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Volume 12, No. 33
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DESTINATION MARKETING’S FIRST FOCUS:
City of The Hills
Promote Great Outdoors By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN
D Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Giovanni Hromada, a Boy Scout with Troop 23, Oneonta places a flag on veteran’s grave in the Plains Cemetery on Saturday, May 16.
After Months, Council Could Meet In Public
MCOC is looking at the doughnut, not the hole. And the doughnut, for now, is the great outdoors, says Cassandra Harrington, executive director of the Destination Marketing Corp. of Otsego County. In an interview Friday, May 15, Harrington said DMCOC,
which contracts with Otsego County to put “heads in beds” to generate occupancy tax, had met with her board of directors the day before and it was awaiting final visuals from PaperKite, the advertising agency, to launch a
LEST WE FORGET
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AllOTSEGO.com ►FIFTH local DEATH REPORTED from coronavirus. ►THEN THERE WERE SIX: Capital Region joins Otsego in reopening. ►TORNADO knocked out power to hundreds of northwest Otsego County homes. ►FROM CRISIS, ANDELA creates novel washable face masks. ►J.C. Penney Southside store likely safe from bankruptcy. ►$1.99 a gallon gas available in Schuyler Lake. ►COuncil member Mark davies named SUNY Oneonta dean. ►CONGRESSMAN DELGADO’s inputs influence $3 trillion HEROES act. ►$100K Match offered to assist SQSPCA “Shelter Us” campaign.
schematic of first post-COVID promotion.
COUNTY BOARD CONSIDERS 59 CUTS TO HELP DENT FINANCIAL CHALLENGE
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he Otsego County Board of Representatatives was scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, on making a possible 59 cuts in its almost 500-person workforce. The unprecedented cuts would comprise 10 percent of the workforce, and add up to about $1 million.
ONEONTA ommon Council could resume inperson meetings in July, Katie Böttger, personnel director, told the council during their remote meeting earlier this evening. Currently, the Council is meeting over Zoom, with meetings live-streamed on YouTube. However, Herzig warned that council could not meet in person until members of the public could be accommodated safely in Council chambers.
program on June 1, when Phase Two arrives and shops can open. There is some urgency to begin promotions again. In 2018, tourism brought in $206 million to Otsego County. Of that, $101 million was spent on payroll, funding 7,426 jobs, mostly gone this year. In March 2109, county hotels billed $948,312; this March, it was $483,269, and there was a Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA 46.4 drop in occupancy. “Mind Please See DMCOC, B4 DMCOC’s Cassandra Harrington with
All the jobs are filled. The cuts unanimously passed the Administration Committee (ways & means) Friday, May 15, but Admin Chair Meg Kennedy, C-Hartwick/Milford/New Lisbon, was unsure this vote on Resolution 198-20200520 would be likewise unanimous.
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Ian AustinHOMETOWN ONEONTA
Oneonta’s John Foreman points out his younger version while stationed in Japan in 1946-48, after VJ Day.
Ever Fewer, WWII Veterans Keep Conflict Alive For Us By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
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or Fred Hicken, a few postgraduation classes at Oneonta High School made all the difference. “I was 17 when I went to Albany to register for the Navy,” he said. “It was April 1945. I had graduated A typing class in 1944, but went back to take some saved Fred Hickbusiness classes, including typing.” en from combat; As a result, he was assigned to he was assigned to personnel. personnel work stateside, avoiding the conflict. Hicken is one of fewer than a dozen World War II veterans who remain in Oneonta. “We’ve lost quite a few over the last few years,” said Terry Harkenreader, Commander of the Oneonta American Legion. “We’re starting to lose Korea vets too.” Please See VETERANS, A3
Integris Executive/MD Heads Bassett Network NJ Native Tommy Ibrahim, 39, Succeeds Streck at 23 and made a rapid ascent into leadership positions, most recently serving as executive COOPERSTOWN vice president and chief physician executive for Integris assett’s new president Health System, the largest and CEO has been not-for-profit and state-owned called “a man on a health care system in Oklahoma. mission.” It’s a top 25 healthcare system, Dr. Ibrahim according to U.S. News and Just 39, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim has accomplished a World Report. great deal in a short time. “He brings to us the experience of He graduated from medical school Please See IBRAHIM, B6 By ELIZABETH COOPER
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In Month, 230 Give Foundation $175K COOPERSTOWN
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he one-month old Community Foundation for Otsego County has raised $175,000 in donations in its first four weeks of operation from 230 individuals so far. In the last 10 days, the foundation’s COVID-19 Fund has also made five awards, and now has a total of
17 in review or completed. Completed awards include: • HELIOS CARE - $5,000 to buy PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for staff to visit patient homes. • CATHOLIC CHARITIES of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties -$5,000 to buy PPE and supplies for child-care providers in private homes. Please See FOUNDATION, A3
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
Thank you for your service! www.countryclubautogroup.com
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HOMETOWN People
Bitterman, Kuhlmann Named OHS Valedictorian, Salutatorian
3 Receive SUNY Awards
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neonta High School seniors Alexander Bitterman and Nathaniel Kuhlmann have been named as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2020. Alex is the son of Dr. Todd and Dr. Anya Bitterman of Oneonta. He will be attending Cornell University on the PreMedical track majoring in biological sciences with a focus on ethics and
hanu Guar, Oneonta, was one of three local SUNY Oneonta students who received Academic Achievement Awards from the Communications and Media department for his work on “The Oval” and Oneonta history projects. Robert Dudley received an academic award from the History department, returning to school after 20 years of military service. Eleanor Rettew received an academic award from the Biology department and a position at a prestigious National Science Foundation.
Heather B. Guzy, Oneonta, PA-C, earned her Physician Assistant degree from Pace
4 Generations Wish Grandma Freda Happy Birthday
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GUZY GRADUATES:
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
Bitterman
Kuhlmann
philosophy. Nate is the son of Mark Kuhlmann and Mary Allen. He will be attending Union College to pursue engineering. His sister, Emily Kuhlmann, was also the OHS salutatorian in 1997.
RAYM INDUCTED: Willis Raym, Oneonta, was inducted into SUNY Oneonta’s Beta Gamma Sigma honor society chapter.
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Four generations of family members, including Angela Saggese, read a poem she wrote, as Karen Gibertson, Austin Gilbertson, McKenna Gilbertson, Joyce Beach and Scott Beach, gathered outside Freda Beach’s room at The Plains at Parish Homestead on Friday, May 15 to wish her a Happy 93rd Birthday.
On this Memorial Day
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I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. Nathan Hale For 211 Years
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Thank You CONNELL, DOW & DEYSENROTH, INC.
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6748 State Hwy 23 • Southside, Oneonta • 607-432-6452
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appreciation for those who served our country rsar y Our 132nd annive
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98 Chestnut St. • Oneonta 607-432-7090 www.isdtech.net
“Bravery never goes out of fashion”
1-800-propane (776-7263) 6178 State Hwy 7, Colliersville www.suburbanpropane.com
Closed Monday’s exCept for MeMorial day and labor day (Closed these tuesday’s)
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We honor those who gave their lives to let freedom ring!
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We Honor Those Who Gave their Lives 124 Oneida St., Oneonta 607-432-3588
A great appreciation and respect for all of our armed services representatives. Thank you for all you have done and are doing!
1978
*formerly Century Storage
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*
330 Pony Farm Rd. • Oneonta • 607-433-1951
330 Pony Farm Rd. • Oneonta • 607-433-1951
I-88 Exit 16, Rt. 7 Oneonta • 607-432-1782 or 800-498-2445 www.brooksbbq.com
For all of your service to our country....
