! S U N JOI O.com G E S T O l Al
MAKING A
RIBE NOW ►SUBSC
HOMETOWN
-5 sa at 607 Call laris et started. to g
E!
E FR
ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, July 23, 2020
SUBSCRIBE TO
City of The Hills
ALL A HOME
FINALLY, GEORGE CLARKE’S MANSION COMING BACK TO LIFE/A3
’s COunty line O g e s t O per/on a p s w e Daily n 47-6103
Volume 12, No. 42
H
www.
COMPLIMENTARY
AllOTSEGO.com • COUNTY’S ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER
COVID-19 Reawakens 15 New Cases This Month, 4 Hospitalized, 3 On Ventilators By LIBBY CUDMORE & JIM KEVLIN
A
fter a quiet May and June, 15 cases since the beginning of July, nine in the past week, may mean we’re heading right back where we started from. “This increase is similar to what we were seeing in the beginning,” county Public Health Director Heidi Bond said Tuesday, July 21. “If we continue to see a rise in cases, it could set us back.” Four of the new cases have been hospitalized, The Freeman’s Journal A sign of summer, intwo at Bassett Hospital, one at Fox and one at deed. For the third year Albany Med, she said. Three of the four are on in a row, Donna Gage of ventilators. Great Reflections Hair Salon, across Route 28 from Springbrook, heated up her hotdog cart Saturday, July 18, purveying Oscar Meyer franks to commuters between Oneonta and Cooperstown.
Bond Herzig Bliss Four are in the City of Oneonta, and one in the Village of Cooperstown. “It’s very concerning,” said Mayor Gary Herzig. “We hope it’s just a blip and not a trend.”
DRAMA ENDS ARSON TRAGEDY
V
illage Attorney Martin Tillapaugh is preparing a law requiring everyone to wear a mask in Cooperstown’s business district. He expects to have a draft ready for the Village Board by its Monday, July 27, meeting, and the law in place by mid-August. Tillapaugh was moving
ONEONTA
A
t presstime, Oneonta Police were seeking the suspects in more than 20 incidents of tires punctured overnight in Oneonta’s East End. “We started getting calls at 10 a.m. this morning,” Police Chief Doug Brenner said Monday, July 20. “And we’ve been collecting statements all day.” The tires were punctured with a knife or a screwdriver. For developments, check
forward at the request of Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, who left a special Monday, July 20, meeting of Tillapaugh the village trustees after all concluded the downtown sidewalks, particularly with Please See MASKS, A8
Quarantine Scofflaws May Escape Oversight BY LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN
AllOTSEGO.com
www.
SEE MULTIPLE REPORTS ON
►derek jeter, class of ‘20 featured on Baseball Hall of Fame website on Induction Werekend that might have been. ►another 10 states added to New York’s Quarantine List, bringing total to 41 ►SUNY-o JOINS HARTWICK in cancelling fall sports season. ►union demands troopers removed from New York City duties. ►public to be included in mandated review of sheriff’s, DA investigators’ policies, procedures. ►TWO WOMEN. 21, die in onecar Pittsfield crash; charges pending against driver.”
Cooperstown Plans Mask Crackdown By JIM KEVLIN
Tires Slashed On 20 Cars In Oneonta Spree
AllOTSEGO.com
“There’s no explanation for this,” she said, “My only thought is that it’s two weeks past July 4, people were out and about, they were gathering more than usual.” “To some extent, it’s not a big surprise,” said Herzig. “People are becoming more relaxed, visitors from outside the area are coming in.” The good news, she said, is that there’s no trend or common source, and only one of the cases was linked to travel to one of the 22 “hot spots” in the country. Herzig, one of two county representatives on the Mohawk Valley Regional Control Room, said, as of Tuesday’s meeting, the spike is not bePlease See AWAKENS, A8
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
John Heller’s sister-in-law, Erika Heller, seated here, berated Truitt in her victim’s statement. “Go to h---,” he told her as she left the stand.
I
f you’re planning a vacation to what Governor Cuomo has increased from 22 to 41 “hot spot” states, cancel it, county Public Health Director Heidi Bond suggests.
“I had a vacation planned to North Carolina,” she said. “But it’s best not to travel right now, and I cancelled it.” With 15 new cases of COVID surfacing since July 1 – four in Oneonta; one in Cooperstown – officials are ramping up messaging about quarantining after travel. Please See SCOFFLAWS, A8
Arson-Murder Case Wins Truitt Most Jail Time In D.A.’s Tenure ‘Oneonta Forward,’ But By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN
L
ife without parole: That was a first for District Attorney John Muehl, who’s been county prosecutor for 12 years. That’s what Gabriel Truitt received Friday, July 17, in Otsego County Court, a lifetime of punishment for
►FOR THE TEXT of the victim statements at Gabriel Truitt’s sentencing for arson and murder, SEE A4
setting the Dec. 29, 2018, fire on 5 Walling Ave., Oneonta, that took the life of former fireman John Heller. “I’ve only ever been able to charge someone with first-degree murder twice since I’ve been here,” Muehl said. “But because the murder weapon was arson, it fit
the requirements.” The first, he said, was Kevin Perry, who was charged in the murder of his parents, Timothy A. Perry, 59, and Solveig E. Perry, 52, in December 2017. However, the young Perry pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, reducing the sentence to 25-to-life. County Judge Brian Burns levied the sentence. Please See TRUITT, A9
Coop Starts More Slowly By LIBBY CUDMORE
C
ooperstown’s “Main on Main,” accompanied by free parking in the Doubleday Field lot, was off to a slow start Friday, July 17. But the next day in downHOMETOWN ONEONTA town Oneonta, for the first Jennifer Renwick and time since the start of the Gary Brundage enjoy supPlease See DINING, A9 per at “Oneonta Forward.”
HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
HOMETOWN People
Peers Honor Dr. Dalton For Excellence
COOPERSTOWN
D
r. James Dalton, Bassett Hospital’s Medical Education director for 18 years, has been awarded the Healthcare Network’s most prestigious recognition for a physician, the Walter A. Franck Physician Excellence Award. The award was estab-
K
athy Ann Wolverton and John S. Nader, former Mayor of Oneonta, were married Saturday, July 18 in the backyard of the groom’s father, Sam Nader, also a former mayor. Mayor Gary Herzig performed the ceremony. The bride was given away by her brother, Peter Wolverton, and her mother, Lorraine Wolverton, was her Matron of Honor. The best
¡¡
SLEEP SHOP All NEW FLOOR MODELS!
The Dutch Craft Promise: Handcrafting the highest quality mattresses an an honest price.
Only at Cooperstown Flooring & Bedding! 4316 County Hwy 11 Cooperstown 607-547-6038 krazytoms.com info@cfbsales.com SinCe 1962
Open weekdays: 9 am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm After hours by appt. Closed Sunday
Matt Schuermann
Registered Mortgage Broker NYS Banking Dept.
Real people who truly care... your hometown insurance agency! 209 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall 607-263-5170 in Morris Celebrating our
th 30 YEAR! 1990-2020
Ben Novellano
MANNION ON LIST: Alex Mannion, Oneonta, was named to the Champlain College Dean’s List for the Spring 2020 semester. New Purchases and Refinances Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification Fast Approvals • Low Rates
Bieritz insurance agency
John Nader, Kathy Wolverton Wed In Oneonta Ceremony man was Mark Nader, the groom’s son. Also participating in the ceremony were the groom’s daughters, Rachel Nader and Sarah Marcus-Nader, as well as the bride’s nephew, Jackson Wolverton, and niece, Anna Wolverton. Now residing in Farmingdale, the bride is an attorney, the groom is the president of SUNY Farmingdale. They originally met when the groom hired the bride in 2008 as the City’s personnel director.
than 40 years, as an Internal Medicine resident (197983), returning in 1988 before leaving to practice in Seattle. Since then, he has been division chief of General Internal Medicine and director of the Prime Care Clinic. He retired from clinical practice last year.
INSURANCE MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS.
Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
The groom, John Nader with his father Sam Nader and the bride, Kathy Wolverton and her mother Lorrie Wolverton.
ONEONTA
lished to honor of Dr. Frank, the rheumatologist who retired from Bassett in 2015 after Dr. Dalton more than four decades of service. Dalton has been associated with Bassett for more
TWO HAVE SKILLS: Cappagnia-Lynne Chase and Amy Shultis, Oneonta, took a field skills in a stream ecology course at SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station.
20 Chestnut Street • Suite 1 • Cooperstown 607-547-5007 www.leatherstockingmortgage.com
Unreserved Real Estate & Garage Equipment Bronson’s Tire, 64 Lake St., Richfield Springs, NY (US-20 (E. Main St.) to S. on Lake St., near cor.of Langdon Ave.)
SAT., AUG. 1 & SUN., AUG. 2, 10 A.M.
