Hometown Oneonta 06-18-20

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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, June 18, 2020

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GARTH BROOKS AT UNADILLA DRIVE-IN

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&W star Garth Brooks will beam a concert to the Unadilla Drive-In and 299 others nationwide on Saturday, June 27. Tickets, $100 per car, go on sale Friday. Details at

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County Got Leg Up On Police Reforms

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

Sheriff Son’s Case Let To Upgrade In Psychological Tests

By JIM KEVLIN

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Laurens Central’s Romona Wencks, the longest serving school superintendent in Otsego County, will retire at the end of the month, ending her 23 year tenure/DETAILS, B6

COOPERSTOWN

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ebounding from the year-long investigation of Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr.’s son, Otsego County may have gotten a head start in meeting the wide-ranging reforms coming out of Albany, said county board Chairman David Bliss, R-Cooperstown/ Town of Middlefield.

Last year, the county already upgraded pre-employment testing for correctional offices, deputies, parole officers – “anyone who carries a gun,” Please See REFORMS, B6

DiNapoli: Future Cloudy For Him, State’s Counties COOPERSTOWN

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overnor Cuomo hopes the federal government will come up with ALL STAR VILLAGE ENDS a $5 billion bailout for EFFORT TO HAVE SEASON New York fter striving Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA State, Compfor weeks Inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “Between The World and Me,” Carla Nordstrom, Franklin, troller Tom to save at assembled a display of young black men killed by police for the “Rally for Justice” in Unadilla.

DiNapoli told least part of the the county 2020 season, Erin tsego County’s third “Rally for Justice,” in board via All Star Village Insinga’s memory of George Floyd, drew 125 people to Zoom Monproprietor Marty daughter, the Unadilla Village Park Saturday, June 13 Patton Monday, June 15, announced DiNapoli day, June 15.

Arianna, Featured speakers included Rev. LaDana Clark and he’s ending the effort. Patton said “If the relates staffing, regulations and, mostly, a Human Rights Commission Chair Shannon McHugh, governor could hold off pull- challenges concern that coaches or others comboth of Oneonta, but also serious Taury Seward, ing the trigger on (local) cuts, of being ing in from across the country would Binghamton, a comedian by trade, Meer Singh, 13, I think that will be better for of mixed bring COVID-19 here contributed to an Oneonta student who listed five steps people everybody, even if it creates race in the his decision. For full story, see can take to fight racism, and Dwight Mott, a Unadilla that continuing uncertainty,” local white businessman, who adopted Rwandan refugees. world. he said. www.

OTSEGO.com A fourth rally is 4-6 Friday in Richfield Springs.

County Treasurer Allen Ruffles said layoffs and borrowing will keep the county NEW CHAPTER IN HISTORICAL FEUD solvent if state cuts are 10 LOCAL JURIST REACHED NYS HEIGHTS percent, but 20 percent will require more reductions.

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AllOTSEGO.com ►Sternberg: Higher numbers may re-close Mohawk Valley region. ►Otesaga Reopens, with new pricing, safety measures. ►Atlanta police chief, who resigned following police shooting, is Morris native. ►Council MEMBER MURPHY’S first resolution: Eschew racism. ►ONEONTA PUBLIC TRANSIT will take over the Otsego Express Route 6 bus from Oneonta to Sidney.

Pomeroy Allots Equal Weight To Both Natty Bumppo Claims

Sure-Footedly, Coccoma Moved Up Legal Ladder

By JIM KEVLIN

By LIBBY CUDMORE FLY CREEK

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uz we robbed?

The Pomeroy Foundation has, finally, approved a “Legend & Lore” marker for the grave of David Shipman, whom James Fenimore Cooper himself identified as the model for Natty Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA Bumppo, who ranks with Huck Finn among Pete Nowicki, the county’s sign the foremost protagonists in American expert, examines Bumppo literature.

“Legend & Lore” marker.

Please See BUMPPO, B6

COOPERSTOWN

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hile at Albany Law School, Judge Michael V. Coccoma remembered hearing stories from professor Francis Anderson about trying cases “out in the country” in the late 1940s and early ‘50s.

“He practiced law in

Cooperstown,” said Coccoma.

“Years later, when I was a county judge, he stopped into my courtroom and waited in Coccoma the back for a break. We had a wonderful chat.”

Coccoma, a state Supreme Court judge who is also chief Please See COCCOMA, A6

HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

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HOMETOWN People

Hartwick Names Director Of New Innovation Center ONEONTA

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atricia L. (Patti) Delaney has been named the first director of Hartwick College’s Griffiths Center for Collaboration & Innovation, President Margaret L. Drugovich announced Wednesday, June 10.

“Patricia brings to Hartwick well-honed skills in the application of designand systems-thinking when engaged in the creative change process,” said Drugovich.

Delaney, most recently the inaugural director of St. Michael’s College Public Health program, in Colchester, Vt, spent a large

Delaney

portion of her career on the front lines of public health challenges in postconflict countries like Angola

and Brazil.

“Hartwick College’s forward-thinking vision, innovative approach, and careful delineation of the Center’s many component parts, clearly demonstrates institutional commitment to the transformative power of design thinking and the burgeoning culture of innovation,” she said.

STEVENS TOPS: Tyeshia Stevens, West Oneonta, was inducted into SUNY Delhi’s Chi Tau chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

NEWMAN NAMED: Cassidy Newman, Unadilla, was named to the Castleton University Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2019-20 academic year.

ADAMS LAUDED: Hayley Adams, Sidney, was named to Susquehanna University’s dean’s list for the spring 2020 semester.

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A STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AGAINST RACISM We, the undersigned members and friends of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, are aggrieved by the systemic racism of our nation, so recently and horrifically exemplified by the murder of George Floyd.

So many of our black and brown brothers and sisters have been killed by white people, for centuries. It goes on. Enough is enough.

To the extent that we have all been complicit in the sin of racism by the safety afforded by our whiteness, by our silence, inaction, and our fear, we stand convicted and commit to be better. We stand with our black brothers and sisters in the quest for real justice. God loves us all.

We are all equal in the eyes of Jesus Christ.

To that end, we recommit to the love of God and neighbor, and pledge to do all that we can to end this scourge of hatred, killing, and discrimination against our brothers and sisters of color. Amen.

Jim Atwell Reggie Barnes Annegrete Barnum Deb Brienza Anna Buell Bill Burd Julie Cole Michealle Cole Holly Craver Maria Deysenroth Deborah Dickinson Rachel Gaston Sarah Gibbons Emily Giovine Patty Gracey Robert Grodd Lori and Tom Hajczewski Bev Hargrove Mike Hodgman John Hopper Julie and Tom Huntsman Celeste Johns Meg Kiernan Chris Kjolhede Reginald and Shelley Knight Christina LaBarre

With Dine-In Open, Families Take To Oneonta Tables

GO GEORGESON: Sherry Georgeson of Oneonta, NY competed on the SUNY Oneonta women’s track & field team during the 2019-20 year.

NEPA A GRAD: Jared Nepa, of Otego, received a BA from Hamilton College.

Vince Foti

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

Sandi Manley Sarah McGuire Bruce and Deb Miller Glenn Miller Chuck and Susan Newman Will Nicholson MaryAnn Oestman Kathleen and Timothy Peters Margot Rankins-Burd Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd Mandy Robinson Cheryl Rock Zevi Ruben Bill and Paula Schaeffer Gwen, Reisen and Ryles Sheldon Judy Steiner-Grin Carrie and Kim Stockwell Colleen and Kevin Sullivan Liz Sussman Liana and Sally Tedesco Mary Tedesco Mark and Sarah Wilcox Connie and Pete Wrba Jim Yourno

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Penelope Gioia, bottom left, enjoys her chocolate chip cookie for dessert while the rest of her family – grandmother Dorrie Butte, father David, sister Rosaline and mother Jessica – as they enjoy dinner at The Yellow Deli in Oneonta on Tuesday, June 16. Restaurants were able to open at 50 percent capacity on Friday, June 12 under Phase Three of New York Forward.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

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A ALUTE TO THE 2020 CLARK SCHOLARS Jane Forbes Clark, The Clark Foundation president, has announced 188 students in 12 area school districts and ONC BOCES have been awarded first-year scholarships totalling $740,700. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, citizenship qualities and service to their communities and schools. The Clark Foundation anticipates providing over $3.9 million in scholarships for the coming year which includes these awardees and students presently attending institutions that are eleigible for grant renewals. Since the program’s founding in 1961, almost 12,000 students have participated in the program.

CHERRY VALLEY-SPRINGFIELD

EDMESTON CENTRAL

MOUNT MARKHAM CENTRAL

Luke E. Barlett Heather Jade Brinig Morgan Ann Collins Rylee Paige Dea Kelsey Rebecca Girard Lawrence Michael Kroon, Jr. Alana Rose Latella-Devine Luke Robert Loveland Matthew Abraham Mosenson Austin J. Yerdon

Olivia Meredith Davidson Ariah Lorraine Mitchell Marie Nacarato Kyra Ann Pylinski Madison Reinert Marlena Janette Volpe Jack Richard Vunk Ariel Snow White Alexandra Jane Williams Elizabeth Louise Williams Logan J. Williams Maria Ellen Williams

Abigail Evelyn Allen Felicity Nicole Arndt Lily Elizabeth Briggs Rebecca Brutsky Maxwell William Bukovsky Madisyn Veronica Davis Isabella Helen Decker Seth James Donahoe Caitlyn Ashlee Duncan Nicholas James Entwistle Donte Finch Katelyn Genevieve Gates Maryssa Kristyna Hatch Tessa Marie Hecker Mackenzie Keri Johnson Nicole Anne Jordan Edward Frederick King Alexandra Marena Lien Hayden Lohmann Allison Marie Myers Gianna Paulina Placanica Julia Faith Rowland Vanessa Belle Siega Alexis Reese Tooke

COOPERSTOWN CENTRAL

GILBERTSVILLE-MOUNT UPTON

Meagan Joan Behan Molly Elizabeth Bowen Riley Malone Bowen Jade Ryan Brotherton Eliot William Carr Torrey Carrascoso Aislinn Margaret Donahue Kate Elizabeth Donnelly Thomas Leslie Dygert Ciera Jordan Emerick Isaac Marion Falk Emily Garrison Ferrari Abbigail Olive Ford Natalie Angelina Fountain Rainer Lei Gardner-Olesen Kara Emily Gildea Mikeelie Cascade Hanson Madison K. Hurysz Nora Eileen Jensen Sarah Marie Johnson Eric Wayne Kukenberger Hazel Anne Lippitt Samuel O. Lytel Rebecca Lynn Marmorato Anya Caroline McGoldrick Emily Carleton Odell Erin Marie Olmstead Vivienne Joan Parkhurst Emily Claire Pernat Ellie Wechsler Pink Brandon Erick Pullyblank Piper K. Seamon David Austin Sellick Morgan Kelly Stoecklin Emily M. Tooley Charlotte S. Thompson Mayrene Tressa Truax Avalyn Lou Walters Peter Seabury Cooper Weil Ava Jordan Zuckerman

