The Freeman's Journal 05-27-21

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Dreams Park update opens tourism season

By KEVIN LIMITI

will be requiring a vaccine for all participating children and adults.

Dreams Park said on their website that the 2021 season would be the “first step toward a full reopening in 2022.”

Todd Kenyon, director of communications at the Fenimore Art Museum, said that he was optimistic about the upcoming summer and fall seasons.

“There’s always the unknown, but I can feel that people want to get out,” Kenyon said. “I’m hopeful they visit Cooperstown.”

The Fenimore is still requiring masks and social distancing indoors but outdoors, patrons will not need to be masked as long as they maintain social distancing.

The Fenimore is opening its summer season on Saturday, May 29, with an exhibit from pop artist Keith Haring called “Radiant Vision.”

The Glimmerglass Festival is also adapting to the return of less COVID restrictions by expanding its capacity through the sale of festival squares and tables.

Proof of either a vaccination or

negative COVID test will be necessary in order to attend, according to the Festval’s website.

Events being hosted at the Glimmerglass festival include the operas, “Il Trovatore,” “Songbird,” “Gods and Mortals” and “The Magic Flute.”

Cooperstown All Star Village in West Oneonta will be open with extra precautions against COVID including providing a negative COVID test 72 hours before arriving or proof of a COVID vaccine.

See TOURISM, Page A2

Cooperstown will halt enforcement of mask ordinance

By GREG KLEIN COOPERSTOWN - The village of Cooperstown will stop enforcing its mask mandate as it waits for the state to rescind Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive orders on the coronavirus pandemic.

The village’s Board of Trustees debated the issue at the end of a three-hour meeting Monday, May 24, in the village board room at 22 Main St., but decided against calling a public hearing on revoking the statute, which was passed in August.

The trustees voted unanimously to remove mask ordinance signs from in and around the village and to relax enforcement of the law. Trustee Richard Sternberg Greg Klein/The Freeman’s Journal was not at the meeting.

Cooperstown Police Chief Josh Edmonds shows design plans for a property at 10 Chestnut St., Frank Cavalieri said he has heard during a Board of Trustees meeting Monday, May 24, in Cooperstown

the executive orders on the pandemic will be revoked July 1.

Because the village needs time to advertise a public hearing, and because there are several already scheduled for the trustees meeting Monday, June 28, Village Attorney Martin Tillapaugh said the trustees could simply take the mask ordinance signs down and let it be known that enforcing it is no longer a priority for village officials. He called it a “tacit acknowledgement.”

In the past month, the Center for Disease Control and the state Department of Health have revised requirements for mask wearing, including no longer requiring people to wear masks in outdoor settings and no longer requiring people who are vaccinated to wear masks, leading See MASKS, Page A2

Film COOP to hold location tour for women filmmakers STAFF REPORT

COOPERSTOWN - Film COOP announced Thursday, May 27, that it produce a destination weekend OTSEGO.com will event to bring female film producers, directors and location scouts to the ►NEW LEADERS: Middlefield region in the fall to tour locations and Democratic Party announces meet local officials. new officers.

The Women in Film Peak Leaf ►VIRTUAL PLAY: OHS group Weekend Location Tour and Networkreleases performance of “Little ing Event will take place from ThursWomen: The Musical.” day, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 3, accord►COURT REPORT: Man appears in court for Halloween stabbing. ing to a media release from the nonprofit. ►COVID EXPOSURE: A recent Film COOP is the official film comvisitor to the Otsego County mission office for Otsego County, the Courthouse has tested village of Cooperstown, and the town positive for COVID. The county Department of Health and city of Oneonta. It is the pioneer, is doing contact tracing. and so far only, film commission office in what the state calls the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District.

The filmmakers will stay in Cooperstown for the weekend and tour

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There will be a dedication by the Cooperstown VFW of World War I and World War II memorial plaques at 2 p.m. on Saturday May, 29, outside the Pierstown Grange Hall in the town of Otsego.

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VFW dedication at Pierstown Grange

►DRAGON FIRE: Schenevus dominates Milford in Tri-Valley softball game. Page B3. ►HELLO AGAIN: Jeff Idelson returns to Cooperstown for a summer of stewardship at The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Page B3. ►ThE COOLEST RUNNER: Friends pay tribute to Richfield Springs marathoner John Sovocool, who died Thursday, May 20.

Page A4. ►Richard DUNCAN OBITUARY: The photographer who became known for Otsego County landscapes died Thursday, May 20.

Page B7. ►BASSETT CHANGES: Medical center support staff will transition to a new employment company, affecting as many as 500 positions. Page A3. ►DRIVE-BY PARADE: Springfield Fourth of July committee announces contest for holiday event. Page A3.

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The summer tourism season begins Memorial Day weekend, with businesses and attractions getting set for a better year now that COVID is The Cooperstown Memo- beginning to dissipate. rial Day Parade will start at After a run of team cancellations 11 a.m., Monday, May 31. earlier in the year, the Dreams Park The parade will begin at the baseball camp announced new protoCooperstown Veterans Club cols Monday, May 24. and make its way up Main St. The baseball camp in Hartwick to the Otsego County Court- Seminary will open Friday, July 23, house. Masks and social with no restrictions on social distancdistancing will be required. ing or mask wearing. However, they

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sites throughout Otsego County, as well as The Stanley Theater in Utica, which is one of the qualified production facilities on the tour. The other is Foothills Performing Arts and Convention Center in Oneonta.

According to Film COOP Board Chair Greg Klein, the details of the tour are still being worked out, but it will include sites in Cooperstown, Oneonta, Springfield, Middlefield, Maryland, Gilbertsville, Edmeston, Cherry Valley, Richfield Springs and more.