Timothy McGraw
607-432-2022
22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
OPTELEC DESKTOP MAGNIFYING READER + SPEECH OPTION Perfect for people with Macular Degeneration or eyesight issues! • Magnifies type • Converts text to speech • Easy to use Reg. $3500 NOW $2000
Call or text 607-267-9266
Preview: 9-10 A.M. each day of auction Auctioning Sat., Aug.1, 10 A.M.- following the sale of the Real Estate Hitachi metal chop saw, 200+ New Tires; new batteries, Blue Bullet Elec. over Hyd. pipe bender; Transmission jack, 2 Clean burn 280,000 BTU Waste oil furnaces; North Star Steam Jenny; Coats Model 9010 E Rim clamp Tire machine; Snap-on EE WH312A rim clamp tire machine; FMC 8813 Rim clamp tire machine; Branick Strut Spring compressor-Model 7200; Snap-on & Craftsman sockets, Grizzly Power Hack tire stud guns; 4-Tire spreader repair machines,20 Ton Hyd. press,Snap-on toolbox; Ball joint presses,Hyd. porta powers, Bottle jacks,Snap-on ball joint press, Ammco Brake lathes, Ammco on the car Brake lathe;Big Air compressors, Wacker Gas powered Jack Hammer, pressure washers, I-Beam trolley, Makita circular saw & cut off saw, old Army generator, Bluepoint YA5550A 50 AMP plasma cutter; 2 Genisys scan system tools; Back Garage Contents: Jack stands, Gray Mills parts cleaner, Kennedy tool box, paint shaker, key machines, Clean Burn 250,000 BTU waste oil burner; Emglo compressor; sm. Craftsman metal lathe, gas engine port. compressor; Snap-on sand blast cabinet;Reddy heater-165,000 BTU, engine crane,Craftsman metal cut off saw, 2-275 gal. fuel oil tanks, Tire Grizzly planer, fuel oil Hot Air Furnace,Yamaha 7200 Industrial Series gas generator w/elec. start-EF7200DE; New Tractor tire rims, Storage trailer full of new/used Truck tires/rims, plus more! Auctioning @ 11 A.M.: Rotary 12,000 lb. Drive-On 4 Post Lift w/2 rolling air jacks, 2-9,000 lb. Rotary 2 Post Asymmetrical car lifts; 28,000 lb. Drive-On 4 Post Lift w/1 air jack; Hyster Rough Terrain Forklift, 3656 hrs.,10,000 lb. cap., Chevy gas engine; 1925 Mercedes Kit Car Conv. w/top-built on VW frame w/VW 4 cyl. engine, runs; 1925 International Truck/Tractor-3,000 lb. cap.-no paperwork; 1988 Riviera Cruiser Aluminum Pontoon 20’l Boat w/trailer & 30hp Evinrude O/B mtr(runs); 3-40’l Ocean Container storage boxes; NYS Inspection Machine w/numbers to be auctioned to persons living in Otsego Co. only. Forward 4 Post Drive-On Lift 27,000 lb. cap.;90’s Exiss Aluminum cattle trailer-7,000 lb. cap. 20’l. Auctioning Sun., Aug. 2, 10 A.M.: Remaining balance of Sat. items.Terms: Full payment due day of auction by Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover & Debit Cards. Checks w/Bank Letter of Guarantee. Twelve percent buyer’s premium. All items sold in “AS IS� condition. Subject to errors and omissions. Refreshments available. Driver’s license required for bidding number. All statements made day of auction take precedence over printed material. Auction: #7946/ 47/20.We will be adhering to all Approved CDC requirements pertaining to the Covid-19 protocol at our auctions and masks are required.
www.brzostek.com
80 Smokey Hollow Road Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315) 678-2542
Opening a checking account with Bank of Cooperstown is
Simply
Smart!
The Free, e-Friendly, Smart way to bank Free Checking Account ŕ Ž 5V TVU[OS` THPU[LUHUJL MLL UV WLY [YHUZHJ[PVU MLLZ ŕ Ž 5V TPUPT\T IHSHUJL [V VWLU
e-Friendly
ŕ Ž -YLL TVIPSL VUSPUL IHURPUN and free e-Statements ŕ Ž +LWVZP[ JOLJRZ [YHUZMLY M\UKZ WH` IPSSZ HUK THRL WLYZVU [V WLYZVU WH`TLU[Z YPNO[ MYVT [OL JVU]LUPLUJL VM `V\Y ZTHY[WOVUL ŕ Ž -YLL =PZH KLIP[ JHYK ^P[O ZLJ\YL ,4= JOPW ŕ Ž (WWSL 7H` JHWHIPSP[` MVY P7OVUL \ZLYZ
Smart
ŕ Ž -\SS ZLY]PJL (;4 ^P[O LHZ` KLWVZP[ VM JHZO HUK JOLJRZ OV\YZ H KH` KH`Z H ^LLR ŕ Ž ,HZ` Z[LWZ [V [YHUZMLY M\UKZ IL[^LLU HJJV\U[Z
Save money. Bank at your convenience. Get unmatched customer service. That’s Simply Smart!
73 Chestnut St. | Cooperstown, NY | 607-547-2210 34 Main St. | Oneonta, NY | 607-432-7000 Open 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday) bankofcooperstown.com
All
OTSEGO.life
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
MAKING A After a half-century of renovations, the rebirth of Hyde Hall may soon be complete, Executive Director Jon Maney says in pointing out the latest advances in the formal dining room. All that’s left to complete the room are the curtains.
H
PAGE A-3
ALL A HOME
in Otsego County
BEST BETS
AllOTSEGO.life
Ian Austin/
Completion May Be In Sight For Mansion’s 50-Year Redo By LIBBY CUDMORE
2020 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Derek Jeter stops by the (virtual) Hall to talk about his five World Series championships this Sunday.
Virtual Derek Jeter, Dungeons, Dragons, And Children’s Opera
T
COOPERSTOWN
F
what’s fun
or 50 years, it’s been all about the restoration of Hyde Hall. Now, Jon Maney says, it’s about completion.
“We can finally have been running at talk about finishing nearly full capacity. Hyde Hall,” said the “We’ve had to turn executive director. people away,” he said. “The dining room “The public response curtains will be has been far stronger finished and hung than we anticipated.” this fall, and that Currently, tours room will finally are only being given George Hyde be complete.” on the first floor, to Clark’s portrait Since reopening with his mansion. minimize surface on July 1, Maney contact on banisters said tours, which are now and railings. limited to six people at a time, Please See MANSION, A7
Aerial photo, above, shows Hyde Hall perched above Otsego Lake. At left, Maney discusses reinstallation of the first toilet west of the Hudson River.
Faith Of Russian Forefathers Comes To Life Monastery Exhibit Reveals ‘The Divine’ By JIM KEVLIN JORDANVILLE
W
hen you think of Russian art, you probably think:
icons. “It goes far beyond that,” Michael Perekrestov, Russian History Museum executive director at Holy Trinity Monastery here. The museum’s new exhibit, “Revealing the
AllOTSEGO.life
Jim Kevlin/
Michael Perekrestov examines a shroud that brightened solemn Holy Week services in 19th century Moscow.
►IF YOU GO: Take Route 167 north from the traffic light in downtown Richfield Springs six miles north to Holy Trinity. You can’t miss it. “Revealing The Divine” open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 31.
Divine: Treasures of Russian Sacred Art,” proves it. The objects on display range from, yes, icons, to pendants, books, architecPlease See DIVINE, A7
hough Induction Weekend will have to wait until 2021, the Baseball Hall of Fame is still celebrating this year’s inductees with virtual events on the Hall’s Facebook page. All programs start at noon. David Winfield on Marvin Miller, Thursday, July 23, Larry Walker, Friday, July 24, Ted Simmons, Saturday, July 25, Derek Jeter, Sunday, July 26. Info, www.facebook. com/baseballhall. • Have an adventure without leaving the house with a virtual workshop on running a Dungeons & Dragons LIBBY campaign. Sponsored CUDMORE by the Richfield Springs Public Library, 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. www.facebook. com/Richfield-Springs-Public-Library1068210423236404/ • Get a sneak peek at one of the arias of The Glimmerglass Festival’s performance of “The Jungle Book,” and stick around for an educational discussion on Indian classical music and dance. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, www.glimmerglass. org/events/glimpse-the-jungle-book/ • Help OCCA clean up 2-mile section of State Highway 80. Safety gear provided; preregistration required. Hosted by Otsego County Conservation Association. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25. Info www. occainfo. org/calendar/cleanup-on-highway-80/. • “Big Chuck” D’Imperio presents “Open House: 35 Historic Upstate New York Homes” as part of the Swart Wilcox House’s Summer Sunday series. 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 27.The Swart-Wilcox House Musuem, Wilcox Ave., Oneonta.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA
AllOTSEGO.com • 99 cents a week
SUBSCRIBE TO www.
WEARING A MASK.. A N E A S Y WAY TO S U P P O R T O P E N I N G T H E E CO N O M Y It’s compassionate. It’s a decency test. It’s socially responsible. Thank you to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Gary Herzig, Otsego County Government and Otsego County Emergency Services, The City of Oneonta, Destination Oneonta as we all partnered to deliver to small businesses the Personal Protection Equipment that are affirmed that they are open with New York State. To affirm that your business is open please visit SupportOtsego.com and SupportOneonta.com as the information is marked clearly where to click to self-certify your business. For assistance on where to locate Personal Protection Equipment or to Self Certify your business please contact
Barbara Ann Heegan, Otsego County Chamber President & CEO at baheegan@otsegocc.com or call (607) 432-4500.
A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
HOMETOWN Views
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
EDITORIAL
We Should Know More About Who Has COVID-19
S
tate Sen. Jim Seward, RMilford, did it right. When he was diagnosed with the coronarivus in late March, his office quickly made that fact public. And in the next several days, while the revered senator underwent a harrowing treatment at Albany Medical Center, his staff continued to issue periodic updates until the danger passed. This is as it should be.
The senator’s job is to get out there, to keep in touch with his constituents, to respond to their needs. His staff’s quick response allowed people who had shaken his hand in the previous two weeks to ensure they were safe. Thank you, Senator Seward. • A related situation – not as dire, thankfully – surfaced in the Town of Springfield a few days ago.