Savannah L. Bresse Ethan Charron Kalvyn Pauline Cole Zachary Michael Grabo Sawyer Grant Hinman Vanessa Nicole Nelson Ethan Mark Newman Kyli Teagan Odell Samuel Robert Piedmonte Tavian Ezra Raymond Sadra Smith Isaiah Cole Stockdale Airyana Mae Wright

OWEN D. YOUNG CENTRAL Kirsten Sophia Hess Sierra Linda Hess Regan Naomi Lewis Alexia Saige Luke Megan Louise Kennerknecht Elizabeth Dahlia Korol Helen Elizabeth Snyder

LAURENS CENTRAL Elias Allan Barnes Jerred Robert Brodie Jazmin Elizabeth LaPilusa Sadie Star Lincoln Meghan Riley Saggese Jillian Catherine Segina Kaleb Patrick Sonnenberg Jordan Richard Weir

RICHFIELD SPRINGS CENTRAL

Ethan Frederick Freer Teeghan J. Gale Tobias Oliver Green Aubrey Rose Hall Cassidy Margaret Hall Samantha Marie Harvey Emmalee Ranee Velasco Chyanne E. Wellman Robert L. Wooley

Raynella Esther Clarke Hannah Mackenzie Elkins Victor Kernan Gelfuso Victoria Lynn Graml Orion Xavier Hazelton Jayce Timothy Horender Isabella Colleen Hudziak Madison Paige Landers Holly Ann Malinowski Jordan B. Nelson Julie Ann Smith Beth A. Snyder

MORRIS CENTRAL

SCHENEVUS CENTRAL

Monica Lavinia Dugan Anastasia M. Edwards Elizabeth Hailie Tamara Ilarraza Scott J. Strain

Patricia Lynn Biegel Victoria Lynn Biegel Gabriella L. Chiaravalle

MILFORD CENTRAL

Peyton Larry Darling Samantha Lee Dixon Hugh Ryan Gallagher Abigail Lynn Merwin Alexia Elizabeth Piercy Korah Rose Sweeney WORCESTER CENTRAL Miranda Faith Buck Anna Lynn Cain Kiarra Lea Fisher Leean Rose Harris James Zachary Odell Lindsay Beth Perrillo Jacob Xavier Schoeberl Mackenzie Brooke Sutliff OTSEGO OCCUPATIONAL CENTER Caitlin Isabella Baker Briana Salome Bischof Lucas O. Breakey Natalie Christine Brotherton Caleb John Casey Madeline Renee Christensen Maria Giovanna Farrell Jacob Riley Ghiorse Angelica Pilar Goodhue Olivia Grace Hanbridge Nicole Elizabeth Hassman Isabel A. Horan Logan C. Kantor Morgan Gallagher Kelly Ashley Mae Kiuber Emma Cathryn Knudson Phillip Nicholas Kubis Nathaniel Alex Kuhlmann Olivia Rae Litzinger Olivia M. Lynch Alexandria S. Misiewicz Bradley William Morell Ryan Michael Mussaw Olivia Whitney O’Donnell Hastings Lee Otieno Elizabeth Marie Serafin Clarissa T. Shaw Kelli-Jo Frances VanValkenburgh Nicholas Alexander Ventura Paige Autumn Wandelt Cheyanne L. Ward Kelly Anne Weeks

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THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

EDITORIAL

Cooperstown Should Reclaim Natty Bumppo As Own Editor’s Note: This editorial, from May 6, 2016, is timely again today, after the news that the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded a “Legends & Lore” historical marker to both Fly Creek, home of David Shipman, and Hoosick Falls, home of Nathaniel Shipman. Alan Taylor, the eminent historian and author of the Pulitzer-winning “William Cooper’s Town” is emphatic in his conclusion: David Shipman was James Fenimore Cooper’s inspiration for the famed Natty Bumppo. Fly Creek Historical

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ho isn’t familiar with the image at the right? Daniel Day Lewis reinvented “The Last of the Mohicans” for a modern audience, although – believe it or not – that movie version (1992) came out almost a quarter-century ago. It’s time for another reinvention for the PS4 generation, and that inevitably will happen.

And, yet, here in the home of Hawkeye, or

Society President Sherlee Rathbone says primary sources are lacking. It’s a step in the right direction that Hawkeye is honored locally, but the “Legends & Lore” marker is a step short of Pomeroy’s “Historical Marker” designation.

Bruce Shipman, David Shipman’s descendant who was leading that argument, passed away in 2017. Someone needs to pick up the challenge and continue it until OUR Shipman’s rightful role is accurately recognized.

Natty Bumppo, or The Leatherstocking, or “La Longue Carabine,” he’s largely forgotten – but for his descendant Bruce Shipman. (And, of course, Hugh MacDougall, Cooperstown village historian, key player in the founding of the James Fenimore Cooper Society in 1989, which necessarily is a celebration of Cooper’s greatest creation and one of the most enduring characters in American literature.)

VIEW FROM ALBANY

New Yorkers, Get Out Of The House

Yes, the next “Last of the Mohicans” hit movie is inevitable. But are we ready to celebrate – and capitalize Hawkeye lives! Daniel Day Lewis reintroduced on – our most famous Natty Bumppo to the modern audience in the citizen (the fictional one, 1992 “Last of the Mohicans.” but also his human counterregion” in “Chronicles of self-reliance, moral certitude part) when that happens?

Cooperstown” (1838), is in the face of difficult ethi• recognized around here. cal dilemmas, and freedom When you think about As SUNY Binghamton from the potentially stifling it, it’s quite shocking how professor Thomas Jordan put strictures of society.” little David Shipman, who it in 2012, “Bumppo reflects Think National Security James Fenimore Cooper the core qualities of the burState, and Natty Bumppo has acknowledged as “the geoning American character never been more relevant.

Leatherstocking of the – rugged individualism, In our PC-burdened

national dialogue, Cooper’s hero – and his companion, Chingachgook (related to the Brushells of Richfield Springs, it’s said) – also reflect a more complex reality, of newcomers and American Indians living side by side, the good allied against the bad among settlers and natives alike.

• David Shipman as Cooper’s inspiration was clouded by Ralph Birdsall’s seminal (and very readable) “The Story of Cooperstown” (1917), which lays out Hoosick Falls’ argument for the alternative Nathaniel Shipman.

But Alan Taylor’s Pulitzerwinning “William Cooper’s Town” (1996), which researches the complicated relationship between David Shipman and the Cooper family, proves outright Please See EDITORIAL, A5

LETTERS

Address Dysfunction In American Policing

To the Editor: you going?” What does this have to I was glad to be part of a huge turndo with the reason you were stopped? out Sunday, June 7, in Cooperstown Absolutely nothing. to protest George Floyd’s death by The police are trained to ask these une is Great Outdoors somewhere new to fish police in Minneapolis. I hope the invasive questions because they are Month, and whether check out, the DEC webpage; pressure is kept up until the governtrying to get you to say something it is our state and google “DEC outdoor.” ment realizes that serious changes incriminating so they can arrest you. If local parks, biking and There is even a free smartmust be made to police culture and you say, “I came from Smith Street,” hiking trails, or waterfronts phone app – New York Fish- practices in the United States. they may say “oh, there is drug dealing and beaches, there are won- ing, Hunting and Wildlife Police misconduct is most evident on that street, can we search your car?” derful outdoor opportunities - that can help you plan the against people of color, and we need Police are rewarded when they turn available to New Yorkers. perfect outdoor adventure. to make a strong stand against that, a traffic stop into an arrest for someAs our commu• but none of us are immune. thing that is almost always a victimless nities continue When it comes There is an institutional dysfunction crime. Studies show that people of working to get to fishing, New in police culture here in the United color are arrested for drugs about four back to normal, York is stocked States that needs to be addressed imtimes as often as white people, even getting outside and with something for mediately. There is rampant racism, though drug use by black and white staying active can everyone. From and there is also a mentality amongst people is approximately equal. be a great source small, rarely seen many police officers that is antithetiI was pulled over some time ago of physical, emospecies of darters cal to the principles of freedom that for an alleged traffic infraction and tional and mental to large game fish our nation is supposedly based upon. the police officer was scrutinizing my wellness. like salmon and If you are pulled over by the police every move. When I opened my glove The Freeman’s Journal National Fishing muskellunge, for a traffic infraction (e.g. failure compartment to get my registration, he An estimated 850 people and Boating week JIM New York’s waters to signal a turn) you will almost saw a package of blue earplugs attended Cooperstown’s was observed ear- SEWARD are home to an certainly be asked, “Where are you Pleasee See HAMMOND, A6 “Rally for Justice” June 7 at lier this month as incredible variety the county courthouse. coming from?” and/or “Where are well. With more than 7,500 of freshwater fish species. lakes and ponds, 70,000 Make sure you purchase miles of rivers and streams, a fishing license and underand hundreds of miles of stand the regulations To the Editor: – leaders who reacted with addressed with military together. Nor does he coastline, New Yorkers are pertaining to different If there is any doubt empathy, understanding solutions. That’s what understand people’s pain or blessed with plenty of great species and seasons. about who should be and compassion. dictators do. how to react to offer relief. options. While there are a New York also provides Americans don’t need to Let there be no doubt Just how bad does it number of health and safety several opportunities to fish elected in November to lead America back to greatness be told what it means to feel – a strained and damaged have to get before the voice restrictions in place to help for free with a pair of dates another’s pain – they know America, living with social of reason prevails with prevent the spread of the approaching later this month – consider the facts, then vote your conscience. from a basic, fair-minded unrest during a global Panan understanding of what Coronavirus, outdoor boating – June 27 and 28. This is a As David Brooks eloquent- understanding that people demic, can be uplifted by America represents and how and fishing are activities great way to introduce someof all classes, black, brown, strong, sensitive leadership. to bring America back with than can still be enjoyed. one new to the sport and per- ly presented out in his white, rich and poor deserve Let there be no doubt a vision of recovery for all Read up on precautions haps hook him or her for life. articulate and perceptive to be treated with respect.

