Willis Monie Won't Run Again
For Cooperstown Village Board

COOPERSTOWN

Willis Monie said he plans to move out of the Village of Cooperstown, so doesn't plan to run for a second term as village trustee in the Tuesday, March 20, local elections.

Republican Mayor Joe Booan is up for reelection to a two-year term, and Trustee Jim Dean will be up for election to a three-year term.

Meanwhile, the Republican committee had scheduled its caucus for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the fire hall on Chestnut Street.
THURSDAY, JAN. 19, 2012
Nora Jane Struthers, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at The Otesaga, draws on folk, bluegrass, and roots to perform musice of her native Appalachia.  Tickets for the Cooperstown Concert Series performance are available at Ellsworth & Sill, Church & Scott, and The Fly Creek General Store.  Tickets are often available at the door, though concerts often sell out in advance.
Nora Jane Struthers To Sing
Appalachian Folk Songs At Otesaga
Sweet Adelines Perform at International Student Orientation

The Sweet Adelines lent their vocal talents to the conclusion of the International Student Orientation Day on Saturday in Morris Hall on the SUNY Oneonta campus. The acapella group, which has been preforming for the event for the past three years, sang a wide selection of songs from "The Locomotion" by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, as other musical numbers including "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from Les Miserables, "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, and concluding with "America the Beautiful" by Katherine Lee Bates.  This year's class includes students from The United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Barbados, Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong and Siberia.
TUESDAY, JAN. 24, 2012
FRIDAY, JAN. 27, 2012
5 Hazing Cases Moved To Hartwick,
Where Court Convenes Wednesdays
HARTWICK

Hazing/bullying charges involving five CCS varsity football players were moved today to Hartwick Town Court, according to Assistant District Attorney J.R. Parshall.

The Hartwick court usually convenes at the town hall in the hamlet on Wednesdays, but it could not immediately be determined if these cases will be heard Feb. 1 or at a later time.

The town's justice are Orrin Higgins and Maria Folts.
SATURDAY, JAN. 28, 2012
As Many As 100 Quilts Expected
At Annual Show In Cooperstown
Helen Ganna, left, Toddsville,  and Maureen Johnson, Cooperstown, check in quilts today for the Fenimore Quilt Club 2012 Show, which will be open Feb.
11-26 at the Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main St.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com photo
Springbrook Executive Director Patricia Kennedy announced today the former Upstate Home for Children, based in Milford Center, is buying the fofmer St. Mary's School for $2.4 million.  Springbrook plans to consolidate functions from around the Central New York Region and to move its daycare center to St. Mary's; the center is open to typical and special-needs children.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com photo
MONDAY, JAN. 30, 2012
Springbrook Acquires St. Mary's
For $2.4M, Plans Consolidation
BOOAN WON'T RUN AGAIN;
KATZ LIKELY NEXT MAYOR
Democrat Jeff Katz, left, is the likely next mayor of Cooperstown after incumbent Republican Joe Booan announced at the Republican caucus at 22 Main this evening he won't seek another term.  The GOP failed to field any candidates at all for Village Board, so Cindy Falk and Jim Dean, nominated by the Democratic caucus across town, will likely be the next trustees as well.  For details, check this week's Freeman's Journal, on newsstands Wednesday afternoon.
TUESDAY, JAN. 31, 2012
COOPERSTOWN

Fort Plain's Duncraven Farms Dairy will deliver fresh-from-the-farm milk to the Cooperstown Farmers' Market Saturdays if  25 customers sign up for the product. 

Victor and Amy Sammons pasteurize and homogenize what they term "the freshest milk possible" on the farm, and it is available whole, 2 percent skim and chocolate.

If interested, call )547-6195 or e-mail to market manager Lyn Weir at market@otsego2000.org.

Farmers' Market Offers 'Freshest Milk Possible'
In '2nd State Of City' Speech,
Mayor Renews Call For Merger
ONEONTA

In what some termed a "second State of the City Speech," Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller addressed city Rotarians at noon today, again calling for talks to begin between the town and city of Oneonta on consolidation. 