LETTERS
To Forestall Any Flare Up, Check Accommodations To the Editor: In response to reports of the first COVID-19 infections in Cooperstown, Mayor Tillapaugh has reported that village police officers have been assigned to patrol Main Street and visit local businesses to ensure people are wearing masks. Given the state’s mandate that visitors from 22 listed states should self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering New York State, those police officers should also be required to check occupants of cars with license plates from
one of those 22 states to determine whether they have complied with New York State’s mandate. Accommodation owners should also be monitored for compliance by their guests. Failing to do so may put us in the same unfortunate position now being experienced throughout the South and elsewhere in the country once the onslaught of visitors to our village and area materializes in the next two months. JOHN A. RUDY Cooperstown
they might also have been exposed. All this was aired by the town board in open session, as is proper. Why would that be a secret, given that holding a town office means interacting with the public, the public that should know if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus? Happily, this story – detailed on www.AllOTSEGO.com – has a happy ending.
It was feared the contagion happened at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 12. Actually, it turned out, the four town officials had been together at the July 2 town Planning Board meeting. Since Mrs. Falcone didn’t have the contact that led to the quarantine until the Fourth of July, according to Mrs. Magruder, those Please See EDITORIAL, A5
Day Of Reckoning
Distance, Wear A Mask. Let’s Act As If COVID Will Always Be With Us
To the Editor: that I too could possibly All things considered, make other people sick. it would seem to me that a Nothing personal, it is sensible and less stressful just the new normal. way forward is Unfortunately, to not live in a trying to be selecholding pattern tive, and thinking while waiting for we can control the the COVID-19 COVID-19 virus virus to pass or a spread by making vaccine is found. moment-toThe practical CDC rendering moment personal way forward may of COVID-19 decisions on who be to accept, live to share breaths and work as though the with, is not a workable COVID-19 virus is not health care plan for anyone. going to go away, or change It is more like Russian itself for us, and that we have roulette with a small revolver. to change to accommodate The risk is high and the the COVID-19 virus, or benefits are low. variations thereof, that may Wearing masks when now become part of everynear other people is, in my day life on the earth. view, the primary safety I am living cautiously and practice to protect ourselves wearing a mask, and social and others from the distancing near other people COVID-19 virus. everywhere, at all times. I am Masks can vary in their living as though every person ability to protect ourselves who comes close to me could and others from COVIDpossibly make me sick, and Please See DEAN, A6
When Town Clerk Jeannette Armstrong sent out the minutes of the July 13 supervisors’ meeting – as she routinely does within two weeks, as recommended by the state Association of Towns – she reported that Town Assessor Shari Falcone was in quarantine for the virus. She also reported Town Supervisor Bill Freeland, Planning Board Chairman Rob Freeland and Tax Collector Ann Magruder were fearful
Heller’s Sister-In-Law Erika Tells Truitt: ‘YOU Became Face Of All That Is EVIL’ Editor’s Note: Here is the text of the “victim impact statement” from Erika Heller, sister-in-law of former Oneonta fireman John Heller, who died in a December 2018 fire started by Gabe Truitt. Truitt was sentenced Friday, July 17, in Otsego County Court to life in prison without parole. By ERIKA HELLER
I
started writing this before you were even arrested. I knew someday you would be found and forced to face this family. For 566 days we have waited for the chance to tell you every single way you have devastated us. You stole John from us. Anybody who was lucky enough to have known him will never be the same John Heller looks because of that. in awe at a newHe was kind and born nephew. gentle; a man who chose to spend his life helping others. And because of you, he spent his last moments on this Earth in terrorized agony, all alone. A great man doesn’t deserve to die like that … you do, though. I’d like to talk for a minute about the other victims who miraculously survived your selfish choices, because so much more than John’s life was taken that night. Amber had a soulmate. She had a cherished man who was to be her husband. You stole an entire marriage from her; an entire future full of beloved memories and Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal holidays and conversations with her best “Because of you, (John Heller) spent his last moments on this friend. You stole her children – nieces and Earth in terrorized agony, all alone,” sister-in-law Erika Heller nephews, cousins, grandchildren – who tells Gabriel Truitt during her victim impact statement at the \Please See VICTIM, A6 Friday, July 17, sentencing in Otsego County Court.
JUDGE BURNS’ SUMMING UP
HOMETOWN
ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher
Tara Barnwell
Advertising Director & General Manager
Libby Cudmore
Managing Editor
Larissa Ryan Business Manager
Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production
Elizabeth Cooper Correspondent
Ian Austin Photographer
Ivan Potocnik Web Architect
Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Consultant
IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: (607) 547-6103. Fax: (607) 547-6080. E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com
‘You Were Found Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt Of Cowardly Act Motivated By Anger, Self-Regard’ Editor’s Note: This is County Judge Brian Burns’ sentencing statement to Gabriel Truitt, whom he then sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday, July 17, in the December 2018 arson death of former Oneonta firefighter John Heller in a Walling Avenue apartment house. By Judge BRIAN BURNS
I
’ve listened to your words and have evaluated them in the context of your prior conduct. In that regard, I’ve taken into consideration the following. • In 2005, you were convicted of a crime of theft and sentenced to jail. • In 2006, you were convicted of a crime of dishonesty and required to
County Judge Brian Burns delivers a searing sentencing statement.
pay a fine. • In 2007, you were convicted of driving without a license and sentenced to jail. Later in 2007, you were convicted of selling a controlled substance as a Class D felony and sentenced to jail. • In 2009, you were convicted of
an additional felony level drug sale and sent to state prison for 3½ years. Shortly after your release, you were convicted of possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to jail. • In 2017, you were arrested in a domestic violence incident for criminal obstruction of breathing of a female victim, otherwise known as attempted strangulation. You were also arrested for criminal mischief for damaging her property, and for two counts of harassing her. You pleaded these charges out to a single conviction of damaging her property. Today, you stand before the court convicted of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second degree, and one count of Arson in the First degree. Please See JUDGE, A6
AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS, A5, A6
LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • EMAIL THEM TO info@
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
HOMETOWN
HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5
History
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART, with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
150 Years Ago
Oneonta Local – A cat caught four mice a few days since at one haul at the Morris Bros. store. Smart cat. Over 400 dogs were “slewed” in Syracuse last week. When do they commence “killing” in this village. A daughter of John G. Sickler, aged four years, on Sunday afternoon, fell down stairs and broke her arm, above the wrist. Who is the man that has got brass enough to donate a few hundred plank and a bag of nails to repair the walks on Main Street? Roberts and Reynolds have added a soda fountain to the attractions of their store which the thirsty will appreciate during the hot season. Keep cool! There are 123 paupers in the County House, 18 insane persons, 3 deaf and dumb, and 9 idiots. July 1870
30 Years Ago
264 or Oneonta GE 2-1122. Otsego Iron and Metal – We Buy Scrap of All Kinds. We Sell New and Used Culvert and Pipe – New and Used Structural Steel. Rose Avenue – Oneonta – GE-4550. Personals – Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Strong and Mr. Strong’s sister, Mrs. Dora Murphy, accompanied by their cousin, Mrs. Genevieve Tabor of Oneonta have recently been on an historical tour through the Mohawk Valley visiting numerous churches and other places of interest. Supervisor Jack F. Ranieri of Oneonta has urged a sheriff’s safety patrol on the waters of three lakes in Otsego County. He pointed to the phenomenal growth of boating at last week’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors in Cooperstown. He contended that the state would reimburse Otsego County for half the money expended to pay the deputy, as well as to equip and maintain a patrol on the lakes. Supervisor Ranieri revealed that he has been at Goodyear Lake and has noted several safety violations, particularly by craft with water skiers in tow. “I recommend that we look into this, in view of the shorter weeks and the phenomenal growth of boating in Otsego County, particularly Cooperstown,” he declared. July 1960
125 Years Ago
A new way of old debts is being introduced in Maine towns. The introduction of the scheme is a novelty, too. A young woman of alleged great attractiveness is the advance agent, and between her own attractions and those of her scheme she is said to be having complete success. She calls on the local merchants and secures their membership in the new agency. A few days after her departure there appear in town a number of men dressed in bright green coats, who get the particulars of old debts and debtors from the members and then proceed to call on the victims. The contract provides that the horribly conspicuous collectors shall make 15 calls a day on each creditor, meeting them anywhere and everywhere. The scheme is reported to be a big success, as most of the debtors are glad to make a prompt settlement rather than have the whole neighborhood see them haunted by the green-coated specter. July 1895
100 Years Ago
In a conflagration at the home of William Keble of 39 West Broadway, Wednesday morning at 9:40, his 5-year-old daughter Mary, sustained burns of so severe a nature that she died at the Fox Memorial Hospital from the effects at 6 o’clock that evening. Two others, a married sister, Mrs. A. Holowicz and a neighbor Ell Larsh were severely burned about the hands and arms while trying to remove the burning clothing from the girl. The fire apparatus was rushed to the scene, but the flames had gained such headway that it was impossible to avert the destruction of the building. The exact cause of the blaze is unknown. It is thought that the girl Mary, thinking that the fire in the kitchen stove was dead, in preparation for starting a new fire, poured kerosene in the
40 Years Ago
The Otsego County Fair is scheduled to open for a sixday run at the fairgrounds in Morris. This fair brings several additions, changes and all new features. An all new education and conservation building has been constructed on the fairgrounds as well as a new dairy barn. This year, rabbits and poultry will be housed in Gilbert Hall which was formerly July 1990 used as a cattle barn. And for the first time this year there is an official “Fair Theme.” The theme is “Be Fair to Your stove. An explosion occurred and set her clothing afire. She Neighbor.” An open “Goat Show” will be held on the grounds on Sunday, July 27, prior to the official opening day Monrushed outside spreading flames as she went. July 1920 day. Judging of 4-H exhibits will begin at 9 a.m. in Martin Hall. At 7 p.m. Monday a talent contest will begin in Little Theatre followed by the World Series of Thrills at 8 p.m. July 1980 Robert E. Edwards of 31 Brook Street, Oneonta, has been awarded the state tuition-paying scholarship at Cornell University for Otsego County. The award was made following In the upcoming Hall of Fame Weekend, the Connecticut a competitive examination held June 17 to 21. The scholarTigers, Oneonta’s former New York-Penn League team, ship entitles the holder to a $300 a year reduction in tuition plays the Tri-City Valley Cats at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at Cornell and is of 149 awarded annually to high school in Doubleday Field. Admission free. (Cooperstown’s graduates throughout the state. Last year’s Otsego County team, the Hawkeyes, plays at 5 the following evening, award went to George DeLaMater, another Oneonta youth. July 1940 after induction.) Andre Dawson, Doug Harvey and Whitey Herzog are the Class of 2010 Inductees to be honored this weekend in the Advertisements – Otsego Laundry – Cooperstown Route field next to the Clark Sports Center. July 2010 Service Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – Complete Laundry Service and Rug Shampoo – Call Cooperstown
80 Years Ago
10 Years Ago
60 Years Ago
LETTERS
LIFE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Please, Complete Your Census Form. It Matters Want Economic Rebound?