“The people who live in the region know we are the hidden gem of upstate New York,” Klein said in the media release. “So, our job is to let the people in the entertainment industry know that. To do so, we are offering them the chance to visit during one of the prettiest weekends in the fall to see all the filmable locations we have here.

“Our plan is to wine them, dine them

and trolley them all over Otsego, but do it at a rate that is heavily subsidized

by Film COOP, our donors and a couple of potential grants,” Klein said.

According to the media release, the cost of the trip is estimated to be about $1,500 per person, but the charge for the film makers is only $295 if they register by July 31 or $345 thereafter.

“I just reserved 13 rooms at fourstar hotels in Cooperstown, and $295 would pay for a one-night stay,” Klein said. “Instead, our filmmakers will get three nights here, plus lunches and dinners, transportation and entertainment.

I think it will be a great deal for them.”

Because of the cost and the possibility of continued social distancing and coronavirus rule, there are only 13 spots available for the weekend.

According to the media release, one spot on the tour is reserved for a diversity inclusion scholarship and will be See FILM, Page A2

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

June will be a month of public hearings in Cooperstown

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MASKS/from Page A1 municipalities to revise, repeal or revisit their laws.

Oneonta’s Common Council voted to amend its local law dealing with masks Tuesday, May 18, but that measure will still have to be approved by Mayor Gary Herzig after a public hearing Tuesday, June 1.

Cooperstown’s local law was tied to Cuomo’s To place effective employment ads, executive orders, meaning call 607-547-6103 it will go away once Cuomo relaxes his pandemic orders.

Because the Cooperstown law would not be changed until just before the pandemic orders are projected to disappear, Tillapaugh said he did not think it was worth the effort or expense for the village to undo its expiring laws.

Village employees took Now HiriNg down mask ordinance signs Breakfast Attendant at the village borders and on Main Street on Tuesday, Laundry Attendant May 25, and Cavalieri said Front-Desk Attendant his officers will not focus on All positions p/t & seasonal mask laws going forward, unless there is another spike Apply to: Ashley.camarata@rlodging.com in virus cases locally. or apply in person: In other business Monday, the trustees: Set public hear4758 St. Hwy. 28 • Cooperstown, NY EOE ings for Monday, June 28, for several issues, including

to consider granting a special-use permit to an apartment building at 10 Chestnut St. Co-owners Josh Edmonds and Francesca Zambello appeared at the meeting Monday, to show updates to their design and address misinformation about the project.

About a dozen members of the 20-person audience spoke during the public comment section of the meeting, most expressing praise or concerns about the Chestnut Street project.

Although the feedback was nearly evenly split between people in favor of and opposed to the project, a group of neighbors did say they were opposed to the project at its current size.

The proposal, which was designed by River Architects, a Hudson Valley firm specializing in sustainable architecture, is for a 13-apartment complex that mirrors the look, size and footprint of the current buildings on the three-lot property, some of all of which has been vacant for years. The apartments are a combination of studio,

one- and two-bedroom units, with 21 bedrooms total and therefore a zoning need for 21 parking spaces.

The trustees finished their SEQR work on the application and Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh outlined the process for the trustees and other village boards to consider the project.

Because of its density, it will require a special use permit, with other hearings to follow if that permit is granted. The look of the project will also be addressed separately, in the village’s Planning Board, Historical Preservation and Architectural Review Board and in the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Tillapaugh said the special use permit issue will not be decided June 28. Instead, the trustees will likely leave the public hearing open that night and decide the matter at a special meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 12, with a location to be announced later. The meeting June 28, could be held at a special location, too, Tillapaugh said, to allow a larger crowd.

The trustees voted unanimously to make the summer a special event, the Summer Sidewalk Season, from Friday, May 28, to Monday, Oct. 11. By making the tourism season a special event, restaurants and vendors can apply for free permits to offer outdoor vending and table service.

The trustees also set public hearings for June 28, to consider filling out a Consolidated Funding Application, to consider the use of private benches on public property and to consider the use of village licenses.

“For next month’s meeting, we’re obviously loading it up with public hearings,” Tillapaugh said.

On-street paid parking will begin again in the village, starting Saturday, May 29.

The paid parking season will continue through Columbus Day. Paid parking is in effect on parts of Main, Pioneer, Chestnut and Fair streets from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, as well as in the Doubleday Field parking lot.

Hyde Hall, in the town of Springfield, will reopen Saturday, May 29.

John Aborn

Tourism sites making efforts to boost season TOURISM/Continued from Page A1 All public indoor facilities will require masks and social distancing however outdoors will only require social

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distancing.

Masks are to be worn in the dugouts. Pin trading will be allowed only outside and they recommend wearing a batting glove.

The Baseball Hall of Fame is opening with expanded summer hours starting Sunday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., although the Hall of Fame’s Bullpen Theater, Learning Center and Sandlot Kids Clubhouse will remained closed.

Neoclassical mansion Hyde Hall is also opening its doors with COVID guidelines Saturday, May 29, for

events, tours and concerts.

The mansion is going to be showing 19th-century clothing include a butler’s uniform, a gown dated in the 1830s, a livery uniform and a hunting outfit in a Flash Exhibit.

The exhibit will run from May 29, to Sunday, June 13.

Other events include a ghost hunt, a German singspiel, Chatham Baroque and Robin and Linda Williams.

Tours will run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Sunday, Oct. 31.

Go to www.hydehall.org for more information.

Tour will focus on working directors, producers, scouts FILM/Continued from Page A1 paid for by a grant or donor, with no cost to the participant.

Klein said in the media release that the tour and the scholarship were ideas generated by the Film COOP Board of Directors and its destination weekend subcommittee.