He returned to the need for SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College and commuters, as well as the town, to contribute to municipal services received. 

And he said, "While I
oppose horizontal hydrofracking, we run the risk of overreacting to vertical gas drilling and related industires. There are approximately 7,000 active vertical wells in Upstate New York, serving communities as pristine and ethically responsible as Corning."  Excerpts from the speech will appear in the Friday, Feb. 10, edition of Hometown Oneonta.
– Libby Cudmore

Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com
THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012
ONEONTA

SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski will officially cut the ribbon at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, on a Shop24 robotic convenience store at Mills Hall that greeted students returning from the Christmas break.

The Shop24 dispenses snacks, beverages, medicine, paper products and frozen meals, as well as freshly made sandwiches, salads and sushi.   More than 9 feet tall, it offers up to 200 items ranging in weight from less than one ounce to 8 pounds.

“Shop24 offers an extensive array of items for students on the run," said Diane Williams, Oneonta Auxiliary Services executive director, "and will certainly satisfy those late-night cravings. It will also serve our campus community when classes are not in session, a time when our retail and resident dining operations are limited.”
Here's an example of the Shop24 robotic convenience store installed at SUNY Oneonta's Mills Hall for late-night gnoshers.
The Robots Are Coming! The Robots Are Coming!
And Late-Night  Snackers  At SUNY Are Delighted
FRIDAY, FEB. 3, 2012
Bassett Hospital Installs Futuristic MRI
Daniel Wenck, Bassett Hospital's MRI coordinator, demonstrates the hospital's new wide-bore 3 Tesla MR, the first of its kind in the region.    “With this new technology, we’re seeing things we never saw before without surgery, like tumors in their earliest stages, tiny aneurysms and small cartilage tears,” says Dr. Lawrence Barnowsky,Bassett radiologist.   The machine is more open, reducing the claustrophobia some patients experience.   The MRI was installed in recent days and announced Thursday by the hospital.

ALBANY

Governor Cuomo this morning signed legislation allowing Otsego County to withdraw from MOSA, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced a few minutes ago.  MOSA is the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority. 

“I appreciate Governor Cuomo honoring the home rule request made by the Otsego County Board of Representatives to ... pursue other options for trash disposal,” said Senator Seward. 

The original bill was approved in 2011, but was delayed until technical corrections to the parent bill were approved last month, including a revised formula to divide the authority’s assets and liabilities between the three counties.

MOSA was formed in 1988 to handle solid-waste and recycling needs of the three member counties, but the Otsego County Board of Representatives concluded that significant garbage-disposal savings could be achieved by depending on private enterprise.

GOVERNOR SIGNS SEWARD BILL
REMOVING COUNTY FROM MOSA
ONEONTA

When it meets Tuesday, Common Council will act on a motion that could lead to disposition of the Allison Building, the former armory, according to the meeting agenda released this afternoon.
Common Council May Move To Dispose Of Armory
NY STATE CARTOON OF WEEK
ONEONTA

Mayor Dick Miller and Springbrook will be the honorees at the Otsego Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner & Celebration of Business, chamber interim chair Roxana Hurlburt announced this afternoon.

Miller will be named Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen, and Springbrook will be designated NBT Bank Distinguished Business at the banquet, planned Saturday, March 24, at SUNY Oneonta's Hunt Union Ballroom.

A cash bar opens at 5:45 p.m., dinner at 7, and the program at 8.  Deadline for reservations is Friday, March 16.  