To the Editor: To quote the very quotable Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Although Yogi may not have been referring to the U.S. Census, his observation is nonetheless particularly relevant to the question of census participation. The census has been conducted since 1790 and serves to ensure that political representation and resources are fairly distributed throughout the country. In other words, it is one of the most important tools we have to effectively plan for a productive future. Besides being the civic duty of every individual living in the United States, being counted in the census provides substantive benefits that affect each of us on a daily basis. Here are just a few key decisions that are made based on information collected in the census: • Census data is used to allocate resources for public services such as funding for schools, hospitals and fire
departments. • Neighborhood improvements such as roads and bridges are planned using information gathered in the census and businesses rely on this data to decide where to set up factories, create jobs and set up retail services. • Interested in political representation? The census is used to determine how many seats each state is allocated in the House of Representatives. Although these are only a few of the decisions that are impacted by census data, they offer a brief snapshot of the key role the census plays in planning for a better future. So how are we doing since the 2020 U.S. Census was launched in April? Looking at overall response rates, the State of New York trails the nation by 5 percent. Otsego County? We are trailing by 12 percent! Otsego County’s rural townships have some of the
lowest census response rates. Fortunately, it is not to late to be counted! The census contains only 10 questions and takes roughly 10 minutes to complete. Otsego County households will be receiving a reminder postcard soon. Information for how to complete the census online can also be found at this web address https:// 2020census.gov/en.html. Lastly, the Cooperstown Farmer’s Market offers a great opportunity for completing the census. A census worker will again assist interested individuals with completing the census online 9 a.m. - 2 p.m Saturday, July 25. If you have already completed the census, please tell friends, neighbors or coworkers about the importance of the census and how easy it is to be counted. Thanks for considering! JULIE SORENSEN LIANE HIRABAYASHI Co-Presidents League of Women Voters, Cooperstown Chapter
Environmentalists Score Republican Legislators Poorly To the Editor: Sustainable Otsego has reviewed the current environmental voting records of local Republican incumbents in the state legislature, and the results are disastrous. They have among the worst environmental records in Albany.
The evidence is found in the “Environmental Scorecard” published annually by the Environmental Planning Lobby and its sister organization, Environmental Advocates, both based in Albany. The Scorecard evaluates votes taken in the state Assembly and the state
Senate on a range of environmental issues. In the most recent report, on the 2019 session of the legislature, Assemblyman John Salka of the 121st District, which includes central Otsego County, and Assemblyman Brian Miller of the 101st District, which
includes western Otsego County, are found near the bottom of the pack, having cast a series of nearly identi cal anti-environmental votes. Salka and Miller both voted against the Climate Leadership & Community Please See KUZMINSKI, A6
Wear Those Pesky Masks!
‘T
After all, many places he Economy Won’t Get Health- had very low numbers (at ier While America least, what they could see, a Gets Sicker” was the topic for another column). headline on Alan Blinder’s What is very frustrating is op-ed in the Wall Street that the very people who Journal Friday, July 17. “To were demanding the right to avert a double-dip recession, go back to work and to get crush the virus,” said the out of the house – once they former Federal Reserve vice were given these privileges chair and Harvard back, demonstrated professor. exactly the behavior He makes a very which would allow good case that the the virus to take off shape of the ecoagain and therefore nomic recovery close us down and would follow the reverse the economy shape of the disonce more. ease. If the disease Where is the logic crested quickly, the in that? economy would In an editorial in RICHARD show a sharp July 14 edition of STERNBERG V-shaped curve the Journal of the and come back almost as quickly. If the virus had multiple spikes, we could easily see additional recessions to match the viral spikes. That’s what appears to be happening in the United States now. People are paying for a too early reopening in places by increases in cases and deaths. But to my mind was it too early a reopening or a failure to kill the monster while it was down.
American Medical Association, CDC Director Robert Redfield makes a very brave stand, contradicting his ultimate boss. In reviewing other studies, he says, “Covering mouths and noses with filtering materials serves two purposes: personal protection against inhalation of harmful pathogens and particulates, and sourcePlease See STERNBERG, A6
EDITORIAL: What’s More, We Should Know Where Outbreaks Are Happening EDITORIAL/From A4 leading town officials – and the people they may have come in contact with – were safe. Happily, Falcone is now safely out of quarantine, too. Everything’s fine. • The online report led to declarations and accusations that HIPAA had been violated. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, passed to prevent the willy-nilly spread of computerized patient information when hospitals started installing Electronic Medical Records a decade ago. First, HIPAA covers health
professionals, not the rest of us. If Mary hears over coffee that John had a corn removed, she can tell Nancy – at least for now, thank goodness. It’s the foot doctor and his staff who are required to hold that information closely. Second, whatever surfaced between the gavel that opens the Springfield Town Board meeting – and any other public governmental entity – and the gavel that closes the meeting is “privileged.” Privileged means its public, period. That’s what democratic governance means, (coming from the Greek “demos,” the people, and “kratos,” the power to rule.) •
Here’s another thing: Medical facilities generally have used HIPAA – we won’t single out Bassett, in particular – to pretty much tell you whatever they want. Which isn’t much. For instance, when the coronavirus threat rose, the tents rising in parking lots of an unnamed local healthcare network for prospective testing – they were secret. No photos could be taken because – who knows? – part of a patient’s visage – an ear, maybe – might show up in a press photo. Funny thing, it’s been reported that 45 million patients’ computer records were breached in 2019, up from 15 million the year before.
In effect, any kid in the garage with a computer can get into your records, but it’s a secret if a public official gets sick? Should we laugh or cry? • A final point: During the coronavirus scare, the County of Otsego decided, if a case shows up in your hometown, they will notify the top elected official – by letter, it turns out – who, if he or she wishes, can tell the public, or not. Whether COVID-19 is walking down your Main Street is news to you, Mr. and Mrs. Citizen, can use, particularly in deciding whether or not – please, do – to
wear a mask. This week, Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig reported three of the seven new cases that surfaced were in Oneonta; Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch reported one case in that village. That is as it should be. The county should change its policy, and report the communities where the virus has surfaced. Short of that, the top elected official in the individual municipalities should do so, routinely. Just email info@AllOTSEGO. com. We’re happy to share this critical information with your constituents.