Thank You LJ’s Sassy Boutique 165 Main St., Cooperstown 547 - 6141
A TIME TO HONOR AMERICA’S HEROES
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THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Surviving World War II Veterans In Month, 230 Give $175K To Foundation Likely Served In Final Months FOUNDATION/From A1 • BASSETT MEDICAL CENTER - $7,500 to distribute gift cards for gas and food to employees who have been furloughed or had hours reduced due to clearing the facility for COVID-related use. • FOX HOSPITAL - $3,000 for the same purposes as Bassett. • COOPERSTOWN FOOD PANTRY - $3,000 to buy farmers’ market vouchers to give to families that use food pantries. In another instance of community support, Alex’s World Bistro dedicated “Well Spent Wednesday” on April 29 to the fund,
VETERANS/From A1 In Cooperstown, only three World War II era veterans remain. “Last year the Veterans’ Club attended two dozen funerals,” said Floyd Bourne, the club’s new commander. “It’s eating into our Vietnam veterans too.” Ahead of next weekend’s Memorial Day services (see Page B1) Cooperstown volunteers placed more than 400 flags on the graves of service members; in Oneonta, more than 3,000
John Foreman, Oneonta, also served in the Army, 24th Infantry, in World War II, from 1946 to 1948, stationed in southern Japan following the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and after VJ Day, Aug. 14, 1945. “The fighting was over, but the war wasn’t just yet,” he said. “I was never in combat because of that bomb.” The village where he was stationed hadn’t been hit, but on the way there, he remembered seeing the devastation. “The train station Foreman’s official Army portrait. looked like a jigsaw puzzle,” he said. “The top floor was lying on the ground, and if you could have picked it up, you could have fit it right back on top.” Because the war was still not officially over when he arrived, soldiers were not allowed to go into town unaccompanied. “We couldn’t fraternize with the Japanese,” he said. “We couldn’t eat in their restaurants or drink in their bars. If you had to go into town, Hicken donated much of his you had to go with service ephemera to SUNY someone else.” Oneonta, but kept his hat and Foreman was a portrait, among a few other still in Japan on things. VE Day, May 6, 1945, and remained until the were placed. In February 1946, Hicken end of 1947. He went back to his native Kingston and was posted to the Sampson moved to Oneonta in 1961, Naval Training Base near Geneva, at the top of Seneca when he opened Medical Arts Pharmacy. He sold the Lake. “The Germans had business and retired in 1990. given up, so I was assigned And on the day he signed as a typist in the separation up, Fred also learned one center,” he said. “I was more thing – that he had working in a room with been going by the wrong 30 other typists, typing up www.hughsonbenson.com name his whole life. “I’d papers for Navy veterans always gone by Fredrick,” returning from the Pacific he said. “I gave the recruiter Theater. my birth certificate, and “I was very fortunate; I it said my name was just had choice duty!” Fred!” Discharged that June, he signed up for the Reserves. He came back to Oneonta and enrolled at Hartwick College, but in November 1950, as the Korean War was starting, he was called back into service. “The last time I took the passenger train from Oneonta to Albany was that trip,” he said. He was sent first to San Francisco, then to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. “Before I left, I went to a doctor and asked him for pills because I thought I would get seasick,” he said. “He gave 219 River Street, Oneonta me 100 pills. There wasn’t 607-432-8326 a sick bay on the aircraft www.thepowellcompany.com Veterans Club • 60 Main Street • Cooperstown carrier we took to Hawaii, Email: Info@thepowellcompany.com so I gave away about 90 of those pills to the other guys.” He was again assigned to office duty. “Going back to high school was a good choice,” he said. “It kept me Honoring those who sacrificed their lives from going to Korea.” He worked in Pearl Harbor until he was discharged in June 1952 as yeoman, third 5662 State Highway 7 Oneonta, NY 13820•607-432-8756 class, when he returned to www.munsonstruevalue.com Oneonta. He met his wife Ellie at Hartwick in 1953, and they were married the following year. He worked for her father, Howard Brown, at his insurance agency, as well as serving as the manager of the Tri-County Motor Club.
donated 15 percent the day’s receipts. The Bistro will reprise this in the near future. In addition, the town boards of Worcester, Cherry Valley and Otsego have passed resolutions supporting the fund, as has the Cooperstown Village Board and Oneonta Common Council. U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-19, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, and Assembly John Salka, R-Brookfield, have also announced support for the fund. Qualified nonprofit organizations may obtain applications from the
foundation website, www. cfotsego.org; donations are also accepted online at the website. For news updates, check Facebook.com/CFOtsego. Contact the foundation at contact@cfotsego.org. Contributions are still being sought from individuals, companies, other local foundations and organizations. Online gifts have the most immediate impact and can be accepted at www. cfotsego.org. Donations can also be sent to the Community Foundation of Otsego County, P.O. Box 55, Springfield Center, NY 13468.
We honor those
H H H H H H H H H H H H who gave their lives in service to our great country
MeMorial Day, May 25
Our sincere thanks to all who have served and are serving our great country
HOME OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
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THANK YOU, HEROES! 330 CHESTNUT STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820 CHESTNUTPARKREHAB.COM • 607.432.8500
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HOMETOWN Views
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
EDITORIALS
As With 9/11, City Folks Will Flee Upstate After This Is Over
PHASE ONE: THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Every Business Should Build S On DMCOC’s Smart Marketing I t’s been hard to approximate have been calling the senator’s layoffs. Business owners office in tears. He wants answers, don’t want to announce them, and action. and the monthly figures seem so We need to focus, people. theoretical. • Bassett Healthcare Network, In an interview the other day, people figure – and have heard the able Cassandra Harrington, anecdotally from time to time executive director of Destination – has certainly furloughed and cut Marketing Corp. of Otsego County back hours after closing two floors (too long a name) or DMCOC and halting elective surgeries (meaningless acronym) had some while coronavirus was considered scary numbers to share. a pending local emergency. But it In 2018, she said, tourism doesn’t want to brag about it either. DMCOC’s website, This Is Cooperstown, brought $206 million to Otsego already highlights the natural beauty. So the county Board of RepCounty, of which $101 million resentatives plans to lay off 59 was spent employing people in people – 50.5 FT equivalents, 10 a total of 3,426 jobs. Those jobs declarations over the past few weeks percent of its payroll for $1 million in aren’t there this summer. that a depended-upon safety net, the savings, and hardly enough – was a Happily, Destination Marketing has state Department of Labor, is inaccesbracing bucket of cold water. an action plan: It is rolling out a sible. No one’s answering the phone So were state Sen. Jim Seward’s Please See EDITORIAL, A5 and constituents, after days of trying, LETTERS
Let’s Hope For The Best And Plan For The Worst To the Editor: As we enter Phase One of the easing of COVID-related public health restrictions, it is important to reflect on where we are, but also where we came from and where we are going. We are poised to surpass the sobering milestone of 100,000 dead Americans this Memorial Weekend, after just two short months of viral spread. NY’s “PAUSE” went into effect as the rate of infection and death was escalating
mall businesses in small towns like ours, and the small City of Oneonta, are taking a hit right now. But for businesses that make it through, there may be better days ahead. At one of the daily briefings of local community leaders by the Governor’s regional representative, it’s said, a Power Point showed how multiple infected travelers – pinpoints, charted through tracings – flew in from Europe to JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports, tightly packed and infecting others. Landing, the pinpoints scattered into Westchester County, southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey. The ones that went directly into New York City entered the subways and, well, this all added up to the perfect COVID-19 storm. As of earlier this week,
15,786 of 90,694 deaths were in New York City, some 18 percent of the national toll. After 9/11, New York City folks flocked north. We all know somebody. (Chuck Williamson of Butternuts Brewery comes to mind; he watched the Towers fall from the front door of his tavern in Red Hook, across the bay.) The point is, when this is over, people are going to flock Upstate, and not just to getaway. Country living is great. (See excerpt below from Chris Ingraham’s “The Worst Place in America” in June’s Reader’s Digest.) Think about it. If Oneonta could attract 500 new families with high-tech earners who could work from a distance, and the Cooperstown area, maybe 100, it would be transformative. And, yes, both communities already have broadband.
READER’S DIGEST VISITS ‘WORST PLACE’
Actually, Oneontan’s Family Enjoys It!
in our state and county. At this point, Otsego County has suffered a lower rate of infection and serious illness. But the deaths of four of our neighbors is significant and their families should remain in our thoughts and prayers. The lack of large-scale local viral spread is partly the result of luck and our rural geography, but mostly the product of concerted efforts. The early pro-active moves of our Department of Health, hospitals, and Please See STAMMEL, A6
Local readers of Reader’s Digest were surprised and delighted this week to discover Christopher Ingraham’s account about a story he wrote on the “ugliest” community in America ended up luring the Washington Post reporter and his family from the Baltimore suburbs to northwest Minnesota.
