground was broken in 2002. But these were looked upon with humor, and overall, the theme was entirely positive. Otsego Manor was built to replace the 40-year-old county facility known as "The Meadows." Residents of The Meadows were looking forward to moving in to their new home later in the week. Brookfield Case is Settled at Last SPRINGFIELD - A proposed 23-unit resort on Otsego Lake which had kept town officials, residents' advocacy groups, lawyers, and newspaper writers busy for several years finally got the go-ahead for a spring 2005 ground-breaking in a significantly scaled-back form that emerged as a compromise between warring factions in the contentious issue. Developer and property-owner William Miller will now build four duplex condominiums on the site, along with a boathouse. The plan had gone through several changes since Miller first appeared before Springfield planners 30 months before. After the project finally received a negative declaration from the board in April of 2004, residents Paul and Davia Batista had filed suit against both Miller and the town, followed by a group calling themselves "Advocates for Springfield," both of those parties maintaining that the negative declaration had been incorrect. The matter had gone to the state Supreme Court. The compromise plan for condos was better suited to the residential character which opponents to the resort plan preferred. Miller said he would market the three-bedroom homes as "vacation getaways," and build them as demand arose. November 26, 2004 School, Village, Hospital Consider Interim Parking COOPERSTOWN - The Cooperstown Central School Board of Education helped to pave the way for a possible interim solution to Bassett Healthcare's parking shortage by making an additional portion of land adjacent to the blue trolley lot available for Village use. An amendment school officials recently made in their lease with the village made the consideration possible, while Bassett officials continue to work with town and village planners to come up with a more permanent solution which would make use of the Linden Avenue Extension. The larger plan - calling for the creation of an "intermodal transportation facility" on the Extension which would resolve much of the hospital's parking problems and provide a "Welcome Center" for village use - was given a boost when Congressman Sherwood Boehlert announced he had secured a $5 million federal grant for the purpose. In the meantime, Bassett's earlier parking lot proposals, which included the expansion of current facilities at Harrison House on the corner of Beaver and Fair streets and Bassett Hall on the corner of Beaver Street and Susquehanna Avenue, remained in the planning process, with an Environmental Impact Statement still in the works. December 3, 2004 Seward Comes to Town Bearing Gifts COOPERSTOWN - Christmas came early for six local organizations when State Senator James L. Seward arrived at the Cooperstown Fire Station on November 30 with a stack of "big" checks amounting to $226,000 in state grant money. The grants, which ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, were presented to the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Otsego, the New York State Historical Association, The Brookwood School, and the Cook Foundation. Seward said the grants "do a great deal to build a community and to advance and improve our local economy." The fire department received $10,000 to go toward the purchase of a new ambulance. The Chamber received $50,000 toward the creation of restrooms on Main Street, adding to the $50,000 they had already received from Assemblyman Bill Magee last year. Town of Otsego Supervisor Tom Breiten accepted $23,500 toward improving the town's comprehensive plan, and $42,500 for sorely-needed renovations to its offices. The New York State Historical Association received $100,000 for development of the National History Day program. A $30,000 check was accepted by Amy Williams, director of The Brookwood School, to pay for temporary modular classrooms for their childcare facility while their larger expansion project was underway. Finally, $10,000 was presented to the Cook Foundation for a visitor information center and new signage at Brookwood Garden. December 10, 2004 Local Businesswoman, Community Leader Is Honored RICHFIELD SPRINGS - An area native since 1986, Marjorie Walters has been active in community life both in Richfield Springs and Cooperstown. She expressed pleasure and surprise when she was recently informed that her biographical data was to be included in the 2004 edition of "Who's Who of American Women." Walters served as the president of the Lake and Valley Garden Club from 1998-2000, executive director of the Cooperstown Art Association from 1986-1990, director of the Art and Programs Committee of Richfield Springs, and the Baker's Beach art and program director. Currently, Walters heads the Richfield Springs Historical Association, is vice president of the Richfield Springs Library Board, and is also a member of the town's Zoning Board of Appeals. The Richfield Springs Chamber of Commerce gave her the Community Service Award for 1994, and the Daughters of the American Revolution their Good Citizen Award that same year. Although semi-retired, Walters remains active on a part-time basis in her business, MW Walters Interiors. Her background is interior design. "Who's Who" limits its choices to women who have "demonstrated outstanding achievement in their own fields of endeavor, and who have, thereby, contributed significantly to the betterment of contemporary society." December 17, 2004 Planners Consider ATM For Busy Intersection COOPERSTOWN - KeyBank's proposed drive-through ATM facility for the intersection of Chestnut and Beaver streets met with resistance from both neighborhood residents and at least one village official at the monthly Planning Board meeting on December 13. Milo Stewart Jr., who serves on the Village Board of Trustees, was among those who cited concerns, serious misgivings, or downright opposition to the project. Said Stewart, "I don't think the area can really handle this right now. Maybe after the intersection is reconfigured," referring there to a plan to re-shape the way the two streets meet from their current form to a "T"-style intersection. Stewart also serves on the Building and Streets Committee. Beaver Street resident Bev Hargrove expressed concern about traffic, lighting, the project's impact on pedestrian traffic, and the quality of neighboring residents' lives. Catherine Barclay, also of Beaver Street, was particularly worried about pedestrian traffic, saying, "There are times when I've helped children get across that intersection now because it's wild." Those residents were among 18 members of the Beaver and Chestnut streets neighborhood who had signed a protest letter and petition which was read, along with other individual letters of protest, by chief planner Paul Kuhn. The board's review of the required State Environmental Quality Review paperwork on the project did find a few sticking points, albeit with low to moderate impact. But planners decided not to conclude the SEQR process until more study could be produced of the project's potential impact on traffic and lighting. | This Week | Our Services | Time Outs | Review: 2004 | Photo Gallery | Contact Us | FAQ Page | Great Links | Return Home | Classified Ads |

Copyright © 2006, The Freeman's Journal. All rights reserved.