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
KUZMINSKI: GOP Anti-Earth BURNS: Only Rational Response, Remove You From Society
KUZMINSKI/Fron A5 Protection Act, the Environmental Rights Act, the Environmental Justice for All Act, and against banning the pesticide Chlorpyrifos (linked to brain damage in children). Miller additionally voted against the Child Safe Products Act and Salka against the Oil & Natural Gas Drilling and Prohibition Act. The evidence is ovewhelming: Out of a total of 150 Assemblymen, according to the Scorecard, 119 have better records than Salka and Miller, who rank among the 22 worst environmental legislators in the Assembly. (Nine Assemblymen had incomplete voting records.) Peter Oberacker, running for the vacant 51st State Senate District seat that includes Otsego County, does not have a state record to evaluate. He made his mark, however, by casting the lone vote on the county board against following New York State reopening guidelines he considered far too narrow and restrictive. Leaving his constituents exposed to the ravages of COVID-19, including unnecessary loss of
life, apparently didn’t bother him. It seems that Oberacker is as likely to be as environmentally irresponsible in the Senate, if not more so, than Salka and Miller have been in the Assembly. The retiring Republican incumbent, Jim Seward, has endorsed Oberacker. Seward has long had one of the worst environmental records in the state Senate, according to past Scorecards. Seward, like many Upstate Republicans, has helped worsen climate change, compromised our renewable energy future, opposed banning agricultural chemicals proven to be harmful, and favored more fracking and oil and gas exploration. His endorsement of Oberacker is a signal of more of the same. Fortunately, voters have a choice. They can vote this fall for Dan Buttermann instead of John Salka, Chad McEvoy instead of Brian Miller, and Jim Barber instead of Peter Oberacker. ADRIAN KUZMINSKI Fly Creek
isopropyl alcohol and put them in your sweatshirt pocket. The jury knew that to be true because they saw the video of you doing this. You then walked directly towards Ms. Engler’s apartment with the alcohol still in your pockets. The jury knew this to be true because they saw the video of you walking towards Ms. Engler’s apartment. Minutes later someone poured isopropyl alcohol under the door of Ms. Engler’s apartment and lit it on fire. All 12 members of the jury found beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the person who started the fire and that your intent in setting the fire was to kill Heather Engler out of jealously and anger. Your cowardly and self-centered actions stand in stark contrast to the actions of the other individuals involved in this case. John Heller who was visiting his fiancé in an upstairs apartment had devoted much of his life to public service. He believed, as many good people in our community believe, that he had an obligation to serve others above himself. He lived out his convictions. ...John Heller’s sacrifice ... stands in stark contrast to your own conduct. You
were found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of a cowardly act motivated by your own anger and self-regard. You attempted to kill Heather Engler because she stood you up for a date and went to a bar with another man. In doing so, you directly caused the death of John Heller. You left other residents of that apartment building homeless and caused them to lose the possessions that make up the fabric of their lives. The only rational response from a civilized society to your actions is to remove you from society for the maximum period of time allowed by law. Accordingly, I hereby sentence you to life in prison without the possibility of parole for your crime of murder in the first degree. For your conviction of murder in the second degree, I sentence you to serve 25 years to life in prison. For your conviction of a second count of murder in the second degree, I sentence you to 25 to life in prison. For your conviction of Arson, I sentence you to 25 years to life in prison. You are hereby remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff to serve your sentence.
SISTER-IN-LAW: You Stole Childhood From 4 Young Boys VICTIM/From A4
never even got a chance to live. Babies who we all so looked forward to meeting, who we will never get to know. the COVID-19 virus. Only For four young boys, you stole childpeople’s preventive behavior hood and innocence and peace of mind: can bring COVID-19 virus • There is an 11-year-old who is afraid under control until, and to go to sleep every night. Because when very possibly beyond, when he was 9, he was forced to learn that one successful vaccines can be day he could go to bed – and that might developed and given to every be the last thing he ever does. Because person on Earth. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is thanks to you, one night it was almost the last thing he ever did. What should be the apolitical and an equal oppormost simple, relaxing part of his day is tunity killer. terrifying to him. So, how we live, or if we • There is a 9-year-old who not only has continue to live, is entirely up to all living persons doing their to remember the hell you put him through when he was just 7, but who had to have the part to stop this out-of-control skin you maimed cut out of his small body. COVID-19 pandemic. He still suffers from pain in that injury Time will tell if we all have and will likely need more medical treatwhat it takes, to care enough ment to fix it. He will have to see his burn about life itself, to save our scars for the rest of his life … an everown lives. JAMES R. DEAN present reminder that he was the very last Cooperstown person to touch or see his uncle alive.
DEAN: Stopping COVID Up To Us
DEAN/From A4 19. Some looser-fitting, lighterduty masks, can help protect ourselves and others to an adequate degree. Other masks, like the N95 level masks, can help protect ourselves and others to a higher degree. Either way, any mask can help everyone to some degree, and they are critical to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Combining mask use with social distancing, is an even higher level of self and other protection, than the mask or social distancing used separately, in my view. People are the carriers, the spreaders, and the targets of
JUDGE/From A4 You’re 35 years of age. That means, from the time you were in your late teens you continually broke the law, you led a life of thievery, dishonesty, selfishness and violence. All of your actions have been motivated by your own self-interest and has demonstrated your utter lack of concern for lives or well-being of those around you. Accordingly, I find your words today to be empty of meaning and utterly unpersuasive. I give them no heed. My attention today is focused on determining the proper sentence for your actions which caused the death of John Heller. A jury determined that on the evening you set fire to Heather Engler’s apartment, you first initiated a violent confrontation with her friend because you were angry and jealous that she was at a bar with another man. You were arrested for your conduct, and upon your release in the early morning hours you went to your barber shop located in the City of Oneonta. The jury knew this to be true because they saw the video of you entering the shop on Ford Avenue. Inside the shop, you picked up two bottles of highly flammable
• There is a 6-year-old who doesn’t fear monsters or boogeymen in the closet, but who, instead, has nightmares about a horrible man climbing through his window and setting his bed on fire while he sleeps. Because when he was just 5, YOU became the face of all that is EVIL to him. • There is a 4-year-old who spends bedtime recounting the details of the night he woke up and couldn’t breathe, more often than he asks for a story. He talks at great length about how, when he was just 2, he got thrown out a window by his uncle, who was so desperate to get his nephews to safety that the littlest one almost fell head first, 30 feet down onto the pavement. Then he shows me where the bruises on his leg were, where Amber caught him and pulled him back up to safety. He is the tiniest survivor and has to know that he almost died, not once, but twice – in one horrific night. Your pitiful choices have left so many more victims, who weren’t even in the
house that night – countless friends and family that will grieve this great loss, forever. Parents who had to bury their beloved child. A brother who lost his only sibling. A mother who will never again feel like she is keeping her young boys safe enough. Your obvious lack of regard for anybody but yourself has left an endless path of destruction. Shame on you. I have no doubt that if given the chance, you would destroy more lives, to suit your own needs. While you rot away in a cage, I want you to remember this moment. When somebody hurts you in there, as they most definitely will, you think of John and my son and the agony you caused them. The agony you’ve caused all of us. Then consider yourself lucky that the police got their hands on you before any of us did. We are all serving a life sentence because of the selfish decisions you made. You should have to do the same.
STERNBERG: To Revive Economy, Make Tiny Sacrifice, Wear Mask STERNBERG/From A5 control to prevent exposing others to infectious microbes that may be expelled during respiration.” He continues, “When asked to wear face coverings, many people think in terms of personal protection. But face coverings are also widely and routinely used as source control. “For instance, if given the choice between having surgery performed
by a team not wearing some covering over their mouths and noses vs. a team that does, almost all patients would reject the former. “This option seems absurd because it is known that use of face coverings under these circumstances reduces the risk of surgical site infection caused by microbes generated during the surgical team’s conversations or breathing. Face coverings do the
same in blocking transmission of SARS-CoV-2.” In a webcast for JAMA Live on July 14, Redfield told the audience, “If we could get everybody to wear a mask right now, I really think in the next four, six, eight weeks, we could bring this epidemic under control.” So, there you have it. The nation’s – and one of the world’s – foremost epidemiologist couldn’t have said it
much clearer. You want to go back to work and recreation, get our economy rolling again, and save the lives or health of the ones you love or care for, all you have to do is wear a little one- to two-ounce mask. You can even take it off when you absolutely won’t come in contact with anyone. All will be right with the world, more or less. As I said before, I am completely at
AllOTSEGO.homes
a loss to understand why people who most desperately want things normal again won’t make a minimal, no cost sacrifice. This is not rocket science. Even the Tin Woodsman would have understood this. Richard Sternberg, a retired Bassett Hospital orthopedic surgeon, has agreed to provide his professional perspective while the coronavirus threat continues.
157 Main Street,Cooperstown 607-547-5740
www.hubbellsrealestate.com
29-acre Estate
(8579) Executive ranch w/5 BRs, 3+ baths, first-floor living, cherry floors, French doors, wrap-a-round deck, 7-zone heat, central air. Custom kitchen has sitting area, fireplace. Master suite, guest suite. Second floor game room/office. 3-car garage. Private setting w/panoramic views. Cooperstown Schools.
Hubbell’s Exclusive—$825,000
Hidden Setting on 210 Acres
(8731) Needs work. Private domain w/5,900'+ road frontage. Bring your dreams to this 2-BR, vintage-style home w/commanding valley views. Secluded sitee on a country site w/exceptional vistas. Barns. So easy to love, so easy to live in! Just 7 miles from Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools.
Hubbell’s Exclusive—$415,000
55 Elm Street, Oneonta Lovingly renovated 3-story modern Victorian offers grand foyer w/open staircase, library, LR, DR, den, butler’s pantry, kitchen w/breakfast area, full bath. Gorgeous high ceilings, brass hardware, wood fireplace, deep moldings, window seats, built-ins. Second floor offers master BR w/dressing room, full bath, 2 BRs, balcony off the hall. Third floor has full bath, exercise room, 2 BRs. Renovations include: kitchen, all windows, heating system, oak floors on second floor, sun porch, new exterior clapboard, painting almost completed! Several decks, zen garden spots, heated 2-car garage. MLS#126907 $339,000
Lovingly Restored Greek Revival
Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land
99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580 This 1800s Greek Revival home sits on 8 beautiful acres w/garden areas, perennials, fenced area, outbuildings. Magnificent cook’s kitchen, gorgeous wood floors, gas fireplace, space galore, even a partially finished basement with 166 Main Street, Ste 1, Oneonta bathroom. This property is a gem, move in and make it yours! office 607.433.2873
www.oneontarealty.com
MLS#126739 $150,000
www.oneontarealty.com
Move Right In! This newly remodeled home offers 4-5 BRs, open floorplan, hardwood floors, laundry room on first floor, enclosed front porch, private rear deck. On the bus route and close to downtown—don’t miss this one! MLS#126834 $129,900
Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
At Monastery, Art Inspired By Divine
DIVINE/From A3 ture, vestments and much more. The exhibit opened July 14, and will be on display at the monastery’s museum, just 18 miles north of Cooperstown, through the end of the year. Of course, Perekrestov, who put on the nationally known “Last Days of the Tsar,” artifacts from the Romanovs, in 2018 – the 100th anniversary of the massacre
of the imperial family – has favorite pieces in this exhibit, too. His favorite, the “Amethyst Panagia,” a gold and silver medallion encrusted with amethysts and diamonds, worn by bishops on ceremonial occasions. In the central jewel, look closely and you’ll see a delicately etched image of the Virgin Mary. It was created by Jahn & Bolin, a St. Petersburg jeweler whose creations for
AmAzing Specials! Wine Wednesday BOGO Happy Hour Friday 50% off all pizzas, well drinks & beer & wine BOgO Friday First Come, First Served 5 - 8 pm 11am-10pm daily • Closed Mondays
5438 State Hwy 28 • Cooperstown • 607.282.4031 • www.boccaosteria.com
Dining room open soon!