– lacking the essential Americans? by googling “DEC parks Fishing and other outdoor NYT column (May 30, 2020), a damaged America If you don’t understand foundation of experience Let’s face it – the man is covid-19”. sports are big business in and knowledge of history, incompetent. Let’s be sure If you are looking for Please See SEWARD, A6 has been brought back from the problem you’ll never repeated national tragedies come up with a solution.

President Trump lacks the this is reflected in November. by real leaders capable of Social, cultural and domestic ability to understand the JAY FLEISHER feeling the collective pain problems should not be fabric that holds America Oneonta

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Strong, Sensitive Leadership Needed To Repair Nation

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LETTER FROM GEORGETOWN

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

What I Didn’t Know About Racism

Tara Barnwell

Advertising Director & General Manager

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Managing Editor

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Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

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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

Editor’s Note: Conor Youngs, a graduate of Georgetown Law School, is an Oneonta native and a member of OHS 2012 State Champion baseball team.

O

ver the last two weeks, Americans have voiced their anger, frustration and shock over the murder of George Floyd through large-scale protests across the county, including in our very own Oneonta and Cooperstown.

These events reminded me of something I wrote in one of our local newspapers right after the 2016 election as a college senior interning with Otsego County Judge Brian Burns. The piece was entitled, “Does implicit racial bias exist in the criminal justice system?”

Its purpose was to explain implicit

racial bias and the research behind it, how such bias manifests itself into significant racial disparities in our criminal justice system, and what Judge Burns was doing CONOR to prevent it in our YOUNGS local court system.

In the short four years since writing that piece, I’ve graduated from college and law school. Four years ago, I thought I had a good understanding of racial bias and its impact on America. I thought I could easily identify explicit forms of racism and had become aware of my own implicit racial biases. But,

after having made a greater effort to study racism in all its forms – explicit, implicit, and institutional – I realize I knew very little.

Importantly, what I did not understand was the historical context that sits beneath racism in America today.

This historical context is not taught to white Americans like me and is one that I would not have learned if not for attending law school.

The context I did not understand was the extent to which lawmakers and judges, throughout American history, have used our legal system in explicit and implicit ways to preserve a racial order, giving continued life to the institution of slavery hundreds of years after it was formally ended.

Four years ago, I did not understand Please See YOUNGS, A6

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THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

HOMETOWN

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

History

Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART, with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 Years Ago

A Big Day for Oneonta! Eighteen thousand people attend parade and cornerstone laying ceremonies for the new armory.

The gentlemen and ladies who labored so zealously and persistently to make the demonstration of yesterday a success, and the citizens all who freely contributed of their time and means, to that end, may rest well satisfied with the result of their efforts. It was beyond all question the most interesting event of many a year in this quarter of the state, and we doubt but that many another year must elapse before its equal offers. In the size of the crowd, the brilliancy of the pageant, the entertaining character of the public ceremonies – its success in every particular – the occasion surpassed the most sanguine expectations of its proprietors.

June 1885

125 Years Ago

35 Years Ago

The City of Oneonta condemned three rental properties with orders granting the owners 30 days to either make repairs or vacate the buildings. Peter Friedman, the city code enforcement officer, said the action followed several months of inspections and notices warning owners to make specified repairs. The three property locations are 269 Chestnut Street, 275 Chestnut Street and 42-44 Wilcox Avenue. “These properties have been seriously deteriorating for many years,” Friedman said.

25 Years Ago

65 Years Ago

Oneonta has passed the 120 mark in the Friendly Town campaign to give hearty summertime vacations to as many deserving underprivileged New York City Fresh Air children as possible. Chairman Jack Bresee called the appeal to date “heartwarming.” Bresee singled out the Rev. John Caldara, assistant St. Mary’s pastor, for contributing so generously of his time and effort. Nine more parents joined yesterday to bring to 121 the number of children invited here. The children will arrive at 6:37 p.m. next Thursday via the D&H Railroad at the Oneonta station. Their upstate parents are expected to meet them at the station. Mrs. Thomas Ingersoll of Edmeston, who joined Friendly Town last year, has invited a Negro boy and girl this year. Latest first-timers to join Friendly Town were M. Lewis Bougourd, 16 Richards Ave.; Mrs. Hugh Frisbee, Bloomville, RD 1; Mrs. Lester Martin, Milford; Mrs. F. Myron King, 43 Union St.; and Mrs. William McAdams, 10 North 5th St. June 1955

50 Years Ago

Americans are rallying around the flag these days as the visible symbol of the land they love. No other nation we are told demands such reverence for its flag. Whenever the nation has seemed threatened, there has been this kind of upsurge. Today, the threat may be internal rather than external; the reaction is the same. Flag manufacturers say their greatest sales boom followed the Vietnam demonstra-

economic well-being, scientific progress, malice toward none and charity for all.

June 1970

A magical mystery tour came to an abrupt end for three Oneonta residents when state police stopped them in a van carrying seven pounds of hallucinogenic mushrooms, nine ounces of marijuana and “enough LSD to keep several hundred people flying for an entire weekend,” police said.

In all, ten people – seven men and three women – were arrested on State Route 17 in Monroe. The travelers, who police said follow the Grateful Dead Rock Band and regularly attend their concerts, were on their way from performances last weekend in Washington, D.C., to visit relatives in Oneonta. Two garbage bags full of magic mushrooms were found in the vehicle along with marijuana, about 30 milligrams of LSD, drug scales and bags, police said.

State troopers Daniel Bien and Brendan Tumulty stopped the group’s 1986 Chevy van because it lacked license plate lights and the driver and passenger in the front seat were not wearing seatbelts.

June 1895 June 1995 tions in Washington. We like to think the basic sentiment is that expressed by President Wilson when he proclaimed Flag Day (June 14) in 1917: “This flag is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation.”

He added: “It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation.” Surely the character Americans wish to give their flag today is as the symbol of a nation believing in racial equality, compassion toward the downtrodden, a speedy and honorable laying down of arms,

10 Years Ago

The Center Street School time capsule, to be placed back in the foundation on Tuesday, June 22, will contain a 20092010 school yearbook; a “History of Center St. School” photo book created by the fourth-grade class; a “History of Center St. School” DVD also created by fourth-graders; classroom letters to the students of 2060, and Hometown Oneonta’s “Hello 2010!” edition.

June 18, 2010

LETTERS

Descendant Of Confederates Says: Stars, Bars Symbol Of Slavery To the Editor: I am as amazed when I see a Confederate flag up North as if I saw a Nazi flag in Germany, which has been never.

Slavery in America was based on a rationalization that the English got from the Portuguese that, since Africans were not Christians, they could be enslaved as “non-Christian racial chattels.”

This was a fabrication used to

justify the economics of slave labor on plantations - sugar cane in the West Indies and tobacco in America. Black slavery was the original “minimum wage.”

It was a heck of a deal for the slave owners. For the slaves, not so much.

My great x 4 grandmother’s dowry included 13 black slaves.

My ancestors fought and died for their right to own blacks as slaves.

They did not fall under the Confederate flag at the Battle of Atlanta or when riding with Morgan’s Cavalry to nebulously defend “states’ rights.” They died defending their right to own racial chattel.

When my family lost that right, the fiction that black folk could be enslaved was gone with the wind.

When we could no longer own them, there was no longer any

point in pretending that black folk were inferior - so we didn’t. We had no Confederate flags. We did not use the “N” word. None of us.

Never.

As the descendant of slave owners who died defending their right to own racial chattel, I can assure you that the Confederate flag was a symbol of the economic right to own other people based entirely on their pigmentation. Not “South-

ern pride” or “states’ rights” or any other such nonsense.

When a fund was raised to build a monument to Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee refused to subscribe. He thought it was wrong to glorify the Confederacy or its generals. And he was right.

If that’s good enough for Robert E. Lee, it’s good enough for me.

CHIP NORTHRUP Cooperstown

Support Buttermann For Assemblyman To the Editor: I am writing to ask you to support Dan Buttermann for New York State Assembly.

He is running in the June 23 Democratic primary to challenge John Salka in November.

I am glad to have had Dan as a friend for over five years and proud of what he does for our community.

I am eager to see him represent us in the state Assembly. If you are not familiar with Dan, here are some points to know: • Dan lives in Oneonta

with his wife, Ana Laura, and their three girls – Malena, Layla and Nadia • He has worked at NYCM Insurance for eight years • He has a Master’s of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University with a focus on Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Marketing.

• He is a member of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra.

• He is co-founder of TEDxOneonta, and Upstate Leadership Conference, Inc.

which aims to bring important ideas to our region.

• Dan has been elected to and currently serves on the Oneonta School Board.

He is also on the board of Opportunities for Otsego and the Oneonta Concert Association.

This is a large district and Dan will need all the support we can give him. Vote for Dan in the primary, and if you’re able please make a financial contribution. I know he will make it count.

RICHARD STERNBERG Cooperstown

Times Compromised As Source Of Truth To the Editor: Many people locally may have missed the big story in journalism this past week: The attack on one of its own editors by the New York Times, and his resignation.

This fellow dared to allow the publication of an opinion piece that supported the use of federal troops to cope with protests against police brutality.

The use of troops, as opposed to local police or state National Guards, deserves serious discussion and debate, not censorship, especially self-censorship by the nation’s most important paper.

The real reason this nonsense ever took place is the steady decline of The Times. It has a monopoly in the New York City metro non-tabloid market. Its

editors are quite different from the well-regarded semiintellectuals who made The Times a force for truth in the 1950-75 years.

High-IQ men and women as writers and editors no longer go into journalism in great numbers. So we get fools and childish ideologies instead of critics.

GERRY WEINBERGER Cooperstown

The defaced billboard north of Milford on Route 28 says “Protect our borders.” But from whom?

Protect Our Borders, From Canadians?

To the Editor: I need some help understanding a story that appeared June 2 on www.AllOTSEGO. com You posted a news photograph of a defaced billboard.

The billboard apparently says: “Protect OUR Borders.” Paint has made it difficult to read and harder to understand.

Since this billboard is not on a border, but is near the borders of Hartwick, Milford and Cooperstown, which borders are we concerned about protecting?

Are Cooperstownians trying to keep out Hartwickians and Milfordians?

Or are Milfordians trying to keep out Cooperstownians and Hartwickians?

Or are Hartwickians trying to keep out Milfordians and Cooperstownians?