Otsego Chamber To Honor Mayor,
Springbrook At Banquet In March
FRIDAY, FEB. 3, 2012
CCS Fashions Wow Crowd of 200
Sean Miller's models return to the stage at CCS' Sterling Auditorium to give a crowd of more than 200 a last look at the student fashionista's creations during the fifth annual Fashion Show this evening.  Abby Wilcox and Saran Breiten were co-producers.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com
Student Housing, Lack Of Funds
For Renovations 'Summit' Issues
Oneonta City Councilman David Rissberger instructs participants at this morning's "Housing Summit" at Center Street School.  From left are Margery Merzig, Marilynn Helterbine, Peter Friedman and county Rep. Kay Stuligross, D-Oneonta.  How to minimize the impact of student rentals and to find funds for homeowners seeking to renovate center city homes dominated discussion.  The 150 attending broke into four committees that will explore critical issues and report back at a follow-up meeting in six weeks.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com
SATURDAY, FEB. 4, 2012
Robin Linaberry, music teacher at Maine-Endwell Central School, conducts the All-County Band this afternoon at Worcester Central School in Claude T. Smith's "Intrada: Adoration and Praise."  The concert was the finale of the Otsego County Music Educators' Association annual All-County Festival.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com
All-County Band Performs To Applause
ONEONTA

The UCCCA's annual Chili Bowl is noon-4 p.m. today at the Wilber Mansion on Ford Avenue.  Buy a bowl, sample chili selections and benefit the local arts organization.
Chili Bowl Begins At Noon In Oneonta
At Oneonta Rotary's Super Bowl Brunch at the Plains at Parish Homestead, Kelly Ames, left, freshens up a bowl of fruit salad while Peg Steidle, middle, and Betty Shaw partake of some quiche with asparagus and goat cheese and a pile of waffles with maple butter.
Rotary Club Kicks Off Super Bowl Brunch
SUNDAY, FEB. 5, 2012
ONEONTA

UCCCA – an odd acroynym representing a complicated name, the Upper Catskill Community Center for the Arts – has long been remarked upon as somewhat less than catchy.  Sunday at the organization's annual Chili Bowl fundraiser, attended by 188 celebrants, Vice President Michael Halpin announced the new acronym is CA NO, for Community Arts Network of Oneonta.  A new web site will be launched in early March.
– Libby Cudmore
Community Arts Network
Is New Name For UCCCA
Michael Halpin, vice president, announces UCCCA's new acronym is CA NO.
Hazing Case To Be Heard Wednesday
HARTWICK

Hazing/bullying-related charges against four of five CCS varsity football players will be heard at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Hartwick Town Court in the town hall in the hamlet, according to Assistant District Attorney J.R. Parshall.

One of the five cases has been delayed because the boy's lawyer is unavailable this week, said Parshall, who is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the county District Attorney's Office.

Town Justice Maria Folts is expected to preside.

MONDAY, FEB. 6, 2012
COOPERSTOWN

A painting of Christ Episcopal Church by the late Lester G. "Red" Bursey, legendary CCS coach and athletic director, will be auctioned off to benefit the Stained Glass Window Fund at Cooperstown Presbyterian Church.

A silent auction is under way for the painting, owned by Robin Lettis, a member of the Presbyterian congregation.  Bids may be made until 5 p.m. Monday, March 5, by contacting Robin at roblet22@yahoo.com, calling her at 547-8343 or mailing bids to 22 Eagle St., Cooperstown, 13326.  Minimum bid is $275.

The painting may be viewed in the foyer of the Christ Church Parish House, 69 Fair St.

'Red' Bursey Painting To Be Auctioned
To Help Repair Church's Stained Glass
Christ Church in Winter, painted by 'Red' Bursey
HARTWICK

Two of the five CCS varsity football players facing harassment charges for allegedly hazing another player appeared in town court here this afternoon, only to have their cases continued until April 11, according to Assistant District Attorney Paul Elkin, who will be prosecuting the case.  They are expected to enter pleas at that time.

Derek Liner, in a black vest, tie and green shirt, was in the courtroom, represented by attorney Les Sittler, Fly Creek.  Boone Rose, in an open-necked red-striped shirt, was represented by Monica Carrascoso, Cooperstown.  Both boys' parents and family members accompanied them.

But the two were advised even before Town Justice Mary Folts called court into session that their case would not be heard today.  Elkins said the court had only recently received files from Otsego Town Court – Town Justices Gary Kuch and Leslie Friedman had recused themselves – and was not ready to proceed.