County Primus Inter Pares To the Editor: Otsego County’s response to The Plague has been as good as anywhere in Europe or Asia and better than most places in America. For that reason, the county is on track to safely reopen ahead of almost any other place in America, having met Governor Cuomo’s requirements. By stark contrast, Texas is next to last in testing per capita, there are no contract tracers, little social distancing and few masks. Texas’s unsafe “reopening plan” is simply a date, and the day the state reopened
HOMETOWN
without regional rollouts, it recorded its highest number of new cases. Efforts to control the spread of The Plague in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin were trumped by the governor’s hasty order, which was based entirely on the political science of the Gregorian Calendar. By comparison, New York State’s response is positively First World and Otsego County is now literally the first of the first. Congratulations to all concerned. CHIP NORTHRUP Cooperstown
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Managing Editor
Larissa Ryan Business Manager
Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant
Elizabeth Cooper Correspondent
Ian Austin Photographer
Ivan Potocnik Web Architect
Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production
Tom Heitz Consultant
IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: (607) 547-6103. Fax: (607) 547-6080. E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com
LETTER FROM STRASBOURG
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The Freeman’s Journal
he following May we moved to Red Lake Falls. Our family – me; Briana; Jack; Charles; Tiber, our 70-pound beaglebasset mix; and Ivy, our 12-year-old cat – arrived on a Sunday. The closing on the house was scheduled for the following day, but the previous owners, the Kleins, told us they’d leave the door open and the keys on the kitchen counter. We hadn’t even gotten the kids out of their car seats before we were enthusiastically greeted by our new neighbor, who wanted to know whether we played any instruments because there was a great little community band and they were always looking for new players. The Brumwells and the Kleins came over to help us get all our stuff out of the moving van. A few neighbors wandered over to pitch in as well, and with their help, we wrapped up the job in just a couple of hours It was an auspicious beginning, and our family quickly acclimated to small town life. Briana volunteered for the Civic and Commerce committee and was persuaded to run for city council, an election she handily won. The boys soon thrived under the personal
‘Worst Place’ In USDA Ranking Turned Into Ingraham’s Haven Editor’s Note: Local Reader’s Digest subscribers were surprised to open their June edition this week to see what to some were familiar faces: Oneonta native Chris Ingraham and the former Briana Wilson of Jordanville, and their boys, twins Jack and Charles, six, and William 3. The photo illustrated “The Worst Place in America,” by Chris, who is also a Washington Post reporter, and how an article he wrote on the USDA’s “ugliest” county in America eventually led the family to move there. Reached at their home in Red Lakes Valley, Ingraham, the son of veterianian Peter Ingraham, said he was raised in Oneonta and attended Greater Plains, OHS and then Cornell.
He met Briana at the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown while both were studying biology. The blowback from his article caused him to visit Red Lakes County, and eventually move the family there from Baltimore. The family’s just survived its fourth winter, when its “below zero for two weeks and snows from October to April.” A lot, it seems, like what we’ve experienced here this year. Enough: Read the article, excerpted here and available everywhere Reader’s Digest is sold. And read Chris’ book, “If You Lived Here You’d Be Home By Now,” published by Harper Collins last year.
attention at J.A. Hughes Elementary – even Charlie, who was diagnosed with autism and might’ve gotten lost in the crowd in a larger public School, like the one we had left in Maryland. Most of the things we
missed, including curry paste, sparkling wine, and books the tiny library doesn’t offer, we were able to order online or ask local proprietors to stock for us. We found plenty of culture and diversity, although we
had to actively seek it out rather than experiencing the world simply by walking down the street, the way you can in a big city. The twins, now six, have spent more birthdays in Minnesota than they did in Maryland. And we have another son, William, who is three. I can honestly say that there would have been no William had we not moved to Red Lake Falls. It is my job to write about data. I’m a big believer in its power. But our relocation has been a humbling reminder of the limitations of numbers. It has opened my eyes to all the things that get lost when you abstract people, places, and points in time down to a number on a computer screen. Yes, the government’s natural amenities index accurately captures the flatness of Midwestern farm country. The summer heat. The bitter winter cold. But it misses so much about that landscape: the sound of the breeze rustling the grain or the way the wheat catches the light, the dry-sweet smell of a field of sunflowers. It doesn’t tell you how a family can keep itself warm through the coldest of winters by building igloos and sledding down Please See WORST, A6
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THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
HOMETOWN
History
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
Compiled by Tom Heitz and SHARON STUART, with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
135 Years Ago
Why We Go To Church – Some go to church to weep; others go to sleep. Some go their wives to please; their conscience others go to ease. Some go to hear the preacher; others like the solo screecher. Boys go to reconnoiter; girls go because they oughter. Many go for sage reflections; precious few to help collections. Two perfect rings around the sun at Noon on Wednesday, which when looked at through a dark glass presented nearly all the colors of the rainbow, attracted considerable attention. The coronae were more perfect than are usually seen in this locality. A sun-dog was also plainly visible between the two circles. Altogether the sight was quite remarkable. May 1885
80 Years Ago
cal services across the United States averages $156.22 per capita. However, local services across the state of New York average $280.94 per capita. Of the current $136.84 per capita outlay, some $53.45 is estimated as the amount spent for construction and maintenance of highways, exclusive of interest on debt. Across the country the average is $23.05 per capita. May 1970
30 Years Ago
The board of directors for the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc. has announced the appointment of officers and new directors. Chairperson for the 1991fund drive will be Dr. Alan Donovan President of S.U.N.Y at Oneonta. His appointment to chairperson follows the conclusion of a fund drive that raised more than $223,000 for service agencies in Delaware and Otsego counties. Steven Amell, vice-president and regional area manager for Key Bank will serve with Dr. Donovan as co-chair for the fund raising drive. Erna McReynolds, financial consultant with Shearson, Lehman, Hutton, was elected president of the United Way Board of Directors. May 1990
130 Years Ago
The Local News – About 200 dogs have been registered in the Town Clerk’s office in compliance with the provisions of the new state law. Shooting at the rifle range on the Odell Brown farm began Wednesday. Preparations are making for the fine new residence of George B. Baird at the corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. The dwelling will cost about $20,000. The dynamo placed in Auburn prison for the first electrical execution is the machine formerly in use in the Oneonta electric light company’s plant. It is a Westinghouse machine, designed to supply 650 lights. The execution of the murderer Kemmler, who was to have died by electricity in Auburn prison this week, was stayed yesterday by virtue of a writ of habeas corpus issued by Judge Wallace of the United States Circuit Court on the application of Roger M. Sherman. The application on which the writ was granted and Kemmler’s life was spared, for a time, was made in order to determine whether the proposed killing by electricity is in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth amendments of the Constitution of the United States. May 1890
110 Years Ago
Halley’s Comet, cynosure for weeks of human eyes, has swept between the earth and sun and, receding into space, has made its nearest approach to our planet. Though by mathematical calculation astronomers announced long ago that the tail of the heaven-wanderer would impudently switch across the face of the earth, nothing really happened to disquiet anybody. The night was uneventful, and mankind awoke this morning to renew the rounds of human activity, assured that for 75 years at least, Halley’s Comet
May 1940 was not to be the cause of earth’s undoing. The chief glory of Halley’s Comet is not in the orb itself, but in the manifestation which it gives of the powers of the human mind. Brilliant it is and wonderful – but more wonderful is the intellect which traces its way through space, which measures the comet’s course beyond the telescope’s multiplied vision and foretells to a day the date of its return. Surely that the greatest – the God-given power to see, to compute and to foretell what through the world’s long early ages it had never entered into the mind of anyone to observe, to reckon, or to predict. May 1910
50 Years Ago
Although education is far and away the most costly item of local government in Otsego County, the other public expenditures add up to a sizable figure. They include outlays for such services as roads and highways, police protection, health, public welfare, sewerage, water supply, and general administration and maintenance, among others. According to the latest figures, the annual cost for such services amounts to $136.84 per capita for residents of Otsego County. Five years ago, by comparison, the cost of these services per capita amounted to $112.56. The average outlay for lo-
20 Years Ago
The Safe Kids Coalition of Otsego County and ScovilleMeno Honda have planned their third annual Child Safety Awareness Day for Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Honda Dealership on Oneida Street in Oneonta. Child Safety Awareness Day is a way for families to get a variety of free child health and safety information and services in a fun-filled setting. May 2000
15 Years Ago
Mike Connolly, Oneonta native and Oneonta high school graduate, struck out four and walked one in six innings Sunday to lead the Altoona Curve to a 6-2 Eastern League victory over the Binghamton Mets at NYSEG Stadium. Connolly allowed two runs, both earned and eight hits before leaving the Double A minor league game with the 6-2 lead. “I’m throwing real well right now – can’t complain,” Connolly said. “I just go out and pitch and do the best I can.” Connolly is now in his sixth season in professional baseball. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Altoona’s parent club, selected Connolly in the 19th round of the 2000 major league baseball draft. Connolly’s record is now 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA. May 2005
