No he’s not lost fishing Oaks Creek or overdue from “antiquing” or walking the dog, Dr. John Geier Freehafer, 82, died suddenly but peacefully August 27, 2022 at home in Cooperstown, NY with his loving wife of 37 years, Gail (Reid) Freehafer, and treasured dog LuLu with him. John was a devoted husband, caregiver, father, and a dear friend to many. He was best known for his quick intellect, gamesmanship, robust appetite for good food and good times, wry sense of humor, uncanny ability to catch the larger fish, and his Polo aftershave.
John was born in New Rochelle, NY on October 7, 1939 to loving parents Edward G. and Isabel (Houck) Freehafer, originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He and his parents spent (and he continued to spend) many wonderful summer days in West Dennis, Massachusetts foraging its shorelines with crab net, fishing pole or scallop rake, and its flea markets and antique shops. At least in his later years he was not kept roped to the bridge for safety, as his parents were prone to do.
A former Cooperstown resident is pursuing his dream of making it on the professional bass fishing tour and having success doing it.
Kyle Patrick, who grew up in Cooperstown, and whose family still lives here, has spent his year since college graduation making advances into the pro tour.
“It has been a neat thing,” said Patrick, who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, but was home last week visiting. “It is just something I love.
ANGEL TREE PROGRAM – Give the Gift of Christmas this holiday season. Adopt a family in need. Visit www.allotsego.com/angel-tree-program/ to learn how.
LECTURE – 7 – 9 p.m. Dr. Daniel Stitch delivers this years Richard Siegfried Lecture. He will present “Fish, Fishing, Dams, and Climate: What have we lost, and what do we stand to gain?” Craven Lounge, Morris Conference Center, SUNY Oneonta.
ESCAPE ROOM – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Use clues to solve puzzles and escape the Harry Potter themed room within 1 hour. Limited time slots available. Free. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call 607-432-1980 or visit hmloneonta.org/calendar/
TALKING OPERA – 7 p.m. Maestro Joseph Colaneri returns to enrich our understanding o the inventive woodland fable “The Cunning Little Vixen” by Leos Janacek. Parish Hall, Christ Episcopal Church, 69 Fair St., Cooperstown. Call 607-547-2255 or visit www.facebook.com/glimmerglassfestival/
SPRING FEST – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Features music and events including the Ross Park Zoomobile and a Fishing Derby by Trout Unlimited. Copes Corner Park, on Rte. 51 between Gilbertsville and Mt. Upton. Info, www.townofbutternuts.org/copes-corners-park/
FLOWER SHOW – 5-7 p.m. Opening reception of The Cherry Valley Flower Show on display to June 4. The Cherry Branch Gallery, 25 Main St., Cherry Valley. Info, call (607)264-9530 or email info@cherrybranchgallery.com or visit cherrybranchgallery.com
TROUT UNLIMITED MEETING – Features presentation “The NYS Water Releases Legislation and the NYC Reservoir System,” by retired, region 3, fisheries biologist Tony Bonavist. The Plains, 163 Heritage Dr., Oneonta. Info, Dave Plummer 563-1978 or email dplummer@stny.rr.com
OPEN PLAY – 3:30-7:30 p.m. Work on your 3-D Print designs. NY Room, Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, hmloneonta.org/calendar/
WITH THE SNOW EMERGENCY CONTINUING MONDAY, BE SURE TO CHECK TO SEE IF AN EVENT IS CANCELLED BEFORE YOU VENTURE FORTH
FISHING TIPS – 7 p.m. Meeting of the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited where Tom Trelease presents “All the Secrets you need to catch bass on Otsego & Canadarago Lakes.” Inlcudes demonstrations of best rigs, lures, and baits. Includes spin and fly fishing. The Plains, 163 Heritage Circle, Oneonta. Info, dplummer@stny.rr.com