The lawyers for the other three football players charged in the case – Jeff Flynn, Ethan Telfer and Michael Bouton – were unable to attend today's session.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8, 2012
CCS Football Players To Enter Pleas On April 11
Winter Carnival Medallion Still At Large
The third and final clue to the medallion's whereabouts will appear in The Freeman's Journal and Hometown Oneonta this week. Grab a copy and hunt for the $500 prize!
THURSDAY, FEB. 9, 2012
ONEONTA

The year's theme:  "Above The Influence."

LEAF Inc. is again sponsoring a Fine Art Contest to help raise awareness of substance abuse issues, offering a $500 grand prize, plus two $300 first prizes, two $200 second prizes and two $100 third prizes.  There will also be a Poetry Competition, (details TBA.)

The contest is only being advertised in Otsego County but is open to all regardless of location, according to Carol Mandigo, the LEAF community educator who is coordinating the contest. 

There is an adult and an under-18 category, in any medium – figurative or abstract, 2D or 3D, as long as it is 100 percent original.    Deadline is April 15.  For particulars, call Mandigo at 432-0090, ext. 106, or e-mail her at carol.mandigo@leafinc.org, or search "LEAF Art Contest" on Facebook.
LEAF Again Offers $500 Grand Prize
In 'Above The Influence' Art Contest
This lithograph by Doug Jamieson of Treadwell was one of last year's winners.
Megan Ackley New SUNY Internship Coordinator
ONEONTA

Megan Ackley, who has been with SUNY Oneonta's Career Development Center since 2008, has been appointed internship coordinator, a new position aimed at broadening internship opportunities available to students. Her duties include coordinating such networking as the Feb. 22 Summer Opportunities Fair.
Megan
Ackley
WEST ONEONTA

Town Board Member Bill Mirabito has asked the Oneonta Town Board to postpone Monday's consideration of a moratorium on fracking until the town's Board of Ethics can review also potential conflicts of interest among his fellow council people.

Mirabito issued his request in a letter to Town Board members after an article in Hometown Oneonta, where Supervisor Bob Wood said he would ask Mirabito, an investor in natural-gas pipeline projects in Sidney, Coventry and Bainbridge, to recuse himself from participation in discussions and decisionmaking on the town's proposed moratorium.

For the text of the letter, click here
COUNCILMAN MIRABITO SEEKS DELAY
ON FRACK VOTE UNTIL ETHICS REVIEW
COOPERSTOWN

Mike DeSimone, who found the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Medallion in 2008, has found this year's Winter Carnival Necklace in Fairy Spring Park, the carnival committee reported this morning.

DeSimone will receive a $500 check from The Freeman's Journal & Hometown Oneonta at the Carnival Closer 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Brewery Ommegang.
BULLETIN: Carnival Medallion Found!
FRIDAY, FEB. 10, 2012
Fireworks Launch Carnivale!
Fireworks launched from the Leatherstock Golf Course's 17th hole lights herald the start of the 46th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival.  Don't the miss the "Calypso Clash" this evening at the old Agway building at Glen and Railroad avenues.  Check the schedule.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com
Katie Booan, Will Derouin Crowned
Queen, King Of 46th Winter Carnival
The Winter Carnival Court, crowned at Lake Front Park at 6, are, from left, Princesses Ashley Bliss and Julia Robinson, King Will Derouin, Queen Katie Booan and Prince Jarrett Hotaling.  Missing from photo are Princess Megan Vann and Princes Jay Davine and Jack Loewenguth.
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com
MILFORD

A raccoon from the Town of Milford has tested positive for rabies, the county Department of Health reported a few minutes ago.   An unvaccinated dog bitten by the raccoon has been put down, and two people have been put on post-exposure treatment.

For health department guidlines on warning signals about rabies, click here
Raccoon Rabid; Dog Euthanized
Kody Newell of Cherry Valley and mom Amanda hold up snow-themed cupcakes they made and served at the Soup 'r' Chili Luncheon that continues until 2 at the First Baptist Church, Cooperstown, the first event of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival.  This evening's events include the 6 p.m. coronation  of the carnival court in Lake Front Park, followed by fireworks at 6:30.
Soup, Chili Lunch Launches Winter Carnival
Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com