LIFE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
T
Suffer The Poor Children
here remains a lot about SARS-CoVAt first children presenting with symp2 and COVID-19 that we don’t know. toms of this were misdiagnosed. They had none of the hallmark symptoms of COVIDWhat was “common knowledge” yesterday could be proved wrong tomorrow. 19, i.e. viral pneumonia and other respiratoThe risk of morbidity and mortality in chilry symptoms. They appeared to have Toxic Shock Syndrome or Kawasaki Disease but dren was one of the things we thought we knew but now appears that we didn’t. no reason for developing that SARS-CoV-2, the currently acceptwas found. They hadn’t been ed scientific name for the coronavirus recently ill. that causes COVID-19, appears to Nevertheless a few specialty be the precipitating cause of a newly physicians in children’s hospitals recognized syndrome that causes thought to test these children for SARS-CoV-2 and some tests destruction of multiple organ systems in children. came back positive. Later in • the approximately first hundred children recognized with MISC This syndrome is so recently recognized it is still referred to by many in New York, 40 percent had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 names, Pediatric Multisystem Inflam- RICHARD matory Syndrome, P-MIS (how the STERNBERG and 60 percent had a positive state Department of Health has been antibody test which as most of us referring to it up to now), Multisysare aware of means it was highly tem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, probable that they had the disease even if MISC (Center for Disease Control designa- there weren’t respiratory symptoms. tion since this weekend), Kawasaki While so far there appears to be only a Disease-like syndrome, and Toxic Shock2-3 percent risk of fatality in children with like Syndrome. For all I know by the time MISC we do know that there is damage to you read this there will be an agreement on critical organ systems in the body: heart, one of these or something totally different. lungs, vascular, kidneys, liver, etc. There MISC was recognized only a few weeks is a very good argument that this may lead ago. May 5 an article in the New York to permanent impairment of these organs Times talked about a mysterious ailment in such as in the case of many other infectious children possibly related to COVID-19. At diseases in children in which initial sympthat time, it was recognized in 15 hospitaltoms appear to fully resolved. For example, ized children with no deaths. As of Sunday scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, Lyme disMay 17, there were 137 recognized cases ease, and viral cardiomyopathy. with three deaths in New York. Other coun• tries and regions having been alerted to this While there only appears to be a relaphenomenon are now reporting this. tively small number of these cases so far • (small statistically but what solace is that
• Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly • Racing heart or chest pain • Decreased amount of frequency in urine • Lethargy, irritability or confusion Early recognition by pediatricians and referral to a specialist including critical care is essential. • Additionally, we need to reopen smartly. Based on news reports, pictures, and videos there appear to be a very large number of The CDC is reporting a mysterious people who haven’t gotten the message disease is paralyzing a record number about the requirements to remain open. of children. It could be COVID-19 One, things will close down again if the related. transmission rate of the disease goes above 1.0. If we close down after opening because to a parent whose child develops this) it of a spike of cases many economists say is totally unclear what long-term health consequences may occur in sub-acute forms that economic disruption could be worse than we have seen so far. Therefore, preof this syndrome. It is quite possible that a vent spread! This can be easily done by child who is infected develops this but not following all social distancing regulations badly enough to be brought to a physician and diagnosed. Considering how Americans and recommendations. Flaunting these may make someone feel empowered but it is get upset about potential disease processes that have demonstrated miniscule risk, what only putting their health and the health of response can we expect if this is now recog- all those around them at risk. Possibly more nized as a long-term consequence of a child important to those who are behaving badly, flaunting will lead to more infections which who is infected with SARS-CoV-2. will lead to a new shutdown which will lead • to continued economic pain. So, what can we do? One should seek Stay safe. Be smart. immediate medical care for a child who has: Richard Sternberg, a retired • Prolonged fever (more than five days) Bassett Hospital orthopedic surgeon, • Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too has agreed to provide his professional persick to drink fluids spective while the coronavirus • Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or threat continues. Dr. Sternberg, vomiting who is also a village trustee, • Change in skin color - becoming pale, resides in Cooperstown. patchy and/or blue
EDITORIAL: We Bent The Curve; Now, Let’s Ease The Economic Pain EDITORIAL/From A4 summer marketing promotion on June 1, looking to draw people here from a 150-mile radius. Before we all throw up our hands in horror: The idea is to attract people, hopefully a lot of them, to kayak (with a loved one who has been equally exposed, or not exposed). And go to our airy beaches. And Ride bicycles – one person per bike. And hike our lovely trails – 6 feet apart, of course. Social distancing is easy in the Great Outdoors. After July 1, when the Hall of Fame and other attractions very
likely will have reopened (The Clark Sports Center is looking to open that day), the marketing plan will shift to attractions, (paced to ensure the local institutions are not overcrowded.) In the fall, the marketing will shift to foliage. All of this makes sense, in line with the two-word imperative: REOPEN SAFELY. Both words matter equally; each must be done. • Two things: One, are Destination Marketing’s promotions being sufficiently financed?
The county’s contribution to DMCOC is based on last year’s sales- and bed-tax revenues. We know the county’s broke, but it should take a flinty-eyed look at cost-benefit before it considers cutting here. Another source of revenue is the Partners’ Program – partners being individual hotels, restaurants and attractions. They also are strapped, some less so, and they should participate if they can. How about our local private foundations? Perhaps they can help ensure marketing efforts are fully funded. People, some anyhow, are reluc-
tant to accept the fact Otsego County is a tourist economy. That fact is going to be dramatically emphasized in the months ahead. Two, local business must do what they can to serve, and thus profit from the people lured here by DMCOC’s marketing campaigns. Maybe restaurants can make box lunches for bicyclists or picnickers. Maybe stores can set up sidewalk displays (enabled by municipalities.) Otsego County Chamber President Barbara Ann Heegan said Oneonta City Hall is considering allowing all restau-
rants to do sidewalk cafes. Nice, airy and safe idea. Individual businesses know better how to do so for themselves. It’s important they do so. • We’re all in a fix. But it’s not a fix that’s going to last forever. Maybe the weather will slow the coronavirus. Maybe a vaccine will be developed over the fall or winter or sooner. Maybe immunity will become widespread. Pandemics eventually end, some more happily than others. The point is, as we flattened the curve, let’s now do what we can to soften the economic pain.
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA LETTERS
Let’s Hope For Best, Plan For Worst STAMMEL/From A4 schools have had a positive impact. Finally, the prudent decisions and sacrifices made by every county resident have helped to protect our vulnerable neighbors. We will never know how many lives were saved by these actions but social distancing, improved hygiene, and wearing masks have certainly flattened the curve. These sacrifices have come with a cost. Grandparents miss their grandchildren; young people are missing classmates, graduations and other milestones; and our local businesses have been battered by the social and economic lockdown. This paper’s suggestion that the governor is now arbitrarily “setting us free” is unhelpful. The economic pause was always intended to be short-term, allowing us to weather the first wave of virus and to build up our public health resources. Weeks ago, state health
experts outlined the health metrics and infrastructure that had to be present to begin reopening. Our county board endorsed the regional phased and science-based state plan in a tri-partisan nearly unanimous vote. Because of the sacrifices residents and the work of local government, we have now met the criteria. It won’t be like flipping a light switch back to “normal.” We are instead dialing down health restrictions and transitioning to something new. As the weather warms and summer holidays approach, many are tempted to throw caution to the wind. We must instead continue to show personal responsibility and exercise good hygiene and social distancing. After all, most of us engaged in this behavior not because the government directed us to, but because we knew protecting our vulnerable family and neighbors is the right thing to do. Let’s not backtrack.
We cannot predict when the health threat will finally end. Many experts expect the virus to follow the pattern of other respiratory illness and spike this fall and winter. In the absence of strong and clear leadership at the national level, we’ve seen some governors fail to enact any precautions or others who have reopened their economy while their infections continue to accelerate. This may lead to hotspots that eventually find their way here. We should continue to hope for the best but plan for the worst. Whenever this viral threat ends, I trust that Otsego County will emerge a stronger and more compassionate community. You’ve all done so much to look out for each other already. Let’s keep up the good work! ANDREW STAMMEL Town of Oneonta County representative, District 4 Chair, Health & Education Committee
To the Editor: Right now there is nothing more important to me than making people aware of the ongoing abuse and neglect of patients on psychiatric units. This is still happening today in many hospitals here in NYS because of bad policies and bad protocols that need to change. These are the primary causes of patient abuse by psychiatrists and their nursing staff who ironically do mean well and want the
best for their patients. Many caring activists, volunteers, and coordinators of PsychRights.org are helping abused patients like myself raise much needed awareness of the ongoing corruption in the Mental Health System. They have posted many startling but informative blogs such as “Corruption at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse” on their (PsychRights) website: Everyday Horrors of the Mental Health System.
