Clarifying remarks

I would like to correct and clarify some of what has been reported regarding Cooperstown’s Superintendent of School’s search.

There will not be an opportunity for the general public to meet the final candidates. The possibility for that came from a telephone interview I had with the Freeman’s Journal which took place before the Board began final planning for the full search process and schedule.

I offered the possibility of finalists meeting with the public based on how the interviews were done for the last superintendent search. However, when the Board put its final plan together, candidates were scheduled to be in committee interviews from 8 a.m.

to 5:45 p.m. with only 45 minutes before meeting with the Board for their final interview.

Board members do not attend any of the committee interviews.

There is a specific committee of community members which will be chosen by the Board based on the broadest representation of district residents, and both we and they will give due consideration to survey responses from the public.

I’m sorry for the misinformation caused by my early speculation on the matter and trust you will understand.

Lastly, first interviews will be in February, but finalist interviews will be in March. Please let us know your thoughts via online or by-request written surveys, and I am always available for a phone call, letter or email.

Anthony Scalici

Cooperstown Board of Education President

Youth football says thanks

With the completion of another great season of youth football, and on behalf of the Board of Cooperstown Youth Football, I would like to thank the greater Cooperstown community for their continued support and generosity.

As with every year, there is a significant amount of time and energy put forth by so many dedicated volunteers. It is this commitment to providing our children the very best experience that helps to create the memorable, and sometimes magical, moments on the field, many of which last a lifetime.

In honor of this commitment, I would like to especially thank the following core volunteers; football coaches Joe Booan, Chris Hage, John Lambert, Tom Fay, Luke Poole, Kai Mebust, and B.J. Wilfeard;

cheerleading coaches Colleen Donnelly, Wendy Lansing and Georgia Hren-Saphier; Key operations support from Lisa Booan, and Scott Bonderoff; and from the sidelines taking a lead role in supporting our fund raising efforts this year, Annbritt Hodgins. In addition, we would like to thank the Clark Sports Center, especially Barry Gray for the outstanding service and preparation of our fields. We would also like to thank our dedicated team sponsors, The Otsego County Sheriff’s Association and Five Star Royal Chrysler of Oneonta as well as our new league sponsor Bank of America.

We hope that you know how much all of us appreciate your support, and commitment to community service. You are truly making a difference in the lives of the children every day.

Michael Perrino

President, Cooperstown Youth Football

Board Members: Joseph Booan - Vice President Lisa Booan - Treasurer Scott Bonderoff - Secretary Chris Hage - Fundraising

Soccer League issues thanks

The fall youth Recreational Soccer League has come to a close, following a tradition in Cooperstown that has lasted over 30 years. This fall over 370 youths in grades K-6 playing on 33 different teams from Cooperstown, Cherry Valley, and Edmeston participated in the Cooperstown Soccer Club Recreational League.

Cooperstown Soccer Club would like to thank the coaches and parents for their hard work, encouragement, and dedication and to all of our team sponsors for their generous support:

Aqua Valley Springs, Atrafin LLC, Bank of Cooperstown, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown Baseball Rentals, Cooperstown Champs, Installation Technologies, Exit Realty, James P. Ferrari Law Office, Johnson Law Offices, Kool Kickers, Leatherstocking Group, Norton’s Gas, NYCM, Oaknut Forest Products, Preston’s Alpacas Ralston Furniture, The Penguins, and Williams’ Tire and Auto.

We also would like to thank the towns of Cherry Valley and Edmeston for use of their fields and to the staff at the Clark Sports Center for the maintenance of the fields that we are privileged to use. I would like to thank all of the Club’s Board and the Division Commissioners for all of their work this season.

Cooperstown Soccer Club will be holding a general meeting on Dec. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion on the direction and future of the Club. Please visit www.coopsoccerclub. com for more information.

Mike Greene

President

Cooperstown Soccer Club

AARP supports reform

Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed critical health care reform legislation that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that prices millions of Americans out of affordable health coverage.

AARP wants to thank those New York Representatives in Congress who voted in favor of better health care for every New Yorker. The House plan protects and strengthens Medicare for 2.7 million New Yorkers.

The changes include reducing out-of-pocket prescription drug costs through closing the dreaded Part D ``doughnut hole’’, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, covering some preventive care free of charge, and preserving access to doctors.

It will also provide more than 400,000 New Yorkers age 50-64 who are uninsured with access to affordable insurance options.

And, finally, the House plan begins to repair the country’s outdated system of long-term care by providing benefits to seniors and people with disabilities to continue to live in their own homes and in their own communities.

While AARP is pleased to see this important step forward and we will keep working with Representatives in Congress to ensure that any final health care reform bill meets the needs of older Americans.

Marilyn Pinsky

AARP NY State President