“The idea for the weekend event happened organically,” Klein said in the media release. “When we formed in 2020, our board just happened to be a majority of women, including two large subgroups, women who lived here that had impressive resumes in the industry and professional women who were experts in other areas of nonprofits and board management.

“I think the Oscars had announced some initiatives toward helping women filmmakers at about that time,” he continued, “so I thought, ‘why don’t we lean into this and create a Film COOP Women in Film group?’ When we got a subcommittee together to discuss an event, the location tour seemed like a good first step. Our goal is to meet a group of active film makers and encourage them to bond with each other, our region and Film COOP. With the leaves traditionally near peak that weekend, I think we have a good shot at achieving the middle goal, in any event.”

To find out more information about the tour, email Klein at greg@film-coop.com or call 315-527-3082. Or go to www. film-coop.com or Film COOP on Facebook to learn more about the film commission.

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Wall work

Bassett announces partnership with tech employment company

By KEVIN LIMITI

Korey Rowe/The Freeman’s Journal

Antony Leanardo of Oneonta paints “the wall” in preparation for the Hartwick College graduation Saturday, May 29.

Springfield will host ‘drive-by parade’ for Fourth of July SPRINGFIELD – The annual Fourth of July Parade in Springfield Center will not be taking place this year in the usual form, but the parade committee announced Monday, May 24, that all individuals, families and groups in the town of Springfield are invited to participate in a Fourth of July “Drive-By Parade.”

The dates for the drive-by parade are Thursday, July 1, through Monday, July 5.

Judging will take place on Saturday, July 3.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Essential America.”

According to a media release from the parade committee: “Decorate your home, porch, yard or place of business for Independence Day. Take the opportunity to say thanks to essential workers, show us what you think is most essential about America, or just have fun!”

Parade maps will be available online and also at the Convenience Corner store at the intersection of Route 20 and state Route 80 in Springfield Center.

Names and descriptions of entries will be included with the map.

The following prizes will be awarded: first place, $125; second place, $75; third place, $50; honorable mentions, $25.

An registration form can be found online or on the group’s Facebook page.

Participants must be registered to be eligible for prizes.

Registration is free.

The deadline for entries is June 20.

For more information call 315-858-0304.

There will also be a drive-through chicken barbecue on Sunday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until sold out, at the Springfield Community Center, 129 Co Rd 29A in Springfield Center.

Brooks’ barbecued chicken halves and dinners, whole homemade pies from the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, and Springfield Fourth of July “Essential America” T-shirts will be available for purchase.

Take-out only. Cash or checks accepted.

There will be no pre-orders taken this year.

Chicken halves: $7 each; chicken dinners (includes baked potato, coleslaw and roll): $11 each; pies (strawberry rhubarb, blueberry, pecan, apple, raspberry and cherry): $15.00 each; shirts: $10 each Proceeds from barbecue sales will benefit next year’s Fourth of July Parade and Celebration in Springfield.

Bassett Healthcare announced Tuesday, May 25 that they will be collaborating with Optum, a healthcare innovation company, in order to streamline health services through the use of technology, making providing care less expensive and more efficient.

About 500 Bassett employees will be given the option of transitioning to work with Optum.

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett, said the move would “really improve our

business practices” allowing Bassett to “focus on a patient centered environment.”

“We will capitalize on the efficiency to allow us to reinvest in our communities,” Ibrahim said, which would allow the company to make “better value and affordable care for our patients.”

This move would “allow us to remain as a community government independent health company,” Ibrahim said.

Mike Valli, executive Vice President of Optum, praised Ibrahim for partnering with the company, and said that the company would be

bringing innovations and technologies to Bassett and that there would ultimately be a financial benefit to the move.

“A lot of that comes from bringing the technology on our own without having Bassett go to the market,” Valli said.

According to a press release, Optum would provide services such as “revenue cycle management, an extensive set of advanced data and analytic capabilities, and information technology (IT) to advance quality care and the patient experience.”

Perspectives

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL OPINIONS

Film COOP’s event is just the beginning for new industry here

This week I find myself in the uncomfortable position of making news rather than just breaking news, as the nonprofit I helped start and serve as board chair, Film COOP, announced its fall destination weekend event.

The Women in Film Peak Leaf Week Location Tour and Networking Event will take place Thursday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 3, and our intention is to bring a lucky 13 filmmakers to Otsego County to show them they can make their movies here. Or, as I like to say it, to show them they can bring their industry here.

Location tours (another industry calls them fam tours) are big productions and my second job is going to turn into one that is demanding as my first these next few months. However, as I have

said before, I from do both for a the editor reason, to be here for my community.

Or, as I am happy to announce, communities.

Although the weekend will be centered in Cooperstown, GREG KLEIN we are planning a route that will go all over the county and make a couple of side trips as well. Our intention is to show off the beauty of Otsego County and the practical, rentable locations of Otsego County and we will drive through or stop by as many places as possible.

Leatherstocking Trolley is going

In Tribute

Sovocool’s spirit shined on the roads of life

Editor’s Note: In honor of Richfield Springs marathoner John Sovocool, who died Thursday, May 20, some of his friends collected their thoughts.

This is not John Sovocool’s obituary. And while it will chronicle some of this Renaissance Man’s myriad accomplishments along the journey from his boyhood farm in Leroy to Cornell University, followed by 15 years in the U.S. Air Force, and, after a stint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, finally purchasing Fieldstone Farm Resort (FFR) in Richfield Springs, which he lovingly managed and enhanced until 2020, when his illness forced him and his dear wife, Jeanie, to sell, this will not be a list.

It is, rather, a narrative painting, a collage of the memories and feelings that he has left his close friends.

It is our tribute to a friend

who touched us.

John was many men, but most of us met him through his passion for long-distance running. Whether out for a casual run with friends or completing marathons in all 50 states, twice finishing five races in five states in five days, John was in heaven when he was on the roads and trails.

