Future For Oneonta Foundation

Honors Laing, Klugo At Reception

The properties of Merit Award winners for 2014: from left: Angie Eichler, Chair of the Properties of Merit Committee, James Brady, Paula Hickey, Lorrie Wolverton, Rosleen Brady, Kevin DiBartolemeo, Brian Fawcett, Deb DiBartolemeo, Nancy Kleneiwski, Daryn Seltzer, Barb Jass, Anthony Carimando, Heather Rigona, Tony Pepaj, Dino Rigona, and executive manager of FOF Carol Mahon. The properties of Merit Award winners for 2014: from left: Angie Eichler, Chair of the Properties of Merit Committee, James Brady, Paula Hickey, Lorrie Wolverton, Rosleen Brady, Kevin DiBartolemeo, Brian Fawcett, Deb DiBartolemeo, Nancy Kleniewski, Daryn Seltzer, Barb Jass, Anthony Carimando, Heather Rigona, Tony Pepaj, Dino Rigona, and executive manager of FOF Carol Mahon. (Ian Austin/allotsego.com) — The properties of Merit Award winners for 2014: from left: Angie Eichler, chair of the Properties of Merit Committee, James Brady, Paula Hickey, Lorrie Wolverton, Rosleen Brady, Kevin DiBartolemeo, Brian Fawcett, Deb DiBartolemeo, Nancy Kleniewski, Daryn Seltzer, Barb Jass, Anthony Carimando, Heather Rigona, Tony Pepaj, Dino Rigona, and executive manager of FOF Carol Mahon.

By LIBBY CUDMORE • allotsego.com

Diane Aaronson, Chairperson of the FOF Board, embraces Gary Laing after awarding him the Community Leadership award for his work and variety of programming he has brought to Damaschke Field. — Diane Aaronson, FOF board chair, embraces Gary Laing after awarding him the Community Leadership award for his work and variety of programming he has brought to Damaschke Field.

ONEONTA – Gary Laing, owner of the Oneonta Outlaws and The Shipping Room, wasn’t looking for accolades – in fact, he was just looking for a snack. “My son Joshua was playing football and I stopped at Stewart’s to get him a Slim-Jim,” said Laing. “I was pulling out of the parking lot and this woman comes out in front of me. It’s Carol Mahon, and she told me I’d just been selected for the Community Leadership Award!”

Laing, along with the Properties of Merit winners, were honored at the Future for Oneonta Foundation’s annual Community Leadership reception at Foothills earlier this evening. “The Future for Oneonta foundation is positive and uplifting,” said Sen. Jim Seward, who presented Laing with a recognition from the State Senate. “Especially as we honor Gary, a local boy who did well, and best of all, shared his success with his community”

Seward continued, joking, “I mail all my campaign flyers through the Shipping Room, so I feel that I share in his success.”

In addition to Laing’s award, nine Properties of Merit were also announced and awarded. They are:

•Residential City – 15 Miller St. – Joe Ruffino

•Residential Town – 5 Country Club Drive – Kevin and Deb DiBartolemeo

•Historical – 2828 County Highway 8 – Lorrie Wolverton

•Commercial Landscaping – OHS Memorial Garden – Tom Brindley, principal

•Residential Landscaping – 401 Main st. – Barb Jass nad Daryn Seltzer

•Most Improved – 27 Spruce St. – Dino and Heather Rigona

•Rental – 19-21 Otsego St. – James and Rosleen Brady

•Commercial – Klugo’s Parkview Place – Chip Klugo

•Institutional – Fitzell Hall SUNY Oneonta – Nancy Kleniewski

•Eatery – Toscana – Angelo Carimando and Tony Pepaj

The winners received a certificate and a $25 Lowes gift card, “So you can keep those properties upgraded!” said Executive Manager Carol Mahon. Mahon also announced that FOF would be transitioning to two yearly award deadlines, one for spring awards in June and the second for fall awards in December. “Our mission is to improve the quality of living for the citizens of Oneonta,” she said.