They are working hard to help reform and improve mental health policies and practices on psychiatric units and in hospitals, starting locally and eventually on a global scale. To achieve this goal, however, it has become necessary to pursue and win lawsuits and class action lawsuits for neglecting the mental health and even the physical needs of patients. JASON HEWLETT Oneonta
Neglect Of Mental Patients Little Understood
Worst Place Turned Out To Be Best Place
WORST/From A4 the town hill. Or how the vast winter night sky shines with the light of thousands of stars that people who live in cities will never know. It doesn’t tell you about the heat put off by a big roaring fire in a park at the darkest time of the year, how the glow dances on the
faces of those gathered around. The people of Red Lake Falls bring light to the darkness and warmth to the cold. Glancing around the bonfire at last winter’s train lighting ceremony, when everyone clapped and cheered, I felt certain: We were home.
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Living with COVID-19
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
PAGE B-1
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oon, the local citizens were leveling the field, with dirt and ashes used as filler on the swampy portions. On Sept. 6, 1920, Doubleday Field officially opened. The first game was between Milford and Cooperstown, and John Heydler, president of the National League, was present and umpired the first game.” BILL FRANCIS, from baseballhall.com
Rises
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in Otsego County
BEST BETS
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Terry Harkenreader, Len Carson and Bruce Van Holtz fire their rifles as part of the 2019 Memorial Day ceremonies.
Honor The Fallen, Color Works of Art, Or Ride Your Bike
T
AllOTSEGO.life
Jim Kevlin/
Cooperstown Mayor Tillapaugh describes the more prominent placement of The Sandlot Kid. At right is the water fountain, with doggy water attached.
$5M Redo Done By 100th Anniversary By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN
‘P
ersonally, for me, The Sandlot Kid, in a place of prominence,” said Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch when asked about the most meaningful part of the $5-million-plus redevelopment of Doubleday
►IF YOU GO: Special pictorial postmark cancellation honoring 100th anniversary of Doubleday Field, 9 a.m.1 p.m., Saturday, May 23, Cooperstown Post Office.
Field. “He’s so special.” Victor Salvatore’s bronze sculpture of a barefoot farm boy with a bat on his shoulder was installed in 1939, when the Doubleday Field
grandstand was completed. “One of the true icons of the game,” the Dickson Baseball Dictionary calls it. The mayor recalled her dismay in the 1990s when renovation around the statue made it look like it belonged to adjacent Key Bank, not the village and the baseball community everywhere. “He was fenced off and not given the Please See REDO, B3
Unadilla Drive-In: What Better Way To Get Out Of The House By LIBBY CUDMORE UNADILLA
I
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Spencer Wilson, whose family bought the Unadilla Drive-in in 1999, fearing it would be demolilshed, says his venue is ideal for social distancing, and he’s anticipating a busy summer.
f you’ve never seen the classics on the big screen, this year, you might get your chance. “There aren’t any movies being released this summer,” said Spencer Wilson, who manages his family’s Unadilla Drive-In. “But there are tons of options for screening older and classic movies.” Under Phase One of un-PAUSE, drive-in theaters can open, and Wilson will open The Unadilla on
►IF YOU GO: Unadilla Drive-
In, 1706 Route 7. Movies Fridays, Saturdays, beginning May 29 at dusk. From Oneonta or Cooperstown, take I-88 Exit 11 to Route 7, turn right.
Friday, May 29, showing a doublefeature of “Trolls World Tour” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.” “These are movies that didn’t get a full theater run time,” he said. “We’ll do those for the first few weekends until they run out.” After that, he said, is when the Please See DRIVE-IN, B2
hough they are intended to be private, Veterans Clubs around the county will still honor the fallen on Monday, May 25, while enforcing social distancing. • In Oneonta, the local chapter of the American Legion and the Boy Scouts will lay wreaths on the monuments on the Veterans Memorial Walkway, as well as play “Taps” and give a threeround volley at 11 a.m. in LIBBY Neahwa Park, Oneonta. CUDMORE • In Cooperstown, members of the Veterans’ Club will pay tribute at four sites – The World War I monument on Pine Blvd., The Fly Creek Firehouse, The Lakeview Cemetery and the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Lake Front Park. 9:30 a.m. Veterans Club, Main Street, Cooperstown. • Former big leaguer Al Oliver talks about his career playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates and, later, as a motivational speaker. Free, registration required. 11 a.m. Friday, May 22. Visit https:// baseballhall.org for details. • You can be a museum-worthy artist with a free, downloadable coloring book from the Fenimore Art Museum, featuring colorable versions of pieces from their American Folk Art collection, including “The Horse With the Longest Hair in the World” and “Liberty and Washington.” www.facebook.com/fenimoreartmuseum/ • Warm weather means it’s time to go for a bike ride! Trails throughout the county are open for cyclists of all skills and preferred trail types. Info www.oneonta. ny.us/departments/community-development/bike-paths/
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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RABIES CLINIC – 9 a.m. - Noon. Free rabies vaccination for cats, dogs, more. First come, first serve at 30-minute intervals for social distance. Susquehanna SPCA, Rt. 28, Cooperstown. 607-547-4230. MORNING PROGRAM – 10 a.m. Join library staff each morning for books, songs, & fingerplays to entertain kids 2-5. Huntington Memorial Library, Oneonta. www.facebook.com/hmloneonta/ FIELD TRIP – 1 - 2 p.m. ‘Geography: Baseball Coastto-Coast’ offers activities to answer questions like “Where are baseball teams formed & why?” and “How do people & physical environment influence the game?” More! Free, registration required. Visit https://baseballhall.org/ events/geography-baseball-tocoast-20?date=0 for info.
►Friday, May 22 BASEBALL DISCUSSION – 11 a.m. Join Baseball Hall of Fame & former big leaguer Al Oliver discussing his career including playing at World Cup, playing with other Hall of Famers, then his post-baseball career as a motivational speaker. Free, registration required. Visit https://baseballhall.org/events/geographybaseball-to-coast-20?date=0
►Saturday, May 23 SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES – Support local businesses during these difficult times.
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Under un-PAUSE, movie theaters like the Southside Mall Cinema won’t be able to open until Phase Four – July 1 at the earliest. “People are chomping at the bit to get outside and do something that’s still legal,” he said. “And we’re the only game in town.”
IN
calendar They could also repeat Send and the “Lord of theitems Rings” to info@allotsego.com Customers will now plexiglass barriers will be some of their most popular trilogies are also available, reserve a space on the drive- erected between the cashiers showings. “The ‘Jurassic which could make for some in’s website. “We’ll have and the customers. Park’ movies are all availlong nights. “We have had 100 spots for sale online, In addition to movies, able,” he said. “Those people fall asleep here!” he and 50 at the gate,” he said. Wilson has been in touch Send calendar items to“But info@allotsego.com were always our most said. “I have to go around if you don’t reserve with several school popular nights.” and knock on their windows online, you run the chance superintendents who have So popular, he said, to wake them up.” of not getting in.” expressed interest in holding that in 2015, the “Jurassic The Wilsons have owned He stressed that families their graduation ceremonies World” showing had cars the drive-in since 1999, are still allowed to sit there. lined up out to the bridge. when father Eric Wilson outside their vehicles. “Kids “We had to park people purchased it after hearing it can still run around,” he behind the fence,” he said. might be torn down. It was said. “But we want to make “We can fit between 350originally built in 1956, one sure everyone is safe.” 400 cars here.” of two drive-ins, along with The snack bar will also The “Marvel” movies the Del-Sego at Emmons, in be fully operational, but the area. employees and customers This summer, precautions will be required to wear will be taken to assure that masks, and employees will social distancing is followed, wear gloves to handle food, including reducing capacity credit cards and money. to 50 percent. “Normally we Spaces will also be put in can fit two cars between the place to make sure that HOMETOWN ONEONTA poles,” he said. “Now, we’ll people are standing far just have one car.” enough apart in line, and
DG
DRIVE-IN/From B1 fun really begins. “With classic movies, you know you’ve seen them, you know you like them,” he said. “But how often do you get to see them on the big screen?” Wilson is considering doing theme nights, including ’80s classics like “Footloose” or original superhero movies, such as the Adam West “Batman” (1966) and the Christopher Reeves “Superman” (1978).