And he was equally alive and present on his beloved FFR. Here our friend was stonemason, carpenter, landscaper, businessman, laborer and host. The panoply of colorful plantings that welcomed us to the farm was a pallet as rich and varied and captivating as was John himself. Everywhere was another example of his handiwork: colorful stainedglass lampshades or window ornaments; artisan woodwork, showing skill usually reserved for professional See SOVOCOOL, Page A5

CORRECTION The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2021 Induction ceremony will take place in a custom-made television studio being built at an undisclosed location. Because of a reporter’s error, a story in the Thursday, May 20, edition of The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta, said the ceremony would talke place in the Hall’s Plaque Gallery.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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The Freeman’s Journal welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com

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Tara Barnwell Publisher Greg Klein Editor

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Kevin Limiti Staff Writer

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Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

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to clock some miles that weekend.

We certainly think we have a good weekend for it, with the leaves usually close to peak colors by the start of October.

We hope to introduce our filmmakers to a lot of public officials, caterers, local film makers and industry professionals and location managers. We will show them two “qualified production facilities,” Foothills in Oneonta and The Stanley Theater in Utica, where they can qualify for the state’s filmmaking tax credits.

Holding an event like this would not be possible without Film COOP’s Board of Directors and our donors, especially the C.J. Heilig Foundation. We have also gotten some reimbursement for PPE purchases – the tour is COVID willing, of course, and we will

obey all current health guidelines – from Otsego Now and the Community Foundation for Otsego County.

We are applying for the Otsego County micro-grant for destination events and may also apply to the Community Foundation to fund a scholarship for diversity inclusion.

Another scholarship will likely be given away to the winner of a contest we will be announcing shortly.

The event is open to active filmmakers, so we are courting people who are preparing to film in the next couple of years. Bringing them here in fall is strategic in more than one way. Not only do we want to show off our fall beauty, but we want to sell our long, snowy winters to film makers needing weather.

Our goal is to land some films, but it is also to develop a Women in Film

group that loves Otsego County.

I would like to share some insight into why we went in this direction for our first event. And I will start by saying we will certainly do another tour, and other events, that are either co-ed or for male filmmakers. However, we have a nice story to tell about women in the industry, so I thought I would share it.

When I started putting together a board in earnest, I realized we had three women in the Cooperstown community who were industry professionals but lived in or near the village. JoAnn Gardner was one of the first female location scouts and line producers in New York City and has worked on a what’s what of television shows. Nancy Tarr See TOUR, Page A5

Education is key to fighting hatred Editor’s Note: In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked some of the speakers at the recent rally against violence against people of Asian descent to submit their speeches as columns. This week’s column is from Dr Joon K.Shim, the program director for Bassett’s Medical Center’s General Surgery Residency Program.

I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for coming. It’s Asian American heritage month. Stand tall and be proud. My message today is a prayer for hope.

I like to talk to you about the term Asian Americans.

Many people think Chinese is synonymous for Asians the same way Kleenex is for tissues. Many people don’t understand that we’re a spectrum of many different nationalities. There are so many qualifications weighing the “we” in Asian America.

It’s a unique condition that’s distinctly Asian.

There is the stereotype of the “Asian nerd”—a tech geek, good at math and science, but socially awkward and passive. But Asian Americans are struggling economically like many other Americans. Asian Americans are struggling with staggering unemployment and Asian Americans

accounted for nearly 40% myself an American. of Covid-19 deaths in San In the last two months, Francisco.

Koreans, Chinese, Then there is Sikhs, and Vietthe stereotype of namese Americans an Asian woman, have all been trauportrayed as exotic matized because and beautiful, but they look different. also submissive, Even a Filipino obedient, and fragwoman going to ile. Furthermore, church on Easter Asian Americans had been traumaare often treated as JOON K. SHIM tized because she “perpetual forlooked different. eigners” and always being Anti-Asian prejudice and asked, “Where are you rehate crimes have a long ally from?” history in the United States I was born in South Korea but have been often overand I immigrated to this looked and underreported. country when I was six The COVID-19 pandemic years old with my family has served to highlight and in 1984. For most of my bring to our attention. teenage life in New Jersey, This can no longer be I felt invisible even as I astolerated. similated.

Today I am here to ask At that time, I didn’t you to build our foundaunderstand the significance tion in Cooperstown. A of the hyphen between the foundation of kindness with words Asian and American. curiosity.

And it’s this complex space The curiosity to see that that we’re talking about not all Asians are the same, today. just like every body else.

Who is Asian American?

The curiosity to correctly Who is us? What is us? Is pronounce Asian names and there even a concept as an to embrace the difference Asian American consciouswith kindness, curiosity ness? and humility. It does not Today I am no longer have to be perfect. Just try invisible - I am a Veteran. and it will make a differI am the Trauma Medical ence to your Asian friends Director at Bassett. I am and people you meet. And a surgeon. I am an educaeven ask people - how do tional leader and an agent of you pronounce your name? change. I am proud to call In medicine, we call this

cultural humility.

And in this process, discover that we are different and unique.

And in this process, discover that everyone wants to be happy. Everyone wants to feel safe and be somewhere that they belong.

Adding curiosity to kindness, we can discover and build bridges for mutual understanding.

The Korean word “jeong” is untranslatable but the closest definition is “an instantaneous deep connection.”

What can you do now? It all starts with education. Go to our own Cooperstown’s Fenimore Art Museum, there is an exhibit called Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams. There is an amazing exhibit about the concentration camps where Japanese American were placed in during WW II. I invite you to critically examine your own perceptions and implicit bias towards others.

Consider taking some kind of ally training like “bystander intervention training.”

