For those visiting our area for the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities, we welcome you to Cooperstown and the region surrounding it.
Whether you're experiencing the Hall for the first time or returning to see the induction of Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin and late Chicago (Cubs and White Sox) third baseman Ron Santo, it's a great time of year to be here.
Take in the sights and sounds of the weekend, including the induction; the awards ceremony; the Parade of Legends; the Hall of Fame game show "Pitch Count," featuring Hall of Famers Bert Blyleven and Phil Niekro; "Play Ball" with Ozzie Smith, Johnny Bench and Paul Molitor; and other events.
In Cooperstown and this part of upstate New York, there is much more to see and do beyond baseball.
Enjoy the natural beauties that surround you by biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking and generally exploring the area.
Taste the local produce and products from our farms, orchards and other regional sellers, as well as the many locally owned farmers' markets and eateries featuring homegrown foods.
Experience the flourishing arts scene, with two galleries -- the Cooperstown Art Association and the Smithy Pioneer -- a short distance from the Hall and many others dotting the region, in addition to concert and theater venues.
For residents, we hope you take part in the annual celebration of baseball's greatest players rather than feel the crowds and traffic drawn to Cooperstown are a nuisance to our normally quiet hills, valleys and villages. If nothing else, appreciate the gifts the Hall of Fame and the events surrounding it bring to our community.
From Little Leaguers scuffing their cleats on the outfield for the first time to seasoned athletes and fans, the name Cooperstown is synonymous with greatness and accomplishment. Sports enthusiasts dream of being inducted into the Hall of Fame or even just visiting. We should feel honored to live in a place that inspires such feeling and emotions.
We also should see the weekend as part of an engine driving much of our area's economy during the summer months. Baseball -- whether at the Hall of Fame or at the various camps throughout our area -- provides a boost for hotels and other lodgings, as well as restaurants, shops and other businesses people may patronize and frequent.
With every satisfied customer and excited sports fan who comes to Cooperstown, we have a chance for returning visitors and those who spread the word of their positive experiences. By welcoming them into our community, we provide a strong draw to our area and a good time for all.
Opinion
Much to do, even outside of Hall
- Opinion
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Make sure you vote in school tax election
School superintendents have it anything but easy in these challenging economic times. In addition to dealing with myriad day-to-day and semester-to-semester issues, they have to have Solomon-like political acumen and management skills.
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No foreign aid until our needs are met
I couldn't agree more with Sal Furnari's letter published in the Weekend edition. I would also like to add that when I was growing up I was taught to "take care of my own first" and then share with others.
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THIS WEEK'S POLL
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It's sad to see Rich Murphy retire
It was a sad day for Otsego County when Rich Murphy announced his intention to retire from the county board at the end of his current term.
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Liberal media only care about themselves
Sounds like it all depends on 'whose ox is being gored' when it comes to the illegal phone tappings of reporters.
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Street Talk: May 20, 2013
Do you think that recent high school graduates have a harder time finding a job than previous generations?
- Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Casino in our area worth talking about
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo has his way, casinos will be awarded to three upstate locations.
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Public financing could cure pols' paranoia
Paranoia is an irrational fear of persons, places or events that have no basis in reality.
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Resort proposal is just too big
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a New York state taxpayer-owned recreational area. People who have paid for BMSC with their hard-earned dollars should not have to also pay for the infrastructure necessary to assure an enjoyable ski experience for the visitors to a private developer's monster mega-mall/spa resort on a mountaintop.
- Friday, May 17, 2013
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Take precautions to prevent kidnappings
It has been nearly two weeks since the arrest of Ariel Castro in Cleveland on rape and kidnapping charges for acts that should send a chill through the spines of everyone in America.
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Redistributing wealth just isn't fair
Yesterday a dozen of us were eating lunch in the break room where I work, most of us complaining that all we could afford was peanut butter and jelly and bologna ... except for Rob.
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Hoping many will adopt a grave
It's that time of year again; adopt a grave. I am hoping when you buy flowers or a plant for a family member or friend's grave that you will buy some for another grave. I wish everyone would open up their heart and honor someone else by putting flowers on their grave. My hope is that groups, families and youth groups adopt a cemetery or a grave, and at least once a year that person or persons will be remembered. I started out with two and now am up to 14. It doesn't have to be expensive; just what your heart tells you to do.
- Thursday, May 16, 2013
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IRS, Justice actions violate our trust
After the recent actions of the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Justice Department, belief in the integrity of our government is hanging by a very slender thread.
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Blame Dems for Social Security woes
In his inaugural address President Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'
- Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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After 40 years, it was time to get married
This newspaper publishes lots of wedding announcements, but one that appeared prominently in Monday's edition was especially heartwarming.
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Newman housing would benefit city
I would like to comment on the excellent letter written recently by Alan Cleinman concerning the "Newman Development."
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Paying what you can afford won't work
Our president said:
- Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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Cheers
To three longtime public servants who recently announced their decisions to leave their posts.
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What will happen when Manor is gone?
I’m writing this letter as I was unable to attend the Otsego County’s board meeting in regards to the sale of the Otsego Manor. My grandmother is 75 and resides at the Otsego Manor; she has for the last three years. The county has a lien on her home to recoup money that they have spent out in regards to Medicaid. My family does not mind this as we are thankful the staff is able to provide the care we cannot.
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We must move ahead to thrive
Recently, we had some compelling letters and opinions on the gas industry and how it can benefit local economies. Marie Lusins' letter explained how the Manor home and its woes could be, or could have been saved with vertical-well gas drilling.
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Make sure you vote in school tax election