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020
JU
B-2
A complete Guide to
Visit supportotsego.com for list of local businesses online. EMT COURSE – 8 a.m - 5 p.m. Learn skills to become an EMT and save lives, or current EMTs can refresh their skillset. Saturdays through August 20. Henry Hiteman Engine & Hose Company, West Winfield Fire Department, 373 W. Main St., West Winfield. Contact Cathy Abel, 315-867-7906. ART & YOGA – 10 a.m. Stay centered at home with art talk by Mary Murray followed by yoga with Lisa Gallagher of the Munson Willaims Proctor Arts Institute. Donations gratefully accepted. Visit www. facebook.com/MWPAI to join the class.
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►Monday, May 25 CANDIDATE QUESTIONS – Last Day. Final day to submit questions to the League of Women Voters who will consolidate them into 3-5 questions for the candidates. Responses will be posted to VOTE411 platform. Send questions to lwvcooperstownarea@gmail.com WEEKLY CHALLENGE – 10 a.m. Have fun at home competing in creative weekly challenge. Submit via facebook or instagram with inspirational photo. Submissions due by 5 p.m. Thursday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ oneonta.teencenter for info.
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AllOTSEGO.life
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
B-3
Doubleday Field Reborn, And There’s More To Come
AllOTSEGO.life
Jim Kevliin
Because of a tree and shrub underlay from the 1950s construction of cement bleachers, the land underneath the bleachers, removed last year, had to undergo remediation to support a new structure. While the rest of the Doubleday Field renovations are days from completion, the thirdbase plan – bleachers, restroom, offices and a bullpen at the far end – will have to be scaled back. Construction on a new plan, perhaps with a mezzanine instead of a pavilion, is expected to begin next year.
Baseball fans who have stumbled up and down the Doubleday Grandstand bleachers will appreciate the new hand-grips that will stabilize ascents and descents.
A crew from BMW Fabricators, Delmar, completes welding last week on the new Doubleday Field arch at the Main Street entrance. Cobleskill Stone’s Ryan Mattice, Otego, completes the paving at Main and Chestnut, part of a $2.2 million downtown improvement plan that paralleled the Doubleday Job. In the background are new and old traffic signals.
– they’ve gotten fixed, and they are REDO/From B1 continuing to be fixed,” said Katz, space he deserved,” she said. a baseball writer who is also presiNow, it’s been moved to the dent of the Friends of Doubleday, center of the main, brick-covered a private fundraising entity. walkway from Main Street to the The rethinking of the Doubleday grandstand entrance, to inspire parking lot and renovation of the and be admired by hundreds of 1939 grandstand was supposed thousands of fans heading into to be finished by last Classics and Hall of Friday, May 15. But Fame award ceremonies with the COVID-19 in the years ahead. threat cancelling the “My favorite part is May 17 Hall of Fame the grandstand piece,” Classic game, the said Trustee and Deputy urgency dissipated. Mayor Cindy Falk, a The mayor says the CGP historic preservawork will now wrap tionist who walks her up in mid-June. dogs daily through the Also remaining is construction site. “We the redevelopment of found ways to make this These your the third-base bleachreally fantastic structure sneakers? You ers. When the 1950sincreasingly accessible. better reclaim era cement seats were Most of the stuff from them now. removed last year, that era is slipping away. the soil beneath was too soft to We found a way to highlight it support and bleachers, rest rooms, and keep it functional.” “It looks beautiful,” said former offices and pavilion planned there. Delaware Engineers and Saramayor Jeff Katz; the planning began in his administration. He cited toga Associates, a landscaping firm, are now conducting “value the new archway, the prospective engineering” to see how much of informational signage, the pedesthe original plan the village might trian walkway, The Sandlot Kid. “Those are just a handful of things still afford, the mayor said. That that people said could never get fixed work may be delayed until 2021.
Mayor Tillapaugh, left, admires the repaired and smartly painted front gable of the Doubleday Grandstand, including the vintage lighting – repaired, it hadn’t been used for years. At the mayor’s feet are spotlights, set in the new brick paving, that will illuminate the grandstand’s facade at night.
But that did little to allay the mayor’s excitement at what has been done since May 21, 2018, when she and state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced a $1 million grant from his office and another $3 million in anticipated state funding to renovate the Doubleday Field property just a few months past its 100th anniversary on Sept. 6, 2019. Then-Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, came up with another $1 million grant that December. The grandstand, a WPA project, was completed in May 1939, in time for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s first Induction of Babe Ruth and five other early heroes of the game. So this month is that structure’s 80th anniversary. In a tour of the near-complete site the other day, the mayor was enthusiastic throughout, from the new “Doubleday Field” entrance archway at Main Street, to the sweep of pedestrian walkways on the parking lot’s east and west side, to the burial of all electrical conduits leading to the historic grandstand, a $300,000 project. (If those are your sneakers thrown over the wire, claim them now.) The outer walls have been
repaired, using some of the original shiny yellow-brown tile saved from previous repair jobs. The gable, vintage lighting and the sign on the front entrance are repaired and painted, and will be illuminated by spotlights set in the new brick sidewalk below. Inside the grandstand, handrails have been installed for the first time. The painting and repairs are being finished. The pressbox – it was discovered the support posts were rotten – had to be repaired. The dugouts, damp and earthenfloored, have been renovated. The one disappointment is the cavernous depression along the third-base line, but that has been stabilized sufficiently to allow the new plan, when determined and funded – with perhaps a mezzanine instead of a pavilion – to go forward. On the way out, the mayor paused at a doggy water fountain, attached to one for human beings, at the entry arch. Back on Main Street, the mayor points out that the $2.2 million federally funded TEP (for Transportation Enhancement Program) – in the works for seven years – is being completed at almost exactly the same time.
She pointed out the two sets of poles to string promotional banners across Main Street – one at Key Bank, the other at the former general store. At Main and Chestnut, the new traffic signal and pedestrian walkway lights went into service last Friday, May 15. She is particularly looking forward to the installing of new “way-finding” signs, in a design developed by the late Art Calhoun in his metal-working shop on Linden Avenue. One side will direct visitors to local shops, restaurants and attractions; the flip side will be interpretive, one detailing The Doubleday Myth, another Otsego Lake, others the Clark and Cooper families’ contributions. Katz called the lack of interpretive signage “a time-honored problem … Everything that’s happening now is addressing decades-old issues – group space, beautification. Some study in the 1970s said the Doubleday parking lot was the only example of urban blight in the village.” “In the’40s, the Bursey playground was there. There were gazebos there. It’s just a thrill to see it’s moving forward,” he said.
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
County Marketers Intend To Promote Great – And Clean – Outdoors DMCOC/From A1 you, that’s with a halfmonth of normalcy,” Harrington said. With all of Cooperstown’s main draws cancelled, delayed or on hold – from Cooperstown Dreams Park to Derek Jeter’s Hall of Fame Induction – and much other activity limited by Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE, DMCOC is looking at what’s left. “I don’t have a lot of good news,” said Harrington. “I have optimism.” Which is: “outdoor assets,” state parks, lakes, the river. “Picnic at Lakefront Park, kayak the Susquehanna, swim in Otsego Lake, enjoy the beach at Gilbert Lake,” said Harrington.
These are all activities conducive to social distancing, so an infectionsensitive population is more likely to respond to the promotion. Otsego County Chamber President Barbara Ann Heegan said she’s working with Harrington on the county’s Economic Development Task Force – Harrington chairs it – to ensure Oneonta, with its parks, the Susquehanna Greenway and hiking opportunities, fully participates. “People are going to be travelling closer to home; they’re penned in and they want to get out,” Harrington said, so the marketing footprint, usually the Northeast, the nation and the world, is now within 150 miles from
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CAMP FLORUBY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/04/2020. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 33 Haven Esplanada, Staten Island, New York 10301. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalJun.25 \Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Painted Pail Wine Company LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/30/2020. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 124 Goose Street, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalJun.25 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION City School District City of Oneonta, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing of
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the qualified voters of the Oneonta City School District, Otsego County, New York, will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom conference platform pursuant to Section 2017 (4) (5) of the Education Law of the State of New York, for the presentation of the budget document. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and a vote will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 by absentee ballot. To adopt the annual budget of the Oneonta City School District for the fiscal year 2020-2021 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable real property of the District, To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education, each to three (3) year terms, commencing on July 1, 2020 and expiring on June 30, 2023, to succeed Amy Burnsworth and Dan Butterman, whose terms expire on June 30, 2020. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York. Voting at said Annual Election will be by use of absentee ballot. ALL VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE BY Absentee Ballot Petitions for self-nominating
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the flagpole at Main and Pioneer. That includes the east end of Rochester, most of the rest of Upstate, dipping down toward Scranton, Pa. It does not include plaguestricken New York City. The promotions will be rolled out on Instagram and the “This Is Cooperstown” Facebook page, where the Paperkite video had been posted as of Tuesday. The DMCOC video features “brand promoters,” people here and around the country talking about how they can’t wait to visit their favorite attractions.
chaired by Ken Meifert, the Hall of Fame vice president – is looking to July 1 as a “pretty good target date” for some of the museums to open. (The Clark Sports Center, part of the Clark family interests, has already announced it is looking to open at that time.) “If museums need less people,” given the precautionary measures, “we may have to be careful about how much we can promote,” said Harrington. In the fall, there will be another push to bring people from around the region to see the foliage.