Again, I want to thank you for allowing our voices to be seen, heard and supported. Having you here today in the rain gives me hope for a better future.

As Mary Oliver wrote, “to pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”

Life sketches

Raccoon in the hen house starts raucous battle The other day row in back of the I finished weedbarn. The holes ing the garden and are unoccupied walked out to the due to the efforts chicken coop to of my neighbor’s water and feed my son who picked off birds and collect seven unwelcome their eggs. Disapdiggers last year. pointment hit me I was thinking of when I opened the how to mount an door and found investigation to TERRY a dead chicken find the animal BERKSON sprawled out on that had committed the floor with a leg henicide. half chewed off.

Back in the coop, I lifted I had left the chute leading the outside door to the layto the yard open overnight ing box and was about to as I had been doing for the reach in when I noticed last several days. Obviously, that there was something in some critter had taken adthere, apparently sitting vantage of my carelessness. on the eggs, a chicken, It’s been about three years I thought. I bent to look since a weasel had decapiinside and came face to face tated one of my hens and with a raccoon. He had a made off with the head. I say matter of fact expression on weasel, not because I saw his face as if he were askit, but because the crime fits ing, “What, I can’t hang out that animal’s M.O. for a while?”

Anyway, I drew a chalk The first thing I thought line around the murdered was, ‘Coon in the daytime, chicken, picked it up with a maybe he’s rabid.’ It was a shovel and headed for one good thing I hadn’t reached of several vacant woodin without looking. I let the chuck holes in the hedgedoor slide closed and went

The raccoon was caught in the coop.

outside to shut the hatch leading to the yard. All the chickens were outside, so, the coon was alone and locked in the coop. I was due to attend a birthday party on the other side of Canadarago Lake in less than an hour. There wasn’t much I could do in that short amount of time other than blowing out the side of the coop with a shotgun,

so I went back to the house to wash and change my clothes.

When I returned home late in the afternoon I had a plan. I caught all the chickens and put them in the barn. Then I carefully replaced the wooden laying box door with a piece of plexiglass so that I could look inside the coop at the See SKETCHES, Page A5

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John Purcell

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

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

210 YEARS AGO 160 YEARS AGO

court is being held there, which accounts for it.’ And from that we drifted into a conversation which revealed the fact that our questioner was a native of France, a Communist, and a practical chemist, who is occupied about four months of the year in a large sugar factory. He has been about five years in this country, speaks English fairly well, is a well-read man, and has a thorough knowledge of the doctrines and designs of the Communists in this country and Europe; and on these he spoke frankly and at length.”

May 29, 1886

From the desk of poor Robert the Scribe – Zounds! Sir, you may as well swear you’ll never do it!

I’m out of all patience with these “by and bye” folks. “One hour of the present tense is worth a week in the future.” Why, I know a bachelor as well calculated for matrimonial felicity as every virtue and every accomplishment can render him; but he has been putting off the happy time, from one year to another, always resolving that he would marry “by and bye” – and “by and bye – till the best ten years of life are gone, and he is still re-resolving,” and I fear “will die the same.” He that would gather the roses of matrimony should wed in the May of life. If you wish only the withered leaves and thorns, why, poor Robert says, put it off till September. “Procrastination is the thief of time.”

May 25, 1811

110 YEARS AGO

185 YEARS AGO

The agitators of abolitionism it would seem are not content with the show of public sentiment which has been exhibited against them in this county, for it will be seen that they have notified a public meeting at Hartwick Village on the first of June next. Such a step, to say the least, is ill-timed, and shows a want of proper respect for public opinion, which has been most significantly manifested not only in popular assemblies throughout the entire State, but in our legislative halls with the greatest possible unanimity of sentiment on the subject. If ill befall the fanatics who are emboldened to fan the embers of abolitionism at the present time, their rashness or folly will have caused the visi-

May 31, 1861 tation upon them. There are not any justifiable grounds for their proceeding, and therefore public censure will be the more severe.

Let the leaders look well to the consequences.

May 23, 1836

135 YEARS AGO

(The following is found in a letter from Samuel M. Shaw, editor of The Freeman’s Journal, describing events on a trip from Cooperstown to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. by train. Shaw boarded the Albany & Susquehanna train at Cooperstown Junction) “A glance through the car revealed the fact

that we had no acquaintances aboard, and we settled down to a pleasing rest for the next three hours. Perhaps some of you have found out that to keep up a conversation on the rail, or even to be a close listener to one who will talk to you by the hour, is about as tiresome work as you can do – especially when weary at the start. Just then the fine-looking young man with the foreign air, in the seat just in front of me, politely inquired: ‘Is Cooperstown a large town, sir?’ ‘No, it is a village of about 2,600 inhabitants.’ ‘Ah, I saw so many gentlemen leave this train at the Junction, I thought it must be a place of much importance.’ ‘A

There is great interest everywhere outside of Cooperstown in the Boy Scout encampment, which, it is intended, will be held here during the week of July 12.

The city papers are devoting columns to telling of the advantages of such an encampment, and of Cooperstown as the logical place for it. If successful, it will ever associate Cooper and Cooperstown with the Boy Scout idea, which gives every promise of becoming one of the greatest movements ever inaugurated in this country.

The number of boys coming this year is uncertain, but it is believed that there will be not less than 1,000 and the number may reach 5,000.

May 24, 1911

85 YEARS AGO

When the head of a croquet mallet flew from the handle in a game being played at West Winfield on Friday, it struck Robert Redman, 13-year-old son of William Redman of Middlefield.

He was so seriously injured that

he was brought to Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital where it was found he had sustained a skull fracture. Robert, a member of the Westville High School band, was at West Winfield attending a student assembly. The accident occurred as he was bending over to fix a wicket, and the mallet of one of his playmates came loose and crashed into his head.