But then I wondered. Perhaps the billboard is authored by a racist who is afraid of those brown-skinned people from the Southern border with Mexico? But that Border is 2,000 miles away.

Then I thought maybe the author of the billboard is xenophobic and afraid of those pesky Canadians trying to sneak in from the north – I am not sure what color they are – but that is nearly 150 miles away. We need to know who we want to keep out!

Asking for a friend. Help!

HENRY NICOLS Cooperstown

EDITORIAL: Hoosick Fall’s Story ‘Legend,’ OURS Historical Fact EDITORIAL/From A4 our local Leatherstocking’s status.

Taylor confirmed that in a recent e-mail: “I certainly consider DS to be the model for JFC in crafting the character of Natty Bumppo.”

• That is the final word, and should bring all local historians behind Bruce Shipman of Richfield Springs in his effort to place a historical marker on his ancestor’s grave in the Toddsville

Cemetery on Route 56 just east of Fly Creek.

Shipman, patriarch of the extensive Shipman clan, has sought the support of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society, and he should have it, and from the Otsego Town Board, and he should have it. But David Shipman is bigger than any single local community.

County Treasurer Dan Crowell’s parents live on Otsego Manor Road, and he will tell you that the

legendary Shipman’s cabin was on the far end of that property.

As you cross the Route 11C bridge between Routes 28 and 33, look to the northwest, and you’ll see a V formed where Oaks Creek meets the Susquehanna. That’s where it was. That deserves a historical marker.

And the Leatherstocking-topped obelisk in Lakewood Cemetery (there’s a whole other story there) – that deserves a historical marker.

•

The point is that James Fenimore Cooper’s novels may be dated, but The Leatherstocking is not. He’s waiting to be reinvented in the next Hollywood blockbuster, and to be rediscovered by scholars seeking to understand the nation’s complex ethnic interplay.

Meanwhile, we should be prepared for that inevitable day.

Celebrating Hawkeye would be a high-profile project for highenergy OCHA (the Otsego County Historical Association).

It would be a worthy project for the Cooperstown Graduate Program’s scholars.

As a community, we should understand Natty Bumppo’s significance, as Hannibal, Mo., should understand Huck Finn.

Let’s digest Alan Taylor’s research, and recognize Cooper’s greatest hero with one historical marker, or two, or as many as necessary, and figure out how to tell “La Longue Carabine’s” story to the rest of the world.

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Village Court Instructed D.A., Future Judge, About Adopted County COCCOMA/From A1 administrative judge for all state courts outside of New York City, is planning to retire at the end of the month after more than 25 years on the bench.

A Poughkeepsie native, Coccoma became interested in practicing law during his time at The Citadel, the South Carolina military academy.

“I was a history major, and I took a course in Constitutional law,” he said. “I was interested, so my dad arranged a meeting with a friend of ours, (Dutchess County Judge Raymond C. Baratta), and he furthered my interest.”

Coccoma went to Albany Law; his wife, Ellen, also a former classmate in Poughkeepsie, was studying there too. “We ran into each other,” he said.

He and Ellen moved to Cooperstown, where he set up his private practice in 1979. In 1980, he was appointed assistant district attorney.

“You meet all these interesting people with interesting cases,” he said. “I was traveling all over the county to all these little village courts, a lot of which were held in the evening.”

He was elected in 1994 as county judge, and also heard cases in family courts.

“It was a big transition,” he said.

“As an attorney, you’re taught to be an advocate, but as a judge, you have to remain neutral and apply the law in an even-handed manner.”

After his election as a state Supreme Court judge in 2007, he was appointed administrative judge of the 10 Southern Tier counties of the Sixth Judicial District, in addition to his trial court duties.

But among his biggest accomplishments, he said, was the foundation of the county’s Drug Treatment court in 2008. Then-Judge Nettie Jean Scarzafava “did the research to get it started,” he said. “It saves

The Freeman’s Journal & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Judge Coccoma at the Otsego County Courthouse, where he rose through the ranks of the local – and state – judiciary.

peoples’ lives from the chains of addiction.”

In 2013, he was tasked with leading a team of criminal court judges from outside New York City

as part of an effort to address a chronic backlog of pending criminal cases in Bronx County.

“They were really struggling with their number of cases, so they reached out to administrative judges to seek volunteers who knew how to manage cases,” he said.

Not content just to send others into New York City, he did his own stint on the Bronx bench. “This building had multiple courtrooms,” he said. “There was so much moving through. But by fall, we had made a significant impact.”

As deputy chief administrative judge for courts outside New York City, he supervised daily trial court operations in 57 counties, including over 600 state judges and 5,000 court employees in addition to town and village courts.

“I got a call from Ann Pfau,” – then chief administrative judge – “asking why my name wasn’t on the list of candidates. I was the

newest administrative judge in the state, so my selection turned a number of heads!”

While supervising cases all over the state, he still heard cases in Otsego County, including the contentious one on the Oneonta Fire District. In 2018, he ruled the Town of Oneonta had no standing to prevent the Board of Fire Commissioners from dissolving, which it did. As it happened, that opened the door to a new town-city fire-protection agreement.

Currently, he is judge in the case where Oneonta neighbors sued City Hall to block the Lofts on Dietz, a 66-unit complex of artist lofts and apartments.

In retirement, he plans on keeping his law license, perusing arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.

“It’s time to step aside,” he said.

“I want to give someone else a chance.”

LETTERS

On Budget Cuts, Thought We Could Do Better To the Editor: In your editorial of May 27-28, I read a contorted take on the county’s decision to abolish the jobs of 59 of our employees. What I read bore little connection to what actually happened and why.

It’s a truism in journalism that there are always two sides to a story. It’s hard to understand why, after your long conversation with Chairman Bliss and Vice Chair Kennedy, you didn’t bother to contact a single one of the “nay” votes on the budget to ask about our opposition. Instead you invented your own counter-arguments, dismissed them, and pronounced yourself satisfied. Straw men are easier to argue with I suppose.

From the beginning of this process I sought a non-partisan approach, believing that in a time of crisis it’s best to put aside one’s own interests and ideology and instead focus on the common good of our community. At $121 million, the county budget is large and complicated, and to me a wise responsible approach to this crisis was to be strategic and deliberate.

I thought we should carefully

consider budget impacts – so that we weren’t eliminating revenue along with expenses. I thought we should consider the history of various departments.

For example, the Highway Department had already been winnowed down to 57 positions from 72 positions in 2001. Nine more positions were cut as of June 1, which brings us now down to 48. One of those nine employees, a member of my district, has worked for the county for 21 years.

And I did not think it was responsible that we should be approving new equipment purchases while we abolished jobs.

Fifty-nine employees comprises about 10 percent of our workforce.

These cuts will certainly have an impact on the services that the county provides, but save the county less than 1 percent of our total expense.

I raised many issues like this in good faith and was generally ignored. I asked questions about the history of the county’s fund balance and about revenues generated by the Oneonta DMV which were likewise unanswered before the vote.

I would have liked to have been able to join my Republican colleagues in supporting a carefully crafted responsible list of budget cuts that balanced fiscal difficulty and the needs of the county. Neither the process nor the outcome met that test. As I keep saying, I think we can and must do better than this.

Bipartisanship does not mean a minority voting with the majority in favor of a predetermined outcome, or making nice with the good ol’ boys in Cooperstown. It means a genuine attempt at collaboration by both sides.

The work that we have been able to accomplish in the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee – towards a county administrator and the Energy Taskforce – comes to mind as an example of what good government looks like. In spite of this setback, I will always work toward genuine bipartisan and better yet, nonpartisan, ways to solve problems.

Your editorial works against progress in that direction.

MICHELE FARWELL County Representative District 2 Butternuts, Morris, Pittsfield

Private Enterprises Complicate Economic-Impact Stimulus Aid To the Editor: Remember Car Talk’s Shameless Commerce Division? Here’s a real life example.

We received the economic impact stimulus payment in the form of a VISA card from Money Network/MetaBank. Immediate red flag because we had never heard of it. Turns out this is the company the government is using to privatize COVID-19 distress payments.

Why is the government using a corporate intermediary to distribute funds, when we have had a longstanding electronic account with the IRS? Speedy delivery? We seem to be among the last to get our payment.

To dump the card immediately and to avoid becoming the company’s “valued customer,” we decided to transfer the funds directly to our bank. To do that we had to set up an online account with Money Network/MetaBank.

That account required our personal data, already in the possession of the IRS, to be turned over to a private enterprise in order to receive payment. Why do that?

Is it because federal law prohibits

federal agencies from furnishing taxpayer information to private companies?

Now our personal information is in the hands of profiteers who otherwise would not have been able to obtain it.

Only after submitting our personal information – and being careful to opt out of receiving promotional material from the corporation – we finally were able to set up the transfer. Then, surprise: up popped a notice of a $2 transaction fee to transfer OUR money to OUR bank.

But wait, the Treasury could have made that deposit directly to our account in the first place. And that is not the only fee for use of the card. Numerous transaction fees attend use of the card.

Why has the Trump administration set up a private scheme that gouges the taxpayer and skims CARE Act funds from those who need them most in this time of disease and financial distress?

The question answers itself.

Shameless commerce indeed!

MARTHA MEMBRINO Cooperstown

YOUNGS: Americans Choose Understand, Not Intolerance This Time YOUNGS/From A4 the pattern by politicians of exploiting rural white Americans and their racial biases to seize power, leaving those same Americans in the dust while inflicting enormous injustices against minorities – the effects of which our nation still lives with today.

I did not realize that “law and order” was a phrase originated by George Wallace in his attempt to stoke fear and racial resentment in white Americans and maintain white supremacy and racial segregation.

I did not realize that President Nixon also used “law and order” and other

dog whistles in his Southern to mass incarceration, racial tions, he says that what black our implicit racial biases Strategy, which was unfortudiscrimination remerges Americans want and need is and further deepen racial nately successful. through a new ugly mechamore than a payout for past oppression. Although some And, I did not understand nism created and sustained by injustices, what is needed is a believe that strength is how all of this manufactured lawmakers and judges. national reckoning. reflected through racist fear and racial resentment led I’ve heard a lot in the As Coates put it, such appeals, removing peaceful to white flight to suburban past two weeks that what reckoning is a “revolution of protesters from a public America, further deepening happened to George Floyd the American consciousness, a square, or talking tough our racial divide and mainwas “not who we are” as a reconciling of our self-image on Twitter, real strength is taining racial segregation it country. But the truth is, it is as the great democratizer having the courage to become even after it was formally exactly who we are and who with the facts of our history.” informed, reconcile with our banned. we have been.

