U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-Utica, Otsego County's congressman, was sworn in for a second term today by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
In the photo at left, the congressman and speaker flanked Arcuri's wife, Sabrina.
“Our country faces many challenges," the 24th District representative was quoted as saying, "but in adversity there is also opportunity – opportunity for innovation and new ideas to create jobs, fix our health care system and build a new energy future."
Arcuri was challenged for a second term by Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown, a businessman.

COOPERSTOWN

Funeral services for Rose Frances Grimaldi Staffin, a retired realtor and Cooperstown Native Daughter, will be at noon Wednesday at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship in St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Parish Center.
For a complete obituary, see the next edition of The Freeman’s Journal.

ONEONTA

A record 104 people filled the Holiday Inn banquet room this noon for the Otsego County Chamber's annual "State of the State" luncheon.
State Sen. Jim Seward and Assemblymen Bill Magee, Pete Lopez and Marc Butler voiced concerns about the impact of this year's state budget on a range of institutions and programs, from SUNY Oneonta to a hike in the state Franchise Tax.
Otsego Chamber President and CEO Rob Robinson said he believes concerns about the economy prompted the record turnout.
The event was co-sponsored by Wilber Bank.
CAPTION: Assemblyman Lopez chats with Mark Barstow of Oak Tree Homes, Wells Bridge, after the luncheon. In the background is Scott White, Bank of Cooperstown president. In the far background is SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski.

COOPERSTOWN

The Cooperstown Art Association issued a call today for entries in its annual Quilt Show, planned Feb. 7-22 at the CAA galleries at 22 Main. Submittals will be accepted 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. No more than two items per exhibitor.
All quilts and wall hangings must have 6-inch sleeves or other suitable method for hanging. The only exception is for antique quilts which should not be hung because of their condition. Insurance coverage for exhibited works is the responsibility of the owner. Information on selling your quilt may be obtained when you register.
For more information, call Jean Lyon at 547-2709.

COOPERSTOWN

Bernard John Mezger, a retired director emeritus of technology for the American Lighting Association, Dallas, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He was 92.
Mr. Mezger had a long and distinguished career as an engineer in the fields of aeronautics, nuclear power, weapons systems and space exploration spanning 50 years. On June 30, 2005, he was designated an Air and Space Leader at the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.
His wife of 63 years, Carol, predeceased him last May.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb.14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Road, Rochester.
For a full obituary, please see the next edition of The Freeman’s Journal.