May 27, 1936

60 YEARS AGO

The Fly Creek Valley Cooperative, an affiliate of the Mutual Federation of Independent Cooperatives, held its annual meeting at the Fly Creek Grange Hall last Friday. Directors in attendance included Albert Yourno, Stanley Petkewec, Joseph Kriz, William Keating, William Kelly, Joseph Udovich, Gerald Babcock, John Stucin, Lowell Mayne and George Smith. Joseph Udovich of Richfield Springs was re-elected president. Joseph Kriz, a charter director of the co-op, has been associated with the co-op since its formation in the 1930s.

May 24, 1961

25 YEARS AGO

With their two Yorkshire terriers Zip and Zap scampering about the lobby, Roland and Patricia Young paused last week to reflect on their first year of ownership of the Cooperstown Theater, a Main street landmark. “The community has been great,” Roland said. “I cannot thank them enough for supporting me.” Patricia added, “People are pleased to have a movie theater here. They want to keep it open.”

May 28, 1986

Local film commission beginning to have success luring films productions to region TOUR/Continued from Page A4 had a music background, touring with her own band, but it led to her being the music supervisor on Eminem’s “8 Mile.” Darby Connor works for Disney/Fox planning media campaigns and therefore has worked on most of the biggest tentpoles of the past two decades.

In addition to inviting all three women to join the board, I met several professional women who offered expertise in other fields and had an interest in board membership. At the same time, a group of younger, local filmmakers

with the same idea to start a film commission found me and sought to join forces. A couple of those filmmakers were younger women looking to break into the business.

The older women moved their lives here in order to raise their families here. They adjusted their careers to teach or advise or work remotely. The younger women, and the younger men, too, largely want to work in the industry but prefer to make their lives in Otsego County instead of New York City, Los Angeles or Atlanta.

Unintentionally, our initial board was made up of seven women and

four men. A couple of the women left because of pandemic related family issues, we brought a couple of new members on, but the majority of our board is still female.

Looking at the board, I thought it would be a good idea to lean into our makeup, in particular in honoring the large number of industry professionals on our board.

I thought about all the panel discussions I had seen over the years.

I would love to see Nancy and JoAnn up on a panel talking about their film experiences.

Therefore, initially, I was planning something more like a con-

Sovocool inspired local runners with his dedication, endurance, training methods

ference, but in subcommittee, it was suggested we start small and try to form the group and then let it dictate where we take it. So, the film festival and award presentations can wait.

We’re going to start with the basics, which is to find a small group of talented people ready to fall in love with our region. I hope that riding the trolley this fall will be future Oscar winners, future studio heads and future filmmaking groundbreakers. But, whatever their credentials, I also hope they will be future Otsego County residents, whether it is a second home or a main office in the foothills,

perhaps – dare I dream – at our future film studio in the town of Maryland.

We’ll see. I know the film commission office has more exciting news to release this year and so do our business partners, myself included.

I will have to get used to the awkwardness.

In the meantime, please reach out to me, at greg@film-coop. com or 315-527-3082, if you are interested in the Women in Film Peak Leaf Week Location Tour and Networking Event, as a potential customer, as a vendor or if you want to sponsor a scholarship.

An intruder in the henhouse is bad news SKETCHES/Continued from Page A4 intruder. I observed that his eyes were clear and he wasn’t foaming at the mouth. My wife Alice had gone south for the weekend and had taken her camera so I called my neighbor, John Purcell, to come over and take a mug shot of the culprit.

Minutes later John was tooling up the driveway. He thought that the coon was cute. He said it looked like a pet he once had. I asked him if he wanted to take the animal over to his place but he declined. I reminded him that this coon was a killer, that if he weren’t stopped, he’d be back for another chicken. “He might even turn into a serial killer,” I warned.

“What about a trial?” John said. “DNA? Paw prints?”

“His presence is proof enough for me,” I returned.

Frustrated, John hesitatingly agreed to

SOVOCOOL/Continued from Page A4 craftsman; he had even built the walls that hugged the gardens and walkways from stone he’d gathered nearby.

But for us, the greatest of John’s creations were his friendships, the roots of which were deep and nourished us all as they grew. As news of his death reached his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers, emails poured in recalling his “even keel” and his humor, praising his courage as he fought his cancer. This love of John’s indominable spirit, humor, and grace is VIEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE echoed by all of us who spent so much time with him. One running partner tells of how John’s captivatFrom: The Adirondack Daily Enterprise ing stories of his missions It’s no surprise that all local school budgets with the Air Force “melted were approved by voters Tuesday, May 18. the freezing snow blowing Between additional state aid approved by in their faces;” another told the state Legislature and federal pandemic how John never took the aid, most of the proposed budgets came with shorter or easier path when either no tax increase or a nominal increase in training, a trait reflected in local property taxes. everything John did. HavBut local voters should make sure they are ing broken his toe in the Among his accomplishments, John Sovocool ran paying attention to how school districts are first mile of a difficult trail marathons in all 50 United States, finishing his jourproposing to spend that federal pandemic aid. race, he finished with a ney in 2015 in Idaho.

New York state received about $12.5 billion smile. He is remembered while school districts received a total of $9 as a “battler and a competiing the infamous Bataan the sum total of this man. tor.” All remember him as Death March. John’s focus Importantly, he was one who billion in direct aid.