Simply put, we must all begin nation’s history, and not give Four years ago, I also In 2008, as a 14-year-old to “see America as it is” in to racism in any form. did not understand how the watching our first black presi- – a request being made by Like the protesters on Supreme Court since the 1970s dent get elected, and unaware protesters’ in the streets today. our streets today, I have has written opinions that of our history, I believed that What has disappointed me hope that this country will a horn or bell. Each one of curtailed much of the civil America was finally moving the most in the time since I someday overcome systemic these items serves an imporrights progess acheived in the beyond race. wrote about implicit racial racism. Of course, I’ve tant purpose should you run 1960s, making it extraordiJust as America believed bias in 2016 is the lack of learned over the last few into any type of distress while narily difficult to win racial racism was on its way out understanding of our history years that it will not be on the water. discrimination cases today. after the end of slavery, just and unwillingness by many solved in months or years, Along with the proper And, I did not understand as America believed racism Americans to recognize that and certainly not through a equipment, it is also essential how this has all been part of a was on its way out after we are a deeply imperfect single election. However, that you understand the rules deliberate strategy by a major- the end of Jim Crow and union. I myself continue to today’s protests have demonof the nautical road. One of ity of the Supreme Court’s segregation, many Americans have a lot to learn. But it is strated that more Americans the best things any boating justices to uphold racially like me naively believed disheartening to watch the are starting to join together enthusiast can do is take biased institutions and racism was on its way out reluctance by some to join the for this overdue national the New York Safe Boating eliminate the court system after the election of President current movement towards reckoning.

Course, sponsored by the as a meaningful avenue for Obama. But what I’ve learned, a national reckoning and And, I maintain hope that Office of Parks, Recreation minorities to seek justice and and what has become even greater racial justice. when I sit down to write and Historic Preservation. equal protection under the law. more obvious these past weeks, In response to these another article four years The course is a comprehenIn sum, I did not underis that we are far from that. protests, many have chosen from now, understanding and sive boating tutorial (available stand the horrific cycle of Author and journalist to fall into the same, tired not intolerance, progress and in person or online), teaching racial discrimination that our trap of racist appeals like not decline, will have been Ta-Nehisi Coates has talked the fundamentals of safe country has maintained. From about a “national reckoning.” “law and order” and other chosen by America this boating operation. By 2025, slavery to Jim Crow, and now When discussing reparadog whistles that exploit time around. all motor boat operators are required to take a safety course. Depending on age, many boaters need a certificate now. “freedom” we should be willing to sacri- African-American emergency medical HAMMOND/From A4 Information on upcoming fice the lives of our soldiers in countries technician, was shot and killed in her courses along with a complete and immediately demanded to know, 6,000 miles away, but allowing someone own apartment when Louisville, Ky., “What are those pills you have there?”

New York State Boater’s the freedom to smoke an herb or take a plainclothes police officers busted her If there are two officers, one will hide Guide,with all of the rules and door down under the authority of a “no regulations you need to know on the passenger side and peer in through pill that wasn’t prescribed by a doctor, someone who is not causing harm to knock” warrant to search her apartyour windows where you are unlikely in order to boat safely and anyone but themselves, is too great a ment for drugs. None were found, but legally in New York State, are to see him, to spy on you and see if you cost to pay for the sake of freedom.

Ms. Taylor was killed by a barrage of available on-line; google “dec make any movements considered to be 20 police bullets when her boyfriend Not only do police get praised for recreational boating.” I would furtive. If they decide you are trying turning a traffic stop into an arrest, but confronted the intruders, who did not to hide something, they will use that as suggest calling ahead before they also have the motivation of forfeiannounce they were police officers. justification to request permission to attending any of the courses ture laws which allow the police to keep Police need to change their culture to be sure they are still being search your vehicle. If you refuse, they the property of anyone they convict for and focus on protecting people from may threaten to bring in the K-9 unit to held. drug possession, whether it is cash, their violent crimes and theft. Their current Enjoy the summer and stay do a sniff search of your car. If they find focus on victimless crimes is not only some marijuana or pills in your car, it will car, or their house. safe enjoying New York’s The “war on drugs” is often the battle- racist in its enforcement, but is also an make their day, and they will arrest you. great outdoors. ground on which police brutality against attack on freedom.

The “war on drugs” is a total farce, State Sen. Jim Seward, people of color rears its ugly head. On TOPHER HAMMOND R-Milford, has served Otsego and a tool of racism. We are told by March 13, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Cooperstown County in Albany for 35 years our government that for the sake of

SEWARD: Enjoy Outdoors

SEWARD/From A4 New York State as well.

Several years ago, a report from the State Comptroller found that nearly two million people fish, hunt or trap in New York, ranking the state third nationwide.

The consumer spending generated on these sporting activities totaled more than $5 billion (trailing only Florida) in 2011, the most recent year for which such figures are available. Nearly $1.9 billion was for trip-related purchases including transportation, food, and lodging.

Sportsmen generate a great deal of economic activity across the state, supporting bait and tackle shops, lodges and camps, guide services, hotels and motels, and many other small businesses dependent on a robust outdoor sports industry.

• Staying safe on the water is also a top concern. Before even leaving the dock, some very important pieces of safety equipment should be on board your vessel.

First and foremost, you need a life preserver, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD), for each person on board. If you are aboard a motorized boat additional requirements apply like visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, appropriate running lights, anchor and line, and

HAMMOND: Police Need To Change Culture

All

OTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

Hall’s

Rockin’

PAGE B-1

Again what’s fun

in Otsego County

BEST BETS

Oneonta clarinetist Robin Seletsky will offer a lesson in Klezmer tunes every week.

Juneteenth Party, Walk in a Garden Or Learn Klezmer

Photos courtesy Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Healthcare workers got in free on Sunday, June 14, one day before the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reopening.

Full Court Press At Ohio Mecca

TARGET: JUNE 29

In Cooperstown, Museums Ready

By LIBBY CUDMORE

‘W

alk This Way.” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” “Check Your Head.”

These aren’t just favorite albums and songs – they’re directives on how to enjoy the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, which reopened this past Monday, June 15.

HoF’s Greg Harris “Museums and museum professionals think about this all the time,” said Hall President Greg Harris, an alumnus of both the Cooperstown Graduate Please See ROCK, B3

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

I

n New York State, museums like Cooperstown’s Hall of Fame and the Fenimore and Farmers’ museums, are slated to open under Phase Four of NY Forward, tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 26.

“We are planning to be open as soon as we receive the guidelines from the state,” said Jon Shestakofsky, VP/Communications at the Paying homage to the Beastie Baseball Hall of Fame. “The museum experiBoys, signage throughout the ence will be very similar to how it was before,” museum encourages social he said. “But we’re working on steps to make distancing.

Please See MUSEUMS, B3

RESTAURANTS OPEN AGAIN

‘Bubble’ Gives Diners Extra Layer Of Safety

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

A

lien spacecraft have not landed in the parking lot of Bocca Osteria, manager Art Boden assures everyone – they’re just the restaurant’s new dining Jim Kevlin/www.

OTSEGO.com “bubbles.”

Angela Eldred and Shane Hovick of Hartwick enjoy the “These days, with the bubble’s coziness at Bocca Osteria, Cooperstown. coronavirus and people

All

concerned about their health issues, we want our customers to feel safe,” he said. “So now they can dine in their own little bubble.”

Though Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Otsego County had moved to Phase Three of NY Forward on Friday, June 12, allowing indoor dining at 50-percent capacity, the novelty of the bubbles themselves have Please See BUBBLES, B3

D

ust off your instrument and join Big Galut(e)’s Robin Seletsky to ‘Learn A Klezmer Tune’ each Sunday. All levels welcome, registration required. 1 p.m. Sunday, June 21, (607) 222-5687 or visit https://robinseletsky.com/livestreams.

• What kinds of birds will you find on a virtual stroll through the Edith Wharton Estate? Join the Otsego County Master Gardeners on a walk to discover and identify different bird calls.

LIBBY 9 - 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, www.facebook. CUDMORE com/CCEOtsegoMG/.

• How much do you know about baseball? Test yourself in virtual game show hosted by The Baseball Hall of Fame in front of a live virtual audience. If you get stumped, ask an audience member or narrow it down to 50/50. 1 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Visit www.baseballhall. org/events/virtual-trivia-2?date=0.

• Honor Juneteenth – the official end of slavery – with a socially distanced picnic, speakers, art and a candlelight vigil.

Masks required. 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, Neahwa Park.

• Artists are invited to drop off a piece inspired by the 13th-15th amendments of the Constitution in a Ballot Box designed by artist Ashley Norwood Cooper. Next week, draw a name and take home a piece of artwork for yourself. Schedule your drop-off between, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Rd., Cooperstown.

Info (607) 547-5327.

• Learn about Zeus with ‘Myths, Legends, Fairy & Folktales for Grownups’ at the the Harris Memorial Library. 7-8 p.m. Monday, June 22, www.facebook. com/harrislibrary/.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.com FOR $30, A 40% DISCOUNT

UNTIL JULY 1, SUBSCRIBE TO www.

What's even better than supporting local businesses?

Winning local art too!

Earn raffle tickets just for shopping local! Learn more at: SupportOneonta.com/Artistic

B-2

AllOTSEGO.life

in OtsegO COunty _________

ork pizzeria new y

NYPC

Co s ope ng rstown • Richfeld Spri

wE’rE BaCk opEn for piCk-up! www.nypizza.biz 607-547-2930

paTio Dining opEn!

Come experience the “Bubble”, the ultimate in safe dining!

_______ what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

►Thursday, June 18

VIRTUAL BIRDWALK – 9 -10 a.m. Enjoy virtual walk through Edith Wharton Estate to discover/identify the different bird calls with the Otsego County Master Gardeners.

Visit https://www.facebook. com/CCEOtsegoMG/ for info.

RABIES CLINIC – 9 - Noon.

Free rabies vaccination for cats, dogs, ferrets. Scheduling for 30 minute intervals for social distancing. First come, first serve. Susquehanna SPCA, Rt. 28, Cooperstown.

607-547-4230.

DAIRY DRIVE-THRU – 10 a.m. Pick up free milk from the American Dairy Association North East. 4,000 gallons available from local partners & Dairy Farmer’s of America.

Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District, 693 St. Hwy. 51, Gilbertsville. https://www.gmucsd.org/ BASEBALL TRIVIA – 1 p.m.