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held on November 5, 2019 or who is permanently registered, but at the time of such registration resided in a school election district other than the one in which he or she presently resides or has not voted in an intervening election, must in order to be entitled to vote at said election, contact the District Clerk to request a ballot.
NOTICE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law.
During the period of seven days immediately preceding the date of the public hearing to be held on May 27, 2020, a copy of the proposed budget will be available on the District website for any resident of the Oneonta City School District. www.oneontacsd. org Please email or phone the District Clerk if you would like this information provided to you.
At such time, any person who has not permanently registered by May 26, 2020 or who did not register for the general election
potential visitors’ minds? the DMCOC asked. Baseball, or course. “It’s a national attraction,” Harrington said. So the theme is “Cooperstown On Deck,” a batting line-up. “Texts are emerging to match who’s open at what time,” she said. For instance, if COVID19 infections remain in check, Phase Four – it pretty much opens up the whole economy, subject to social distancing and other cautionary steps – will arrive in late June. The DMCOC – it is
The
candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education to fill two (2) expired terms of three (3) years shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at the District Office, no later than May 11, 2020. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, and must contain the eligibility of the candidate to be verified by the District.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School has fixed May 26, 2020 as the date on which the Board of Registration of said school district will prepare a register for each school election district for the Annual City School District Election to be held June 9, 2020. If you have not received an absentee ballot and are 18 years of age, and have resided in the District for more than 30 days please contact the District Clerk to have a ballot provided to you. Reggie Ranieri McGuinness: rmcguinness@oneontacsd. org / 607-433-8230 ext. 1300.
For now, “all spending is on pause,” said Harrington, but beginning June 1, paid social promotion and retargeting will resume, which will place ads on websites, the leading ones which typically include accuweather. com, weather.com, Fox News, nyt.com, CNN, USA Today and Pandora. The ads will be swapped out with other regional attractions – the Adirondacks, for instance – in the hope people interested in one Upstate attraction will be interested in others. What distinguishes Otsego County in
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District shall provide for absentee ballots for the election of Board of Education member, the school budget and any other referenda stated in this notice. Applications for absentee ballots for said annual election are available upon request to the District Clerk by phone or email. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Education at said address no letter than June 2, 2020 if mailed. Absentee ballots are to be submitted no later than 3:30 p.m. on June 9, 2020 the day of said election, to
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the address of the Clerk of the Board of Education. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available by requesting a copy of the list, please call or email the District Clerk. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the District Clerk. Any person who is in actual military service, and by reason of such military service is absent from the school district on the day of registration or election; or is discharged from such military service within 30 days of an election; or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of a military voter, and accompanying or being with such voter, if a qualified voter of the State of New York and a resident of the same school district as such military voter may register as a school district voter by contacting the District Clerk. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any other proposition not requiring official notice in the call of the Annual Meeting may be voted upon at said election, subject to the provisions of Section 2035 of the Education Law, provided a proposition is filed with the District Clerk on or before May 11, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. prevailing time; said proposition must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District:. The School Board
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will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition that fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.
been determined to be a Type II Action pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.5(c)(1)(2) and (10) of the regulations promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which, as such, will not have any adverse impact on the environment.
PROPOSITION 1CAPITAL PROJECT PROPOSITION
PROPOSITION II PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES
Shall the March 31, 2020 bond resolution authorizing a School District Improvement Program in and for the City School District of the City of Oneonta, Otsego County, New York, including repaving of the Riverside Elementary School parking lot, repaving the bus garage parking lot, removal of underground storage tanks at the Greater Plains, Valleyview and Riverside Elementary Schools, and the construction of other improvements to School District buildings and facilities, including site work, as well as original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, and other improvements, at a maximum cost of $681,209; authorizing the issuance of $481,209 bonds and the expenditure of $200,000 available monies; providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating powers with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved? SEQRA Status: The capital project has
Shall the May 11, 2020 bond resolution authorizing the purchase of school buses for the City School District of the City of Oneonta, at a maximum cost of $253,471; authorizing the issuance of up to $253,471 bonds (five year maximum maturity); providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating powers with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved? Dated: May 11, 2020 Oneonta, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE ONEONTA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Regina Ranieri McGuinness Regina Ranieri McGuinness, District Clerk 2LegalMay.21 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION of Victoria Tarbell, Mental Health Counseling, PLLC,
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Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/29/20. Off. loc.: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom proc. may be served & shall mail 50 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp.: any lawful. 6LegalMay.28 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC: UAS Oneonta Property, LLC; Date of Filing: 3/20/2020; Office of the LLC: Otsego Co.; The NY Secretary of State (NYSS) has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at P.O. Box 155, Robesonia, PA 19551; Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.28 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Live Wire Trucking LLC. Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/28/20. Location: Otsego County SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Mail process to 4 Garden St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.21
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION of TREFF SALES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/10/2020. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 204 Roundhouse Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.21 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION of PERSEPOLIS PROPERTIES, LLC A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on February 12, 2020. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: Shehnaz Irani, 5981 State Highway 7, Oneonta, New York 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMay.21
HOMETOWN ONEONTA B-5
THURSDAY, May 21, 2020
IN MEMORIAM Edward S. Newsham, 85; SUNY Professor, Masonic Leader IN MEMORIAM
ONEONTA – Edward S. Newsham, 85, who had a distinguished career with the Masonic Fraternity, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital. Ed was born September 13, 1934, in Erie, PA, the son of the late Frederick and Susan (Harriger) Newsham. He married June Mellor September 7, 1957 in Woods Hole, MA. Ed and June moved to Oneonta in 1965 when Ed accepted a position as Professor at SUNY Oneonta teaching Chemistry where he enriched and touched the lives of many students over the years until his retirement in 1997. Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Oneonta where he served on various boards and committees. Ed had a long and distinguished career in the
Masonic Fraternity. He became a Free and Accepted Mason in Oneonta Lodge #466 in 1968. He served the Lodge as Master in 1977 and was appointed District Deputy of the Otsego Schoharie District in 1992. He also was a member and served as the presiding officer in the following Masonic Concordant Bodies: Oneonta Chapter #277 Royal Arch Masons, Oneonta Council #87 Cryptic Masons, Otsego Commandery #76, United York Rite College #127 in Utica ,NY, Utica Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Crusade Priory #57 Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Trinity Tabernacle XXIV Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Glencarin Council #14 Knight Masons, and Charles Smith Council #324 Allied Masonic Degrees. He also was a member of the Marine
Lodge in Falmouth, MA and the Martha Chapter #116 Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Patron a number of times and twice as District Grand Lecturer. He was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter State of New York Royal Arch Masons in 1998. He received the order of the Purple Cross (33 Degree in York Rite Masonry) and served as Grand Governor of the State of New York for the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. He was Director Emeritus of the Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, New York. In his retirement years he and June served on the Auxiliary Board at A.O, Fox Hospital. In his spare time, Ed enjoyed playing bridge and doing needle point art. He participated in the General Clinton Canoe
Frederick Golja, 98; Farmer, Town Assessor
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Regatta, enjoyed scuba diving, and loved his cats. Ed was always willing to volunteer or help someone out in need. He is survived by his loving wife June of Oneonta. His children Mark (Sharon) Newsham, Traverse City, Mich, Janet (Robert) Blatchley, Baltimore, Md., and Kathy (Aden) Reese, Woods Hole, Mass; six loving grandchildren and four great grandchildren as well as two nephews and a niece. A service to celebrate Ed’s Life will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in his name to A.O. Fox Hospital, First Presbyterian Church of Oneonta or the Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, New York. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bookhout Funeral Home.