In our view, routine expenses should remain a gentleman. One friend was on the “why,” not the listened. John was so much the domain of local and state taxpayers. recalls John’s accompany“what.” Another remembers to so many, but always he Care must be taken in planning what’s best ing a Wounded Warrior who listening to John’s wonderwas a great friend. His spirit for the needs of the individual district. Some had lost a leg, in a marathon ful stories after he was no will run with us forever. districts may need major renovations to heating, around Otsego Lake to com- longer able to run, thinking ventilation and air conditioning systems to promemorate his uncle’s surviv- about the life he had lived,

flush the animal out of the laying box with a stick while I waited outside the coop with a shotgun. “Be careful where you aim,” my neighbor said sticking his head out the coop door.

A minute later the killer lay face down in the dirt. I could hear my chickens cheering in the barn. John wanted to do an autopsy to see if part of the dead chicken’s leg was in the coon’s stomach but I warned him about rabies. I then picked up the carcass with a shovel and carried it to one of the vacant woodchuck holes — thanks to my neighbor’s son. To my surprise a woodchuck whistled at me from what I thought was a vacant hole. “You see,” John said. “You can never be sure about anything.”

“I can be sure,” I responded.

“Sure of what?”

“This coon, like all those woodchucks, ain’t gonna cast no shadow on Groundhog Day.”

Schools should spend Federal money carefully mote breathing easier for all who work and learn there. Others may require wholesale updating of their technology platforms to platforms to best prepare for effective online learning.

Care must be taken as well to ensure maximum input from the school district’s administrators, teaching staff, parents and students so that final spending decisions reflect a broad consensus of a district’s stakeholders.

Many schools will likely have a lot of money to spend helping students make up for lost time. That is essential, but the federal investment is enough to do a lot more than that. It’s enough to created targeted programs that help children achieve more than they would have if COVID-19 had never happened and schools had never been closed in the first place.

Taxpayers shouldn’t settle just for the old status quo. For this kind of money, they should demand a level of education higher than before.

in OtsegO COunty ________

_______

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find organic plants of olden days to get a jump start on your gardening endeavors.

Outside the main entrance of The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-1450.

BEACH OPENING – 11 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Swimming and concessions open for weekends and holidays.

Will be open daily starting June 19. Entry, $7/vehicle. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd. 31, Cooperstown. 607-547-8662.

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BLOOD DRIVE – Noon to 5 p.m. Donate blood, help save lives. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 800733-2767.

LIVE STRONG – 1:15 p.m.

Cooperstown Senior Community Center invites area seniors for exercise program designed for standing or sitting. This week led by Carole.

Emphasis on range of motion, balance, toning. Brick building behind St. Mary’s Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. www. coopseniorcenter@gmail.com.

AUTHOR SERIES – 2 p.m.

Join Rico Petrocelli of the Boston Red Sox for a discussion of his book ‘An All-Star’s Cardboard Memories.’ Free, registration required. Presented by The Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown. 607547-7200.

PRESENTATION – 6:30 p.m. State Senator Peter Oberacker discusses his business, Form Tech Solution, Inc., which he relocated to Otsego County, and their work formulating blends and ingredients for food manufacturers. Free, registration for Zoom meeting required.

Presented by Town of Maryland, Historical Society. E-mail beech18@stny.rr.com to register.

WORD THURSDAY – 7 p.m. Opens with open mic, followed by presentation by author Jeannine Ouellette, whose works have appeared in the anthology ‘Ms. Aligned: Women Writing About Men and Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives’, Writer’s Chronicle, other publications.

Presented by Bright Hill Press & Literary Center. 607-8295055.

ONEONTA PLANT SALE – 9 a.m. to noon. Join Oneonta Federated Garden Club for annual plant sale featuring perennial and house plants from members’ gardens. Will also include a ‘garden shed’ where gently used garden tools may be purchased. Huntington Park, Oneonta.

COOPERSTOWN PLANT SALE – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by the Master Gardeners Spring 2021 Plant Sale for perennials, annuals, vegetables, and flowers chosen to do well in Otsego County.

Mask/social distancing required. Proceeds support education & outreach. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 123 Lake St., Cooperstown. 607547-2536 ext. 228.

STUDIO OPENING – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in to explore pottery studio, see throwing demonstrations, puchase seasonal pottery, and learn about upcoming classes & workshops. Features guest

to the works of Keith Haring.

Explore aspects of Haring’s life and career from his subway drawing to his gallery shows. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. 607-5471400.

HERITAGE PLANT SALE

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artist Jim Burke of Burke Pottery. Azure Arts, 1149 Allen Lake Rd., Richfield Springs.

315 858-8899.

EXHIBIT OPENING – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New exhibit ‘Keith Haring: Radiant Vision’ introduces a new generation

►Friday, May 28 THEATER – Stream on demand. Get your tickets for local production of ‘The Glass Menagerie’ by Tennessee Williams. A tender and sometimes bitter memory of the Wingfield family. Tickets, $15.

Presented by Stuff of Dreams Productions. www.facebook. com/GEStevensOneonta/.

►Saturday, May 29 YARD SALE – 8 a.m. to ?

Find household items, books, baked goodies, toys and more under the tent in the parking lot. Prices negotiable for all items. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 Co. Hwy. 26, Fly Creek. 607-547-9946.

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Own a Slice of Independence! Be your own boss while also being a cornerstone of the community. Take the reins of an existing, thriving, turn-key business on Main Street. The deli sells sliced meats/cheeses, and has a great breakfast and lunch business. Revamped kitchen has new exhaust fan, 2 sandwich prep areas, stove/griddle spaces, 2 pizza ovens (present owners have discontinued making pizza). Also grocery items, lotto, beer, cigarettes. Well maintained building, ample parking. Sale includes the real estate. It’s time for you to strike out on your own, and what better way than to buy an existing proven business!

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OTSEGO.life

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Becky Walsh marches in the 2019 Memorial Day Parade in Cooperstown.