new york pizzeria 2 large plain pizzas $25* Tax included! Toppings extra
TAKE OUT Daily 11am-9:30pm
75 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-2930
Not valid w/other offers • 1 coupon per person
24 beers on tap HappY HoUr
5 to 8 pm Mexican Mondays 1/2 off Mex DisHes Wed. 50¢ Wings thurs. 1/2 off DrinKs
5418 State Highway 28, Cooperstown • 607.282.4525
the Russian court rivaled – the months of the year Faberge’s. – each containing tiny “It’s an extraordinary piece,” painted figure saints, one said the curator, brought to representing each day. the U.S. by Bishop Feofan “I have no idea how long Gavril when the White it would have taken the Russian Army collapsed, the iconographer to paint this,” Bolsheviks were in ascenPerekrestov said. dance, and he joined the A third? “Bishop’s first Russian diaspora. Sakkos,” a brocade, silk, The diaspora not only velvet, sequined, with brought refugees to this paste gemstones and brass country, they brought fittings, that Julien Bryan, a Jim Kevlin/ OTSEGO.life treasures with them, many famed World War II filmMichael Perekrestov examines hundreds of tiny hundreds of which have maker (the only independent saints in the Mineya Icon, an ornate and detailed been willed over photographer church calendar. the decades to there when the by the quality of these all over North America, the monastery Nazis invaded the U.K., Russia, New – it is one of the Warsaw) bought pieces,” the curator said. “These are museum Zealand, Saudi Arabia – and centers of the for a song in pieces,” the man told Bryan. Namibia, of all places,” Orthodox Church the gift shop “You need to keep them the Perekrestov said with surprise. in the U.S. at Moscow’s way you are.” And so the “Revealing the Divine” This exhibit National Hotel vestment was saved. features 160 objects in all, draws on 12 in 1935. Though the monastery, including photographs collections (The with its gold domes and of objects being seized by from around Soviet Union, minarets, seems timeless, Soviet troops and contemthe Northeast, Perekrestov the coronavirus threat has porary icons and paintings. including the explained, Look closely, and brought innovation, even But it’s the earlier work Byzantine would sell see the Virgin here, in the form of Second that captivates Perekrestov. Catholic Eparchy Mary etched in the seized church Saturday virtual lectures. “When people say art, we of Passaic, N.J. central gem. artifacts to The third, on July 11, think of self-expression. and a private obtain foreign featured Nick Nicholson, That’s a modern notion,” collection in Virginia. currency.) the monastery’s director he said. “Most art is very A close second is Mineya Bryan returned to the of development, lecturing closely connected to religion Icon, a 30-by-30-inch calen- U.S. through the Far East, – art didn’t exist outside the dar on wood built around intending to cut up the Sakkos on “Black Gold: Russian Lacquer, 18th-20th religious context. a central image of Christ’s and like garments for other Century.” “That’s eye-opening for descent into Hell. It is uses. Arriving in Seattle, the “People watched from many people.” bordered by 12 segments Customs’ agent “was floored
All
Again, Hyde Hall Mansion Becomes A Home MANSION/From A3 The biggest project, due to be completed this fall, is the Bramah Water Closet, patented in England in 1778, the first flush toilet west of the Hudson River. “Hyde Hall had central heating, modern lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and a flush toilet,” he said. “It was
AllOTSEGO.
►IF YOU GO: The Hyde Hall National Historic Mansion, nine miles north of Cooperstown on County Route 31, is open for tours of up to six people. For reservations, call (607) 547-5098, ext. 7, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
very modern.” The Bramah used a “Dutch drop” to activate water from a cistern above, as well as a flap to send
wastewater down the pipes. The complete mechanism was found in storage, and though the ceramic bowl – known to the British as
dining&entertainment
Japanese Cuisine
Take out · Order Online 211 Main Street · Oneonta 607-431-9999 • 607-431-9118 tokyooneonta.com Mon-Sat: 11 am to 10 pm | Sun: Noon to 9 pm
at home
Now closer to you! Convenient weekly pickups in New Hartford & Hamilton - Friday Cooperstown & Dewitt - Saturday
Seasonal, Delicious & Distinctive Please check our ever evolving Menu on the Website or sign up for weekly emails at
HornedDorsetInn.com We will reopen the dining room ... at some point!
Order by phone (315) 855-7898
a “pan” – was destroyed, funding has made it possible to do a complete restoration. The toilet, tucked under the main staircase, includes a vent for the home’s central heating system – a similar rarity in those days. “It was often used by the ladies,” he said. “You wouldn’t want to be uncomfortable, after all.” In 1825, John Quincy Adams had the first water closet installed in the White House; the Hyde Hall water closet was installed just five years later. “For so long, all we’ve had on display is the curved door,” Maney said. “But we hope to have it finished by fall.” Unfortunately, the toilet will not be functional, even for a ceremonial flush – at least for right now. “We’re leaving that open as a possibility,” he said. Being closed for an extra few months allowed them to complete additional projects, including the Maple Stair Hall, with a new coat of paint to match the original colors. “This ‘Iron Mountain Grey’ was very fashionable at the time,” he said. “It really shows off the molding, and the Tiger Maple staircase now pops.” All that awaits now, he said, is a new carpet by Rabbit Goody’s Thistle Hill Weavers in Cherry Valley. A carpet was also installed in the front room, and letters to the Hyde family gave them more of a clue about where the “Gallery of the Louvre” painting was hung in the drawing room. “It’s beginning to feel more like a home,” he said. The smaller groups have allowed guides to change how they give tours. “We’ve started doing what we call dialogic tours,” Maney said. “They’re more conversational, we get people to respond and engage, to share their impressions of Hyde Hall.” And although visitors won’t be able to flush the toilet, next year they’ll be able to try out the bell system, which is also in the process of being restored. “Each bell had a different tone, depending on where it was in the house,” he said. “The servants knew each one. But being able to not just see Hyde Hall, but to hear it, will really make the experience something they can get involved in.”
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
15 Local COVID Cases Since July 1 Cooperstown AWAKENS/From A1 ing seen throughout the rest of the region. “We are not in any short-term, visible jeopardy of not moving forward with reopening,” said Herzig. “We need to continue to be vigilant and take all precautions.” In all, the county has had 93 confirmed cases, with five deaths. Looking at the new cases in context makes them less worrisome, said county Board Chairman David Bliss, the other local member of the regional control room. While half the new cases are in southern Otsego County, “they aren’t bunched up in any one place.,” he said. A quarter are healthcare workers. And four of the cases are two couples, a husband and wife. “If you count households,” he said, “that cuts the number significantly. That cuts the quarantine spots.”
“I think, like a lot of places, it just comes and goes,” said Bliss. “We have to be careful about county people who travel out of the county to other states. But people are going to continue to get it until we get herd immunity or a vaccine.” Meanwhile, he urged people to social distance and wear masks. On Monday, June 20, 206 people were tested. “We’re ramping testing back up,” Bond said. Currently, Bassett Healthcare is only testing those who are symptomatic. But with the rise in cases, Bond said, her Health Department will be setting up testing sites for anyone who wants to get a test. The locations have not yet been determined, but Bond is hoping they’ll be in a rural setting where citizens may not have as much access to health care.
Quarantine Scofflaws May Escape Oversight SCOFFLAWS/From A1 “One of the cases we had was a resident who went to Florida and tested positive when she came back,” said Bond. Travelers who fly into New York State are required to sign a state Department of Health traveler form, which states that they will quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state. Failure to sign the form can result in a $2,000 fine and mandatory quarantine. From there, Bond said, the state notifies the counties where the travelers are headed so that local health departments can follow up. “Most people are cooperative,” she said. “But sometimes, people don’t get back to us. Those quarantines can be difficult to enforce.” Some have called in to report on a neighbor or
family member refusing to self-quarantine, and Bond’s staff is now asking the caller for names, addresses and phone numbers to make it easier for a contact tracer. “This way, we can see who has traveled and follow up with them,” she said. Similarly, those who travel by car could go undetected unless they self-reported, which the governor’s executive order requires. On Monday, July 20, Cooperstown Village Board voted to draft a letter to be sent out to all short-term rental properties – hotels, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnbs – requiring them to inform travelers from the 41 high-risk states of the twoweek quarantine requirement. Only eight states are exempt from Cuomo’s order.
“These businesses have an obligation to tell their guests about their quarantine responsibilities,” said Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch. “The state was reporting who was flying in, but travelers who were driving in were the weakest link.” The village has created a FAQ – frequently asked questions – that is posted on the village website, and on sites tourists would check; it includes links to the state mandates. Failure for businesses to comply could have heavy ramifications. “If we found out that a business was letting people stay without notifying them of the quarantine, we would take that into consideration when issuing their short-term rental registration next year,” she said.