Test your knowledge of baseball with Baseball Hall of Fame in virtual game show featuring live audience contestants to draw on.

Visit https://baseballhall.org/ events/virtual-trivia-2?date=0 for info.

ARTS TOWN HALL – 5:30 p.m. Kick off Glimmerglass Festival’s summer program with town hall about how the opera industry, arts organizations can work toward more inclusive environments for African Americans artists.

Questions accepted before, during events. Visit https:// glimmerglass.org/events/virtual-town-hall-role-arts.

►Friday, June 19

Take out / Dine in!

Stay Safe Everyone!

Check out our menus online

5438 State Highway 28 | Cooperstown 607.282.4031 | www.boccaosteria.com

ART DROP-OFF – 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Local artists are invited to create artistic representations of the 13-15th amendments to the constitution to be dropped in a Ballot Box created by artist Ashley Norwood Cooper. Get more familiar with voting rights. Call ahead to schedule your dropoff timeg. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Rd.,

Cooperstown. 607-547-5327.

PROTEST – 4 p.m. Join Black Lives Matter to protest police brutality with your community. Spring Park, Richfield Springs.

CELEBRATE – 5 - 8 p.m.

Celebrate our progress since the official end of slavery with food, music & art. Please

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

wear a mask & practice social distancing. Includes speakers at 6 with candlelight vigil at 7:45 p.m. Neahwa Park, Oneonta.

►Saturday, June 20 SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES – Shop local during these difficult times. Visit supportotsego.com for a list.

ONEONTA FARMERS MARKET – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Support local farmers & artisans. For health & safety patrons are asked to limit hand-to-hand contact, frequently wash/

sanitize hands. Pre-ordering available. Muller Plaza, Main St, Oneonta. Info, www.oneontafarmersmarket.com COOPERSTOWN FARMER’S MARKET – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Open, pre-orders available, patrons should wash hands before entering, practice social distancing and if you are sick then stay home.

101 Main St., Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. Rain or shine.

Info, www.facebook.com/CooperstownFarmersMarket/ MORE CALENDAR Pg. 4 FROM Pg. 2

YES! we are open... ...another year of being amazing!

Exciting new shoes and clothing… for your summer wardrobe!

Gift Certificates available

165 Main Street, Cooperstown Upper Main Street, by the traffic light 607-547-6141

AllOTSEGO.

dining&entertainment

Blue Mingo Grill The Patio is OPEN!

It’s Summertime and The Lake is Calling!

Bask in the natural splendor of Otsego Lake in the glow of summer while you enjoy an al fresco lunch or dinner at the water’s edge with what The New York Times has called “the area’s best dishes.”

OPEN DAILY

Open Daily 11am to 10pm Lunch Noon to 4pm Dinner Reservations highly recommended Dinner, reservations highly recommended, 607-547-7496 4pm to last seating at 8pm

607-547-7496 Closed Wednesdays A Compelling Collection of Unique Clothing, Gifts, and Accessories A Compelling Collection of Unique Clothing, Gifts, Open Daily 9am to 10pm and Accessories 607-547-2543 Open Daily 10am 9pm Open Daily 9am to to 10pm 607-547-2543 607-547-2543

ALL AT ONE LAKESIDE LOCATION SAM SMITH’S BOATYARD 2.5 miles north of Cooperstown on West Lake Road (Route 80) 607-547-2543

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

B-3

As Restaurants Reopen, Rock Museum Rolls Out Of COVID Era Bubbles Creating Buzz BUBBLES/From B1 proved popular.

“It’s a little out of the ordinary,” he said. “People come in specifically to request them.”

Owner Joe Vezza first saw the bubbles while on a family vacation last year.

“He was intrigued, so when he got back, he started looking at them online,” said Boden. “They seemed

On June 3, Cuomo announced that outdoor dining was allowed, and the bubbles went up.

Bocca also has a tent – another isolated space.

“We’ve been doing live music in our parking lots,” he said. “So we use the tent during the week for some shade, and on Saturday, we use it for the live music.”

Over the weekend, many restaurants finally opened their doors to diners, with extensive stipulations, including plastic or pre-wrapped silverware, no more than 10 in a party and, of course, social distancing.

Diners must wear masks until they are seated “The Bubble” was created and whenever they get

by Alvantor, a company up from the table, and founded in Southern servers must have them California in 2011 to on at all times. develop outdoor and “We wipe everything household products. down after every diner,” Boden said. “We’ve got all popular, so he ordered a the tables at Bocca lined few.” up, but because Upstate is Vezza purchased three bigger, we can customize of the plastic tents, made the seating a little easier. But

by Alvantor, to place over tables on the patio at Bocca, it’s forced all of us in the industry to do things more two for regular tables with cautiously to make common seating up to four people, cause of being safe and and one for a tall-top table healthy.” with barstools. Two sides And with the dining of the tent unzip, although restrictions eased, Boden Vezza usually leaves one said that traffic over the open and one closed.

“It can get a little warm in weekend was steady.

“Without Dreams Park, there when the sun hits just right, so we can open up the locals are having their way with Cooperstown!” he said. other zipper and get a little “It’s been so nice to see airflow,” he said. everyone’s friendly face.”

And when the pandemic Come fall, the bubbles hit, they were primed to be might help extend the a perfect purchase. “With outdoor dining season for my own health issues, I the hungry leaf-peeper, or understand wanting to have offer a cozy place for a meal these kinds of precautions as the snow comes down. in place,” Boden said. “I’m “We’re trying to be sympathetic to people who creative,” he said. “We’re are concerned about their taking advantage of a unique health, but feel trapped experience.” indoors.”

ROCK/From B1 Program and the Baseball Hall of Fame. “How to create a flow – the do’s and dont’s of touching artifacts – so in this heightened moment, museums are perfectly positioned to work with these stringent guidelines, but still create a memorable experience.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed the museum in March, Harris and his staff began working on plans to reopen.

“We put together a task force and got in touch with museums all over the country,” he said. “We were working with the CDC recommendations, as well as recommendations from the American Association of Museums, which has been very involved in shaping those requirements for us.”

A new online ticketing system was built, allowing guests to buy tickets via the Internet ahead of time for a specific time slot to ensure that the museum is not over capacity.

Touch-free sliding glass doors were installed, and floor decals were placed throughout the museum to allow visitors to proceed safely.

Dead-end galleries, like the one that housed Vans Warped Tour, were closed, he said.

Visitors and employees will be subject to temperature screenings by nursing students hired by the museum.

“If your temperature is over 100, you can’t come in,” he said. “And masks will be required. If you come without a mask, we’ll give you one.”

Or, he said, souvenir masks are available in the gift shop.

In addition to the museum itself, there were dining, retail and theater spaces to consider, each with its own set of regulations.

Visitors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame must pass through a screening tent in order to enter the museum.

“All the surveys we did said that people were more inclined to be outdoors,” he said. “We’ve reconfigured our beer garden and food trucks, and we’re going to start having live music, which a lot of people have missed.”

Among those slated to play live performances are his son, Cooperstown native Jack Harris, whose song “No One Listens” has received radio airplay in Cleveland.

In the theaters, every other row will be cordoned off to best accommodate social distancing.

Last Sunday, June 13, the first guests were welcomed to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a free event for health care workers and their families.

“We’re reopening as a stronger museum,” said Harris.

Nursing student Jessica Schuster screens incoming visitors for fevers

Fenimore Moves Up Obama Photographer’s Exhibit MUSEUMS/From B1 sure everyone feels safe.”

Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the Hall, and Shestakofsky said that the final plans are being put in place for the floor plan to assure proper social distancing.

“We’re looking at something a little smaller, with a clear flow of traffic,” he said.

“This will really change how

museums think about designing exhibitions,” said Todd Kenyon, Fenimore and Farmers’ communications director.

The Fenimore and Farmers’ are also scheduled to open “mid-July,” said Kenyon, as strategies are finalized.

“Our big exhibits,” – including “Keith Haring: Radiant Vision,” “Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams” and “The World of Jan Brett” – “were all moved to 2021,”

said Kenyon.

However, three exhibits will start this fall, including “Albrecht Durer: Master Prints,” and “Pete Souza: Two Presidents, One Photographer.”

“We were able to move the Souza exhibit to Sept. 5 from October 19, so we can start our fall season right after Labor Day,” said Kenyon. “We want to get people back into town, but we want to make sure we do it safely.”

1. Closing costs must be repaid if loan is paid off within three years of closing. Some restrictions may apply. Stated rate is with A+ credit tier your rate may vary. Loan approval based on credit worthiness. Call 877-642-7328 for details about credit costs and terms.

_________

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

A complete Guide to

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com

FROM Pg. 2 CAMPFIRE TALES – 7 - 8 p.m. Join Harris Memorial Library for tales told around a virtual campfire. Visit www. facebook.com/harrislibrary/ for info.

►Sunday, June 21

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________ FARMER’S MARKET – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stop by for crafts & produce by local farmers, artisans. 3909 St. Hwy. 28, Curry Park, Milford.

607-287-2460.

FARMER’S MARKET – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Find farm fresh produce, crafts by local artisans. Please practice social distancing. Franklin Farmer’s Market, 15 Institute St., Franklin. 615-592-1337.

MUSIC – 1 p.m. Dust off your instrument & ‘Learn A Klezmer Tune’ with Robin Seletsky. All levels welcome, registration required. 607222-5687.

BAGGED LUNCHES – Children, adults in need are invited to pick up free bagged lunch every weekday throughout summer. Times and locations as follows. Please wear

a face covering.

11:30 a.m. - Parking Lot, Oneonta High School, 130 East St., Oneonta. and Mountain View Mobile Home Park, 122 Mountain Vista Dr., Oneonta.

Noon - Parking Lot, Oneonta High School, 130 East St., Oneonta and Lantern Hill Mobile Home Park, 5106 NY-23, Oneonta.

12:30 p.m. - Pavilion, Neahwa Park, Oneonta and 124 Oneida St., Oneonta.

TALES FOR ADULTS – 7 - 8 p.m. Learn about the complicated love life Zeus, the head of the Greek Pantheon.

job scene

The_______ what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

Harris Memorial Library. Visit www.facebook.com/harrislibrary/ for info.

Thursday Listing..

►Tuesday, June 23

RABIES CLINIC – 9 - Noon.

Free rabies vaccination See Thursday Listing..

ELECTION – All Day. New York State Democrats vote in this cycles Presidential Primary. Pick which candidate you think would be the best president of the US! Visit https://www.elections.ny.gov/ for info.