EAST WORCESTER – Frederick Golja, 98, a farmer and community leader, passed away on May 8, 2020. He was born in East Worcester on Nov. 25, 1921, the fifth of John and Josephine (Kavcic) Golja’s six children. In 1950, at St. Brigid’s Church in Brooklyn, Fred married Johanna Alex, a city girl who summered upstate. In 1955, Fred and Jennie moved from the original Golja homestead to the farm on Brighton Road. Fred worked from dawn to dark on the farm, but still made time to serve his community as a director of the local Eastern AI Cooperative, a member of the Otsego County Cooperative Extension, and the Worcester town assessor. He belonged to the local chapter of the Slovene National Benefit Association (SNPJ), which was cofounded by his father in 1917. Fred is survived by his children, Karen Hermanowski, Worcester, Fred and Mary Beth Golja of Madison, Conn., Gary and Barb Golja, Worcester and JoAnn and Bill Fredette of Gilbertsville; his grandchildren, a great granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister, Sophie LaPorte of Florida and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife,, his son-in-law, Robert Hermanowski, brothers John and Frank, and sisters Albina and Justine. A celebration of Fred’s life, and interment at St. Joseph’s cemetery in Worcester will be held at a
later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home.
Sept. 14, 1991-May 17, 2020
SIDNEY – Vincent J. DiGiand watching the birds and glio, 28, of Sidney passed taking many photographs of away unexpectedly on Sunday, clouds. May 17, 2020 at his home. Vincent is survived by his He was born Sept. 14, wife, Jessica DiGiglio, Sidney; 1991 in Kingman, Ariz., son, Cooper Joseph DiGiglio, the son of Steven J. Sidney; his parents, and Karlene (Lloyd) Steven J. and DiGiglio. Karlene DiGiglio, Vincent graduated Oneonta; father-infrom Oneonta Christian law and mother-inSchool and then atlaw, Ford and Audra tended culinary classes Risley, Richmondat SUNY Delhi. ville; maternal He was a proud stay grandmother, Kay at home dad to Cooper. Lloyd, Mountain On Sept. 7, 2019, View, Ark.; sister-inVincent joyfully married law, Alexis Risley, Vincent J. his best friend Jessica and friend, Jason DiGiglio Risley at Glimmerglass Martin, Schenevus, State Park. as well as many aunts, uncles, He was known as “Mr. nieces, nephews and cousins. Christmas” because it was Due to social distancing, a his favorite holiday. He would celebration of Vincent’s life go all out with the lights and will be held at a later date. the decorations and even Memorial donations may kept Christmas lights up year be made to Christian Chefs ’round. He enjoyed listening International, PO Box 1484, to all types of music, cooking Cannon Beach, OR 97110 and barbecuing. www.christianchefs.org Bagpipe music was a joy of For those who wish to send his and he was an enthusiasonline condolences please tic member of the Hobart Fire visit www.bookhoutfuneralDepartment Pipes and Drums home.com where he played the bass Arrangements are by the drum. He had a love of nature Bookhout Funeral Home, and expressed this by feeding Oneonta.
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Vincent J. DiGiglio, 28
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AllOTSEGO.life THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020 Dubbed ‘A Man On A Mission’ Ibrahim Aims To Improve Rural County Care
IBRAHIM/From A1 being the top physician leader of a large, highly regarded health system,” said Douglas Hastings, chairman of the network board, in announcing the appointment Tuesday, May 19. He praised Ibrahim’s “innovative and forwardlooking drive to embrace the future of healthcare and to advance Bassett’s mission of improving the health of our patients and the well-being of our communities.”
Ibrahim will succeed Bill Streck as head of the eightcounty hospital system when he arrives here in mid- to late July. Ibrahim called the position at Bassett “a wonderful opportunity for any leader.” “It is a phenomenal organization and has a legacy that is unparalleled,” he said, pointing to Bassett’s academic and research strengths and its rural setting. “The opportunity to be a part of that and to continue shaping the future of such a
prestigious organization is really the main attraction.” Ibrahim said he will begin by listening and learning as much about Bassett as possible. “How we move together as an organization and how we continue the agility and resiliency of Bassett to meet the changing healthcare landscape will be very important,” he said. He wants to continue to improve access to healthcare in this rural community and to take a preventive approach to care.
“With the industry transforming before our eyes, it is a wonderful opportunity to use this time as a catalyst for reimagining how we take care of patients,” he said. “It is an exciting time and a great opportunity for us to advance healthcare in new ways.” ► “MAN ON MISSION” Integris’ website contains a 2019 news release congratulating Ibrahim when he was nominated as one of Modern
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Healthcare magazine’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Leaders. The release calls him “young, a bit of an overachiever and a man on a mission.” Ibrahim’s parents - a mechanical engineer and a businesswoman - were born and raised in Egypt, but emigrated to New Jersey. There, they had two sons, Ibrahim and his younger brother, who now practices family medicine in Chicago, the release states. The older son’s interest in medicine came after an unspecified “significant accident” when he was 16, he said in the release. “It was one of those experiences that helps you appreciate life a lot more,” he was quoted as saying. “I’ve always had a deep connection to helping others but wasn’t quite clear on how I was going to fulfill my passion until I had my own experience as a patient.” He attended a 5-year medical school program in Cambridge, England, immediately after high school, graduating at 23. Integris called Ibrahim’s leadership there “transformational” and said he was “elevating the tenor” of its entire system. Though Ibrahim is a practicing hospitalist, he opted to go into administration because he felt he could have greater impact there. “As a physician, I see 16 to 20 patients a day and could make that impact daily,” he said in the release. “As chief physician executive, I can have a positive impact on close to 2,000 patients a day.” ►Streck’s legacy Ibrahim will succeed a local legend: Dr. Streck, an endocrinologist who arrived here in the late 1970s, was Bassett Hospital president/CEO by 1984, and spent the next 30 years building a single hospital in the multi-county system the new president/CEO will inherit. Retiring in 2014, Streck, now 72, joined HASNY, the Healthcare Association of New York State, as chief medical and health systems innovation officer. But when his successor, Dr. Vance Brown, resigned in March 2018, Streck was summoned back in an interim role as network president/CEO. The position of Bassett Hospital president was created at that time, filled by Dr. Bill LeCates. At Integris, Ibrahim served as the physician executive in charge of leading the strategic direction for clinical services throughout the 19-hospital health system of owned and joint-venture assets, including all clinical operations, the physician enterprise, and system integration objectives. This position included direct responsibility for system research, graduate medical education and medical informatics. “I am humbled,” said Ibrahim, “to become part of the Bassett family and to follow in the footsteps of the visionary leaders.” In 2014-17, Ibrahim was chief physician officer and vice president of medical affairs at Mercy Health Network in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2010-14, he
Kevin Kurkowski
Dr. Tommy Ibrahim wasn’t going to find mountains in his Oklahoma homestead, so he went to Machu Picchu in Peru to hike the Andes instead.
was senior vice president and chief physician executive at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill. Ibrahim received his M.D. and bachelor of Medical Science degree in England and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, an academic affiliate of Johns Hopkins, in Baltimore, Md. He holds a master of science degree in Health Administration from Seton Hall University. He received a graduate certificate in Organizational Behavior & Executive Coaching from the University of Texas, in Dallas, and was nominated to Modern Healthcare as one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Leaders of 2019. He is a practicing hospitalist and boarded in internal medicine and hospital medicine. Ibrahim is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, fellow in Hospital Medicine, and received the Certified Physician Executive accreditation from the American Association of Physician Leadership. Ibrahim’s accomplishments also include improving rural health care at Mercy Health Network through the successful implementation of telehealth programs for rural Iowa network hospitals, and improving access to residents in remote communities. He has held board positions with Autism Oklahoma, Health Alliance for the Uninsured, and The Iowa Medical Education Collaborative, where he served as board chair from 2014-17. Founder of the J. Christian Autism Foundation, he was a Medical Missionary for International Medical Relief in 2016 and was a GI research assistant for the National Institutes of Health in 2009. ►”OUTDOORS GALORE” Ibrahim grew up in Jersey City. He said he came to Cooperstown with his father many years ago and spent summers on Lake George, so the region is familiar. He and his wife Marian have two children, John-Christian, 10, and Sophia Haven, 5. They are looking forward to returning East and excited to call Cooperstown home. “Outdoor galore!” Ibrahim said. “We are going to love the lake. I jet ski and hike and run. I can’t wait to spend my first summer here. It’s very exciting. I can’t wait to get started.”
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