Paycheck Protection Program Has Been Extended...
Plans To Force Mask-Wearing
MASKS/From A1 newly encouraged sidewalk cafés, are too narrow to allow social distancing. Mandating masks is the only option. In Oneonta, the police department has already begun to enforce mandatory wearing of masks. Mayor Gary Herzig said he believes the city has the authority, under Governor Cuomo’s emergency orders, to do so. “My instructions to police are to enforce mask wearing in the business district,” he said. “They are carrying a supply of cloth masks; if they see someone not wearing a mask, they will notify them of the requirement and hand them one, free of charge. “If they refuse, police can issue citations and a fine,” he said. Martin Tillapaugh called Cooperstown’s situation “a little unique … We know, as long as you’re social distancing, you don’t have to wear a mask. The dilemma here is we can’t social distance, so you have to wear a mask.” The law – 14 New York State communities are considering similar ones – would require masks to be worn on Main from Chestnut to Fair, and on Pioneer from Church to Lake. Already, the mayor said, she has directed village patrolmen to walk the beat and check into stores on Main Street, to ensure masks are being worn. The local police officers can only issue citations, she emphasized. Otsego Town Justice Gary Kuch would then determine how great the fines would be: up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for businesses. As of Tuesday, July 21, Officer David Kuzminski, the officer on duty, said no citations had been issued. “Everybody’s very compliant,” he said. “Everybody’s doing a great job” of wearing masks.
The
job scene To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103
Sportsfield Specialties Inc., North American leader in sports construction equipment located in Delhi, NY is looking for high-energy, positive, and flexible candidates for the following seasonal and full-time positions:
CNC Operators • Machinists Welding • Shipping & Receiving General Laborer Requirements: Must be 18 years of age with High School Diploma or equivalent along with 2 years of relevant manufacturing experience. Overtime and occasional weekend work required during summer months. High growth potential and Salary DOE. To apply, submit application online at www.sportsfieldspecialties.com, apply in person at 41155 State Highway 10, fax your resume to (607) 746-3107 or mail to Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.
Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals
Senior Accountant Finance/HR Assistant Building Healthy Families Support Specialist
Residential Associates at OFO shelters (FT, PT & Sub - all shifts; addl. shift pay avail. for qualifying shifts)
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.
We’re still accepting PPP applications for loan amounts
PROUD to be a
DSP
as low as 1,000 $
• Simple Application Process • Same Day Funding • Payment Deferral
Meet Tim, one of our many creative and compassionate overnight staff who has been committed to Springbrook for over 25 years. Through this uncertain time, Springbrook has provided stable work with no layoffs for 1,000’s of employees, and we hire every day.
• One on One dedicated support • Loan Forgiveness may be available
Contact Us: Businessbanking@sidneyfcu.org 877-642-7328
If you are looking to start a career with meaning, we invite you to join our overnight team. Offering paid training, paid vacation and sick time, and more great benefits, see how
Springbrook can invest in you.
YOU CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE
sfcuonline.org
Apply today at www.SpringbrookNY.org
Federally Insured by NCUA
Legal
Legal
Legal nOtice The Annual Meeting of the Lakewood Cemetery Association Lot Holders and the election of the Board of Directors will be held beginning at 0900 on Tuesday August 18, 2020 at the Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Since the meeting will be held outdoors participants are requested to bring camp or lawn chairs. Rain Date will be Thursday August 19, 2020. For additional information contact Hank Nicols at 607547-9357 President: Milo Stewart, Vice President James Dow, Secretary / Treasurer
Legal
Henry Nicols. Directors: Tim Feury, Margaret McGown, Merillyn O’Connell, JoAnn Hubbell, Patty Ashley 1LegalJul.23 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of AMERICAN MAIN
Legal
LEGALS
STREET PROJECT LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 06/26/20. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 81 Spruce St., Oneonta, New York,
Legal
13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalAug.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name:
Legal
Rainbow Pond LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/23/2020. 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: 23 Washington
Legal
St., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863 Purpose: Any lawfull purpose. 6LegalAug.13 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION of PJM UPSTATE PROPERTIES LLC A Limited Liability Company.
Legal
Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on June 12, 2020. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be
►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.
Legal
served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: Troy Muller, 2690 Co. Hwy. 35, Schenevus, NY 12155. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalJul.30
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
Truitt Gets Longest Jail Term In D.A.’s Tenure
TRUITT/From A1 Truitt had been found guilty at a six-day January trial of killing Heller, who died rescuing his fiancée, Amber Roe, and his four nephews after the accused set fire to an apartment house where they lived. According to testimony that led to the guilty verdict, Truitt was trying to murder his girlfriend, Heather Engler, after a fight. So he set fire to her apartment a floor below Heller’s, and flames swept up the stairs. “This is the correct sentence for him,” said Muehl. “When you’re dealing with a 34-yearold who has such a violent personality that is willing to set a building with six apartments on fire because he is mad at his girlfriend, what is he going to do when something really goes wrong in his life?” Roe, as well as all four boys, Rawley, Maddox, Donovan and Macall, were in the courtroom as their mother, John’s sister-in-law Erika Heller, read the victim’s impact statement on behalf of the family. “You stole John from us,” she said. “For four young boys, you stole childhood and innocence and peace of mind. We are all serving a life sentence because of the selfish decision you made. You should have to do the same.” Truitt slouched in his seat as Heller read her statement.
“You want to roll your eyes at me?” Heller snapped at Truitt from the stand. “I’ve waited long enough to say all of this, you can show some respect.” “There is an 11-year-old who is afraid to go to sleep at night,” she continued. “There is a 9-year-old who will have to see his burn scars for the rest of his life, an ever-present reminder that he was the very last person to touch or see his uncle alive. There is a 6-year-old who doesn’t fear monsters in his closet because when he was 5, you became the face of all that is evil to him. And there is a 4-year-old who knows that he almost died not once, but twice in one horrific night.” Truitt said “go to hell” to Heller as she walked off the stand. Burns offered Truitt a chance to make a statement before imposing sentencing. “I didn’t do it,” he said. “I’ll be back.” “Normally I don’t make a statement at sentencing,” said Muehl. “But Mr. Truitt may be one of the most dangerous people I have ever prosecuted.” In addition to the life sentence, Truitt was also sentenced 25-to-life on both charges of second-degree murder, and 25-to-life on the arson charge, the maximum sentence for each count.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9
IN MEMORIAM
Cooperstown - Everyone said that it was impossible to get a parking place and admission to the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Jane Goodwin Duel didn’t buy it. She and a close friend left Warren before dawn in her light blue VW convertible bug with the Rolls Royce hood, car festooned with international flags and packed with helium balloons. Arriving at the Olympic checkpoints, their festive phaéton was waved through. In short order they had tickets to the women’s giant slalom and men’s figure skating, seeing Robin Cousins win the gold medal – and they picnicked on Mirror Lake in between. Intrepid, optimistic and with a profound gift for friendship, Jane Duel lived life to its fullest. She died peacefully at Cooperstown Center Nursing and Rehab on July 14, 2020. Born in Baltimore on Dec. 16, 1938, to Dr. Mary Stewart Hooke Goodwin and Dr. Thomas Campbell Goodwin, Jane, who went by Jenny in Vermont, grew up in Cooperstown, where her parents moved in the early 1940s to work at Bassett Hospital. The Drs. Goodwin’s distinguished careers included groundbreaking work in pediatrics, especially in the field of childhood communication disorders. Jane graduated from the Emma Willard School, studied significantly,” said Mayor Gary at Wellesley College, eventuDINING/From A1 ally graduating from Columbia Herzig. “When I was down pandemic, Theresa Czeski University. Her talents and there during the afternoon, it of Theresa’s Emporium said was a very festive atmosphere.” things felt like they were get“It’s perfect,” said Jennifer ting back to normal. Renwick, who had a sandwich “It felt like old Oneonta from Wise Guy’s Sammys. “It’s again,” she said. “It was the nice to be able to sit down and best Saturday we’ve had since COOPERSTOWN – Anne eat outdoors. Take-out in front this all started.” Geddes-Atwell, 77, best of the TV gets old.” The first of eight “Oneonta known locally as a Town Because a mask is required Forward” events, which closed of Otsego Board member, on Main Street, three “Safety Main Street to traffic on SatTown of Otsego supervisor Stations” were set up, with urday, July 18, drew people hand sanitizer and masks avail- and Rotary Club volunteer, downtown for safe, socially died on July 12,2020, at the distanced shopping and outdoor able for anyone who didn’t Cooperstown Center. have one. dining. Born Margaret Anne Geddes “People are happy to be It was not a huge crowd, on July 1, 1943, in Calgary, out,” said Betsy Holland, but does anyone want a huge Alberta, Canada, Anne was crowd as the coronavirus threat Drnek’s wife, who was volunthe daughter of famed mounteering at one of the stations. continues? “It was everything we hoped “They feel like they can be safe tain climber Alvin B. Geddes and educational pioneer Olive here.” it would be,” said Council (Oke) Geddes. She attended Though the tables the city member Mark Drnek, Eighth ordered did not arrive on time, the Banff School of Fine Art Ward, and a member of the and in 1964 received her restaurants made do with their Survive, Then Thrive task Bachelor of Arts degree from force, which helped the city put own, set in socially-distanced parking spaces in front of their the University of Alberta. She on the event. “Just with