►Wednesday, June 24 RABIES CLINIC – 1 - 6 p.m.

Free rabies vaccination. See

►Thursday, June 25

►Friday, June 26 WEBINAR – 11 a.m.

- Noon. Learn all about fermenting vegetables, from tips & tricks to equipment, benefits, techniques with Otsego County Master Gardeners.

Registration required. 607547-2536 or www.facebook. com/CCEOtsegoMG/ for info.

Facility Director Large, state of the art facility in Gilboa, NY, seeks a dynamic individual to oversee all aspects of management, including all general maintenance, preparation and upkeep, amongst many other functional duties.

Fabulous work environment. Great team.

Excellent pay. Experience and resume required.

Contact Toba Shifrin | 973-855-9639 Toba.Shifrin@thezone.org

Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals

Baker wanted COMMERCIAL BAKER FOR LARGE FACILITY

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Legal nOtice NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY Candidates for the Democratic & Republican Primaries June 23, 2020 Polls will be open 6AM - 9PM in all districts ******* DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Pete Buttigieg Amy Klobuchar Joseph R. Biden Tulsi Gabbard Bernie Sanders Michael R. Bloomberg Tom Steyer Michael Bennet Elizabeth Warren Andrew Yang Deval Patrick DELEGATES TO THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (Vote for Six) BUTTIGIEG Jill G. Fieldstein (F) Wally Rubin (M) Tara L. Langworthy (F) Aidan S. O’Connor, Jr. (M) Jane A. Eckert (F) Beau Loendorf (M) BIDEN Donna J. Schick (F) Michael P. Hein (M) Doreen P. Davis (F)

Frank L. Cardinale (M) Elaine Sosnicki (F) Frederick E. Kowal (M) SANDERS Cari Gardner (F) Kelleigh McKenzie (F) Rebecca Rojer (F) Jeff Cohen (M) Mark A. Vian (M) Lanny Walter (M) WARREN Melissa J. Servant (F) Daniel J. Torres (M) Jennifer J. Fuentes (F) Gregory V. Pasquale (M) Erin E. Stamper (F) MacGuire M. Benton (M) YANG Keiko Sono (F) Roger Green (M) Cynthia Welch (F) Brian Welch (M) Shaye Chaim (F) Koichiro Y. Kleps (M) MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY 121st DIST Dan Buttermann Corey J. Mosher REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 19TH DIST Ola Hawatmeh Kyle Van De Water MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY, 122ND DIST Victor Furman Nicholas R. Libous Joe G. Angelino James P. Powers

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POLLING PLACES BURLINGTON Municipal Building 6011 St Hwy 51 BUTTERNUTS Municipal Building 1234 St Hwy 51 CHERRY VALLEY Community Center 2 Genesee St DECATUR Decatur Town Barn 104 Co Hwy 37 EDMESTON Municipal Building 2 West St EXETER Town Garage/Office 7411 St Hwy 28 HARTWICK Town Hall 103 Town Dr LAURENS Town Hall 37 Brook St MARYLAND Schenevus Central School Bus Garage 159 Main St MIDDLEFIELD Town Hall 3717 Co Hwy 35 MILFORD Town Hall 2859 St Hwy 28 MORRIS Townhouse 118 Main St NEW LISBON Town Hall 908 Co Hwy 16 ONEONTA Town Hall 3966 St Hwy 23 OTEGO Town Hall 3526 St Hwy 7 OTSEGO 1,2 St Mary’s Parish Center 31 Elm St OTSEGO 3 Town Building 811 Co Hwy 26

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PITTSFIELD Town Hall 175 St Hwy 80 PLAINFIELD Courthouse 133 Co Hwy 18A RICHFIELD Town Hall 18 E James St ROSEBOOM Town Building 126 Co Hwy 50 SPRINGFIELD Community Center 129 Co Hwy 29A UNADILLA Town Hall 1648 St Hwy 7 WESTFORD Town Hall 1812 Co Hwy 34 WORCESTER Worcester Central School Bus Garage 831 Hollenbeck Rd CITY OF ONEONTA Foothills Performing Arts Center 24 Market St Otsego County Board of Elections 140 Co Hwy 33W, Ste 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 or 4325 www.otsegocounty. com 1LegalJun.18 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: TPK Consulting LLC

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Residential Associates at OFO shelters (FT, PT & Sub - all shifts; addl. shift pay avail. for qualifying shifts)

Starting at the end of June until the end of August.

We are seeking an experienced baker with comprehensive knowledge of baking Challah, breads, cakes, pastries cookies etc. State of the art, fully equipped bakery. Excellent place to work with rewarding pay. Martino Corto - 607-644-6827

LEGALS

Home Energy Rehab Crew: Enrg. Svcs. Crew Leader Enrg. Svcs. Crew Laborer

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Finance/HR Assistant OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competetive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs EOE The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966.

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Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/03/2020.

Office location: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: P.O. Box 1043, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any lawful purpose 6LegalJul16

of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 77 Alden Street, PO Box 0217,Cherry Valley, New York, 13320-0217.

Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.16

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Name:

NETTZONE LLC A Limited Liability Company.

Notice of Formation of New View Property Solutions LLC. Filed 4/13/20.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Peter E. Shea, 1 Sharon Ln, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: General.

6LegalJul.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of DONOVAN LAUGHLIN AND LAUGHLIN, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/10/19.

Office location: Otsego SSNY desg. as agent

Legal nOtice

DP 2, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 May 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 393 Main Street Suite 5, Oneonta, New York, 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJuly9 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Barreto Family Medicine, P.L.L.C.

with SSNY on 5/8/20.

Location: Otsego County SSNY desg. as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. Mail process to 71 Fair St., Otego, NY 13825.

Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.9

NOTICE OF FORMATION of

Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on December 23, 2019.

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: Merwan Irani, 5981 State Highway 7, Oneonta, New York 13820.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJul.2

Art. of Org. filed

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Notice of Formation of

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Actively Becoming Me LLC,

CAMP FLORUBY LLC

Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/30/20.

Off. loc.: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail 855 Smokey Ave., Schenevus, NY 12155.

Purp.: any lawful.

6LegalJul.2

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 DeGlee Land Holdings, LLC, a NY limited liability company (LLC).

Arts. of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 05/04/2020.

Office: Otsego County.

NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: 2093 County Highway 18, South New Berlin, New York 13843.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.2

\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

►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders?

Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

B-5

IN MEMORIAM

Richard Arthur Breuninger, 74 Sept. 29, 1946 - June 13, 2020

ONEONTA – Richard Arthur Breuninger, 74, left this world Saturday June 13, 2020, in Cooperstown, as the result of a stroke.

Known as Dick, he was born Sept. 29, 1946, in Springfield, Mass., the son of Arthur K.E. Breuninger and Marama E. L’Esperance Breuninger.

Dick lived in Feeding Hills/ Agawam, Mass., before going to Hartwick College in 1964.

During high school, Dick had a keen interest in language and tutored Puerto Rican migrant workers and enjoyed studying Latin. At Hartwick College he majored in German and minored in history and biology. He first met his

future wife, Mary Walter, during freshman week.

After graduation in 1968, Dick went off to teach in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Mary went to visit him there at his urging to learn about life in West Africa. Upon returning in the summer of 1970, they married at the First Presbyterian Church, Gilbertsville, on Aug. 29, and a week later they arrived at Drew University in Madison, where Dick studied Theology.

At this time, Dick and Mary brought Kewulay and John from Sierra Leone to complete high school and college.

They continue to be a part of the family.

Dick graduated from Drew

in 1973, and after a year as In 1990, Dick started teachsupply pastor at the Otego ing Spanish at Norwich Charge of the UMC, they Middle School, then in 1992 moved into the parsonage. came to Oneonta to teach Their son Eric and daughter German and Spanish at the Maria were born Oneonta Middle and during their time in High Schools, retiring Otego. in 2010. He led stuIn 1980, Dick dents on seven trips was appointed to Germany. associate pasIn 1973, Dick tor to serve with joined the Otego George F. Goodwin Rotary, and then the at the First United Oneonta Rotary. For Methodist Church 43 years, he was in Oneonta. There involved with the Richard A. he served for six Rotary Youth ExBreuninger years before taking change Program on Honorable Location to pursue the club and district level. other vocations.

This combined Dick’s interest He served as the United in languages and the purWay Director in 1986-1989. suit of peace through Youth

Exchange.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Manama and Arthur Breuninger.

Surviving besides his wife Mary of nearly 50 years, are his children, Eric of Redwood City, Calif., and Maria of Allison Park (Pittsburgh), Pa., sister Kathie, in Feeding Hills, Mass.

Dick has four grandchildren, Leo and Charlotte Breuninger, and Elliot and Theodore Corbett.

Family also includes Kewulay Kamara and children in New York City, and John Marah and children in the Rochester area.

Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to First

United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, for the Organ Fund, or to Oneonta Rotary Fund, P.O. Box 1122 Oneonta, NY 13820 for the Breuninger/ Forman Scholarship Fund.

At this time, there will be a family graveside service at Hillington Cemetery, Morris, and a Celebration of Life and Remembrance at First United Methodist Church, Oneonta, in the spring or summer of 2021.

His family has entrusted his care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris.

Online condolences to her family may be made by visiting www.JohnstonFH.com

John F. Holdorf, 87, Edmeston School Superintendent 1933 - 2020

EDMESTON – John F. Holdorf, 86, of Edmeston, passed away June 10, 2020, at home with family guiding his end-of-life care.

Born Aug. 24, 1933, in Huntington, NY, John was the son of Harry A. Holdorf and Maria Rubacha Marrs.

Raised and educated in the Huntington area, he was a graduate of South Huntington High School where he excelled scholastically.

He was also a three-sport athlete, with football being his favorite sport.

Upon graduation in 1952, he received the RPI Award for mathematics and the Rotary International Athletic Award.

In addition, John was also the recipient of a full academic scholarship to Harvard University, which he declined in order to remain close to his family.

Being of German heritage, employed in the Deer Park John soon learned the family Public School System as a trade of carpentry from his fa- junior high school mathematther and older brothers, who ics instructor and eventual all worked in the construction chair of the department, industry. The skills of carpen- where he taught for ten years. try were often useful through- During this time he achieved out his life and espea Master’s Degree cially as he furthered in education from his education on a Hofstra College. part-time basis while On Aug. 16, raising his family.