wordthen moved to the United restaurants. of-mouth, we had a very good “We’ll have even more next States for graduate studies, turnout.” week,” said Drnek. “Some who being awarded a Masters of “It’s the first time I’ve had didn’t think they were going to Arts from the University of the grill out,” said Klasik Iowa in 1967 and a Masters be on the street decided they Irving, who had Jamaican Jerk in Fine Arts from Cincinnati would, and others are expandchicken for diners waiting at University in 1968. ing their presence.” the tables stationed in front of Anne remained in academia Cooperstown’s Main Street his Capresso coffee shop. “It for over a decade. Her teachwas a little less bullish. smells great, but it tastes even ing credits include classes at “I love live music and I love better.” the University of Maryland, having it right downtown,” “I stayed open late,” said Mount Vernon College, Prince said Lori Fink, Tin Bin Alley Elizabeth Raphaelson, UnderGeorge’s Community College, proprietor. “We stayed open ground Attic. “I did double the late, but there wasn’t much of a Kirkland College and Anne amount of business I did last Arundel Community College. business impact. We saw a lot Saturday.” Through the mid/late sevenof people walking, but not too “Restaurants and businesses ties, she was appointed Artist many were shopping.” said their business increased in Residence at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md. Outside academia, Anne exhibited her paintings, drawings, silkscreens, ceramics and photography widely throughout the Annapolis/ Baltimore/Washington D. C. area, including at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington Grandma loved her farm, her family, D.C., where she was instrumental in furthering the and playing her old guitar. careers of women artists in Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time all disciplines. Later, in both to find out what made your loved one special. Annapolis and Fly Creek, Anne owned and operated Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding ln Cahoots, a well-respected a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, graphic design company. we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as It was in Annapolis that Anne, unique as she was. now an American citizen after a 1993 naturalization cerLester R. Grummons Funeral Home emony in Baltimore’s Camden 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 Yards, first demonstrated her abilities as a community leadwww.grummonsfuneralhome.com er. She served as president of
Oneonta Initiative Taking Off
Where YOUR personal design is OUR specialty 20% IN-STOCK MEMORIALS
OFF
Add’l lettering/carving extra
312 Chestnut St., Oneonta 557 St. Hwy 80 East, New Berlin 607-433-0975 • 607-847-6549
sicklermemorials.com • sicklerm@outlook.com
Jane G. Duel, 82 Dec. 16, 1938 - July 14, 2020
interests took her to teach Vermont. English near Mexico City, edit Through these years, Jane at Moderator Magazine in served on the Warren PlanPhiladelphia, and work in tele- ning Commission, and, as a vision production on the Merv Warren Justice of the Peace, Griffin Show in New York. loved officiating at weddings. A superb athlete, Jane was After the Pitcher Inn an avid tennis player and skiburned in a devastating fire, er. During the time her career in the Mad that she was marRiver Valley included ried to Arthur Duel, hosting a radio proski trips brought gram on WDEV and her to Sugarbush in work with the ChamWarren, Vt., where ber of Commerce. she started a new Jane returned to chapter of her life in Cooperstown in the the 1970s. late 1990s when Her hospitable offered an opportunature and culinary nity at New York State expertise led her to Historical Association/ Jane G. innkeeping – first Fenimore Art Museum Duel running her breakand Farmers’ Museum fast restaurant Reveille at Sgt. to direct group sales and Pepper’s Lodge, and then as events. a partner in and manager of Her love of animals — the Pitcher Inn. she always had at least one Jane made the Pitcher Inn devoted dog and several into a hub of local life. The cats of unique temperament door was always open, the — led her to work in developcoffee pot always on, and loyment at the Susquehanna al pets always eager to greet. SPCA, before joining Redpoint The dining room hosted rural Builders. As office manager resource meetings, National at Redpoint, she was proud Register of Historic Places to be a part of Tim Horvath’s nominations, and countless team and their work on other local civic functions. historic restorations and new Thespians performed Shakeconstruction. A dedicated speare in the backyard, a volunteer, Jane served on brass band played in the front boards and committees of yard in Warren’s bicentennial both the Cooperstown Friends celebration, and many memo- of the Library and Chamber rable fêtes filled the rooms. of Commerce. With “eggs reveille,” boatJane cherished time with loads of hollandaise on her her two brothers, Thomas eggs benedict, and blueberry Campbell Goodwin (Tommy) laden pancakes, she cooked and Daniel Hennessy Goodarguably the best breakfast in win. Both were Washington
D.C based for many years and she adored her visits there. An acclaimed filmmaker, Tommy was posthumously recognized with an Academy Award in 1992 as producer of the documentary “Educating Peter.” Daniel, who had been director of Smithsonian Press and Productions, consulted for NYSHA during the early 2000s with extended time in Cooperstown, a delight for both of them. From childhood through the end of her life, Jane had a gift for building friendships, always bringing with her a great sense of humor, unshakable political views, and sincere interest in the details as well as momentous events of her friends’ lives. She loved opera, flowers and her garden, and travel, particularly enjoying trips to Greece, Turkey and Cuba. Jane is survived by her sister-in-law Andrea Meditch and niece Alexandra M. Goodwin, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU Department of General Internal Medicine, and many, many friends – friends from childhood through new friends with caregivers at Cooperstown Center, and from every stage of her life in between. She is predeceased by her brothers and sister in law Dorothy L. Jackson. A private memorial will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers and in honor of her love of animals, donations to Susquehanna SPCA are welcome.
Anne Geddes-Atwell, 77 Artist Served Community
the Crabtowne Ski Club and Fly Creek: Celebrating Life in was instrumental in organizLeatherstocking Country.” ing the Eastport Yacht Club’s Depicting scenes both historical Holiday Lights Parade. An avid and contemporary, Anne’s sailor, Anne enjoyed teaching illustrations serve as a testapeople with disabilities how ment in ink to her love of to sail through the National the land and to the people Ocean Access Project. As coaround her. chair of the Annapolis Rotary As Town of Otsego Board Crab Fest, Anne once joined member from 2006 and Town Willard Scott on the Today of Otsego supervisor from show to promote the popular 2011 to 2015, Anne worked event. Also in Annapotirelessly to protect lis, Anne spent many that land for the cold hours ringing benefit of its people, the bell in a Salvation both in this and Army booth at the foot future generations. of Main Street. She successfully led On one winter day a campaign against in the early ’90s Anne the use of burn shared that assignbarrels. She opposed ment with a widower, fracking for natural and she and James gas with unyielding Atwell felt at once zeal. She protected Anne Geddesvery much at ease our land from the Atwell with one another. disposal of gas After they married on industry waste after Sept. 14, 1997, Anne took seeing first hand the devastathe hyphenated last name by tion that fracking had wrought which most of us knew her. in northern Pennsylvania. Anne and Jim took up resiShe wrote letters and op-eds, dence in Fly Creek, sharing participated in forums and the country life in a 1794 traveled to Albany to oppose farmhouse known as Mill fracking. Haven on a property called Her activism, which Stone Mill Acres. From the sometimes courted controday she arrived in Fly Creek, versy, broadened during and Anne endeared herself to her after the 2016 elections. neighbors by hosting elaboShe participated in the hisrate dinner parties, mostly toric 2017 Women’s March with homegrown food, and by in Washington. She attended inviting others to share in the several local book groups that life of the farm through such studied the most significant activities as sausage and political issues of the day. sauerkraut making. In the 2018 election, she Anne remained an active served as a local leader in Rotarian for more than two Antonio Delgado’s successful decades, serving a term as 19th District Congressional the Cooperstown Rotary Club campaign. president and adding an In her free time, Anne artistic touch to the club’s enjoyed nothing better than many fundraisers. Anne, spending time with her along with Jim, was recoganimals. She and Jim raised nized as a Harris Fellow by the Cooperstown Rotary. In addition, Anne was a Master Gardener and a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Anne hand-drew the illustrations for Jim’s 2005 collection of columns, “From
generations of sheep and pigs on Stone Mill Acres. Zach, Blue, Cora and Cassie were that dogs that Anne owned and loved on the farm and in Cooperstown. In her final days, Anne spent some of her happiest moments with Cassie. Anne is survived by Jim Atwell, her husband of over 22 years, by her sister Ruth and by other relatives throughout Canada, including many nieces and nephews who, as children, adored their “Auntie Anne.” To her family Anne gave the gift of years of genealogical research, the results of which she hand-delivered to her Alberta family in a memorable road trip during the summer of 2017. Anne intended that her body be donated to the Albany Medical Center for research purposes, but the current pandemic has blocked such donations. Accordingly, Tillapaugh Funeral Services has made arrangements for a local cremation. A portion of Anne’s ashes will be buried in her adopted USA, in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery; and part in the Union Cemetery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in a family plot close to the Rocky Mountains that Anne so loved. In addition, a memorial retrospective exhibition of Anne’s art and life, which will be open to the public, is in the planning stages. Specific dates and location will be widely advertised in the local media and on social media. Donations in Anne’s memory can be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, the Cooperstown Rotary Club or the American Cancer Society.
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020
A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
COVID-19 LEVELS OF EXPOSURE KEEPING YOURSELF & OTHERS SAFE
NON-ExpOSurE
IA
DG
E WIL
L
Cooperstown’s Newspaper
OUNDED
JU
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
•F
1808 BY
ONEONTA
R
IN
HOMETOWN
O M C O PE
6 FEET SOCIAL DISTANCING
For 212 Years
AllOTSEGO.com