1958, John and John attended Doris E. Boltizar Hofstra College for were united in martwo years prior to joinriage at St. John’s ing the U.S. Army on Episcopal Church June 11, 1956. He in Huntington, NY. served in Germany as They built a home a member of the Army on Weston Street, John F. Security Agency with a Huntington StaHoldorf rank of Specialist Third tion, with the help Class and was honorof John’s brother, ably discharged on May 23, Elwood. Their three children 1958. Following his return to were born in Huntington. college he graduated with a In the summer of 1970, Bachelor of Science degree the family moved upstate to in mathematics. He became Schoharie, NY, where John took a position as mathematics department chair in the Schoharie Central School System. During his employment at Schoharie Central School he pursued an advanced supervisory administrative certificate from The State University of NY at Albany.

In the fall of 1976, John took Grandma loved her farm, her family, a position as school principal and playing her old guitar. in the Edmeston Central School System. In 1980 Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time he became Superintendent to find out what made your loved one special. of Edmeston Schools and Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding served in this position until his retirement in 1993. a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, During the many happy we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as years spent in Edmeston, unique as she was.

John was a member of the Edmeston Rotary Club, Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home International; the Edmeston 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 United Methodist Church, www.grummonsfuneralhome.com where he served as trustee chair; the Board of Cooperative Educational Services; and the Otsego Rural Housing Authority. John’s interest in education of the young prompted his family to establish the John and Doris Holdorf Family Scholarship, for a graduating student at Edmeston Central School, in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. The scholarship has been given yearly since 2008.

In 2005, John and Doris built a home in the countryside just outside of Edmeston.

Harriett M. Smith Of Maryland

rsar y Our 132nd annive

Tillapaugh Funeral Service

Harriett M. Smith, 81 of Maryland died peacefully on Mon. June 15, 2020 at home.

She is survived by her sons, Garry (Deborah) & Paul (Tracey), her siblings, Barb, Iva, Gordon, Regina, Rosemary, Deb, Steve & Mark, 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at: www.wmaddenfh. com. Arrangements by the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home 123 Main Street Unadilla.

John often drew attention to the pastoral beauty of their setting, enhanced by grazing deer and turkey. Here John remained physically fit into his early 80s, walking 2+ miles a day on the hills surrounding their home.

Also, during his retirement years he enjoyed meeting with friends for a cup of coffee.

He is predeceased by his parents, Harry and Maria Holdorf; his brothers Edward Marrs, Harry Holdorf, Frederick Holdorf and Elwood Holdorf, and sister Caroline Holdorf. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris (Boltizar) Holdorf, his daughter, Lise E. Tracey (Brian) and sons John E. (Lisa) and Eric B. (Diane) Holdorf; sisters Helen Roselle and Alice Springer and sister-in-law Jane McGeown; grandchildren Emily Holdorf, John Tracey, Daniel Tracey, Felix Holdorf, Lindsay Holdorf, Annelise Tracey and Zander Holdorf as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends on Long Island and in Upstate New York.

The family wishes to thank

Drs. Douglas DeLong and Michael Miller of Bassett Healthcare Network for their care during his journey with myasthenia gravis, which began in 2016. Gratitude is also expressed to Helios Care of Oneonta and Uncommon Care for their help in management of John’s care as well as the Edmeston EMS Squad.

Public visitation was from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, at the Delker-Terry Funeral Home, at 30 South Street, Edmeston, NY. A private funeral service will be performed by Rev. John A. Buddle, minister of the Edmeston United Methodist Church. Interment at the Edmeston Union cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Holdorf Family Scholarship at the Edmeston Central School, 11 North Street, Edmeston, NY or the Edmeston Emergency Squad, East Street, Edmeston, NY. Assisting the family with arrangements is the DelkerTerry Funeral Home in Edmeston, NY. Sharing written remembrances and condo-

lences during this time will be appreciated by the family.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.Delkerterryfh.com or visit Delker and Terry Funeral Home on Facebook.

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B-6

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, June 18, 2020

Longest Serving Super Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes, Communities To Ask Leaves Job She Loves

By LIBBY CUDMORE LAURENS

W

hen Romona Wenck began her first year as Laurens Central school superintendent in 1998, a challenge already awaited her.

“I discovered we had a $4.5 million budget with a $450,000 deficit,” she said.

“A tax increase had to happen to pay it off.”

She managed to get a “yes” vote on a 22 percent tax levy.

“People wanted this school to remain in the community,” she said. “They’re proud of it.”

Now the longest-serving superintendent in the county is retiring from the school where she has worked, first as a phys-ed teacher, then as superintendent, since 1977.

“I turned 65 on Sunday (June 14),” she said. “I was talking with Coach Pat Grasso and I realized that, between the two of us, we had over 100 years of service!”

A Waverly native, Wenck majored in phys-ed at SUNY Cortland. “Two student teachers in my program went to Laurens, but I went to Oneonta,” she said.

“I was Tony Drago’s student teacher, and he always introduced me as such!”

Graduating in 1977, she got a call from Laurens Central School, looking for a teacher in her specialty. She got the job, and, in addition to teaching, coached volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball and color guard.

“I was in an all-girl drum and bugle corps from the time I

was 11 until I was 21,” she said.

“They gave me color guard because I knew how to march and write drill. The marching band is a big thing here.”

After 20 years of teaching, she wanted to be the athletic director, and went for her certificate in administration. “I was in one of the first distancelearning classes,” she said.

She was appointed interim superintendent in 1997 and given the full position the following year. “In every decision as an educator, you have to make what’s best for the students the number one priority,” she said. “And that’s always been easy for me.”

In 2008, she spearheaded a $23 million school upgrade.

“We were holding classes in the cellar, in trailers,” she said. “Some of our wiring was from when the school was built in 1929.

“But there was a lot of community involvement and support, and it was a huge accomplishment. And all these years later, it’s still so beautiful.”

She added distance learning classes, shared sports programs with Morris and Milford central schools, and oversaw the creation of a job-shadowing program.

Though her last year with her students was abbreviated by the COVID-19 pandemic, she still found ways to connect with them. “I go on the distribution routes when we took the food and educational packet drop-offs,” she said. “One day the bus garage designed a route, and we did a parade. Seeing everyone made me cry. It was an amazing feeling.”

REFORMS/From A1 said Bliss, when asked about Governor Cuomo’s executive order and new laws the state Legislature enacted last week in the wake of national tumult caused

by George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis while being taken into custody.

“Yes and no,” Bliss replied when asked of former correctional officer Ros Devlin’s situation – an outburst in the county jail’s break room that eventually led to his resignation – prompted last year’s reforms. “It was probably instigated because of that, but it wasn’t a direct result,” he said.

Interviews this week indicated the three largest local governments – the county itself, the City of Oneonta and Village of Cooperstown – are already considering specific steps to respond to the new directives.

Over the past several days, Governor Cuomo signs several pieces that quickly moved through the state Legislature last week, including banning chokeholds,

opening police disciplinary records for public review, and more.

He also issued an executive order requiring police departments to work with their local communities on “a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs,” and to submit it to Albany by next April 1 or lose state funding for law enforcement.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, a Democrat, said Cuomo’s executive order “works hand in hand with what we’re trying to do, so I think it will be helpful.”

Herzig and OPD Chief Doug Brenner have proposed a Community Advisory Board to review police policies and practices. The mayor plans to discuss the concept with Common Council’s Planning Committee June 29, and bring it before the full council when it next meets on July 7.

In Cooperstown, Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch, also a Democrat, said “I 100 percent think it’s a good idea.” As for the April 1 deadline, she said, “The

village doesn’t receive police department funding from the state, but that doesn’t negate this.”

Tillapaugh said she’s planning “a community group. That’s always the best thing, when you involve the community.” In addition to herself, the group might include the village’s two officers, a mental health expert, someone from Bassett, “a faith leader,” and a selection of village residents. A new police chief, when hired, would also be included.

For his part, Bliss said, “The executive order – it will mean what we are already doing,” said Bliss. “We already have a review in process. We haven’t had any accusation of those types, which I hope means we’re doing this well.”

He said he will ask county Rep. Dan Wilber, R-Burlington, who chairs the county board’s Public Safety & Legal Affairs Committee, to take the lead in meeting the governor’s order and implementing the legislation. Wilber did not return calls.

Hoosick Falls Jumps Claim On Cooperstown’s Bumppo BUMPPO/From A1 At the same time, though, Pomeroy also approved a “Legend & Lore” marker for Nathaniel Shipman’s grave in Hoosick Falls, giving him equal billing with the local woodsman who inspired the most memorable character in Cooper’s “The Last of the Mohicans.”

The “Legend & Lore” marker is a step down from Pomeroy’s “Historical Marker,” which would actually aver David Shipman was the model for Natty Bumppo. Instead, the marker set up at the Adams Cemetery between Fly Creek and Toddsville simply said that some people think he was Cooper’s hero, also known as the Leatherstocking and “La Longue Carabine.”

“It means you can’t prove it,” said Sherlee Rathbone, president of the Fly Creek Historical Society, which sought the Pomeroy designation. “In order to have a ‘History’ sign, we need to have primary sources. And we don’t; we

can’t find it. We had no option.”

That is contrary to the conclusion reached by Alan Taylor, author of the Pulitzer-winning “William Cooper’s Town” (1996), who now holds the Thomas Jefferson Chair in American History at the University of Virginia. He has since won a second Pulitzer, in 2014 for “The Internal Enemy: Slavery and War in Virginia, 1772-1832.”

Taylor researched the complicated relationship between the Cooper family and David Shipman, who would often provide the village’s first family’s table with venison, fish and other edible wildlife.

As proof, Taylor cites James Fenimore Cooper identifying David Shipman as Bumppo in “Chronicles of Cooperstown” (1838).

That – the writer himself designating David Shipman – would constitute a primary source.

In a 2016 e-mail to this newspaper,

Taylor declared, “I certainly consider DS to be the model for JFC in crafting the character of Natty Bumppo.”

In addition to the gravesite, former county treasurer Dan Crowell’s family has identified the confluence of Oaks Creek and the Susquehanna – it can be seen on the north side of the Route 11C bridge – as the site of David Shipman’s cabin. A depiction of Shipman also appears atop the Cooper obelisk in Lakewood Cemetery.

On its website, the Pomeroy Foundation also includes an audio tape, recording Rathbone and Joyce Brewer, from the Hoosick Township Historical Society.

It traces the rivalry between Cooperstown and Hoosick Falls to 1874, when David Shipman’s great-granddaughter threatened to sue, blocking plans in the Washington County town from raising a statue to Nathaniel Shipman.

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