Greg Klein/AllOtsego.com

Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank officials Dan Sullivan and Alyssa Dupont Rader discuss plans for a sitting area near the sulphur springs in the back of the group’s property at 177 Main St., which is being turned into a temporary park.

Richfield community creates park

By GREG KLEIN RICHFIELD SPRINGS – About 15 people gathered Sunday, May 24, on Main Street in the village to turn the site of a formerly blighted home into a “pocket park.”

The property at 177 Main St. had been abandoned years ago, one of a handful of old houses in the area that had gotten too run down and where the former owners could not afford to restore it.

The Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank bought the property and demolished the house, but rebuilding on the L-shaped .67-acre property is complicated.

“According to the modern zoning laws, this lot is too narrow in the front to build a house,” said Allysa Dupont Rader, who works as the “zombie quarterback” for the land bank, finding abandoned houses and shepherding them back onto the tax rolls.

The village will revisit the zoning laws this summer, but the location of the property and its status as having the only remaining See PARK, Page B5

Greg Klein/AllOtsego.com

Richfield Springs freshman Braydon Misenick, left, and junior Damon Boss spread soil to prepare to plant a vegetable garden in the back of the park.

Cooperstown KOA to stage outdoor summer movie series

By GREG KLEIN Cooperstown KOA Journey will host a summer movie series beginning Saturday, June 12.

The campground, which is about 20 miles north of Cooperstown, just outside of Otsego County in the town of Warren, Herkimer County, and about a mile from the Route 20 and 80 crossing, will provide socially distanced spaces for families to enjoy outdoor movies during the late spring and summer.

There are six movies in the series, and they will be shown every other Saturday through August. All movies will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The series was programmed by 2014 Cooperstown Central School graduate Joey Katz, who lives in Buffalo, but is the assistant programmer for Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass Film Days and the Boston Jewish Film organization.

Katz said he missed the film-going experience and wanted to find something where coronavirus protocols could be followed.

When he found Cooperstown KOA owners Kaaren and Kate were interested in summer events, he said he felt he had to find a way to make the series work.

“Initially, the idea for the series was to provide outdoor and safe entertainment during the peak of COVID,” Katz said.

“Now, this is something that the folks at KOA and I will continue to do every camping season going forward.

“As I mentioned, Kaaren and Kate have been super supportive and positive about this whole endeavor,” he continued. “It’s affordable for attendees, family-focused and camping guests get to enjoy it too, so a win for everyone. They have space on the grounds that allows them to do many different kinds of events in a safe, socially distant setting.”

See MOVIES, Page B2

Memorial Day parades and plant sales

C

elebrate Memorial Day throughout Otsego County.

In Oneonta the parade begins at Foothills PAC at 10 a.m., progresses down Main Street to Neahwa park, where solemn ceremony of remembrance will be held, guided by Lester Grummons. Masks & social distancing required. Monday, May 31.

In Cooperstown, the parade will start from the Cooperstown Vets Club at 11 a.m., march up Main Street to the Otsego County Courthouse, where guest speakers Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and David Reiss will give LARISSA RYAN a speech honoring our fallen soldiers. Masks & social distancing required. Monday, May 31.

Also in Cooperstown, the Lakewood Cemetery Association will be holding a gathering for the commemoration of our fallen soldiers with the Cooperstown Veterans Honor Guard & Scout Troop 1254. Gathering will include refreshments and tours. 2 to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown. Masks & social distancing required. Monday, May 31.

In Richfield Springs, the parade will form on Johnson Street at 10:30 a.m. and proceed down Main Street, Richfield Springs. Masks & social distancing required. Monday, May 31.

• Get a jump on this year’s garden, whether you grow flowers, herbs, vegetables or all of the above. The Otsego County Master Gardeners will be selling plant varieties chosen to do well in our county Saturday, May 29, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 123 Lake St., Cooperstown. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Oneonta Federated Garden Club will have plants pulled from members’ own gardens and will be at Huntington Park, 9 a.m. to noon.

The Heritage Plant Sale will feature heirloom varieties and will be held outside the Main Entrance to The Farmers’ Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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SUBSCRIBE TO COUNTY’S ONLINE DAILY AT www.

We will be closed May 29th , 30th and 31st in respect of those who have lost their lives in military service.

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THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

Campground to offer summer films MOVIES/Continued from Page B1 The movies will cost $5 per family group and be free to campers.

Katz said he focused on movie classics that entire families will be able to enjoy, starting with the 1985 film, “The Goonies,” about a group of kids who find a treasure map that leads them into an adventure.

The other films in the series are: “The Never-Ending Story,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Stand

by Me” and “Iron Giant,” which Katz said is one his favorites. “E.T.” was originally scheduled, but had to be replaced by “The Never-Ending Story” at the last minute.

Although pandemic restrictions are loosening, Katz said the outdoor movies offer a communal space that is still safe.

“I can tell you personally, the idea of going back to a theatre is still kind of anxiety-inducing even though I’m vaccinated, so we wanted to create a stress-free environment and film series that everyone can enjoy,” he said.

There will be food trucks on location and Katz said he is working with local vendors to offer a variety of foods.

The movies are open to locals, tourists and campers. “This program was put together for the Cooperstown community but beyond there too, i.e. Richfield Springs and the surrounding areas,” Katz said.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs.

Go to www.koa.com/campgrounds/ cooperstown for more information.

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Idelson aims for smooth Hall transition, induction

By GREG KLEIN The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will have an encore from its former leader, as Jeff Idelson returned May 15, as interim president.

Idelson, who left the Hall in 2019, after 25 years, including more than 12 as president, replaced Tim Mead, his handpicked successor. Mead left mid-May, saying the isolation from his family in Southern California during the coronavirus pandemic made him unable to stay at the Hall.

Idelson said in an interview Monday, May 24, that he was called by Hall of Fame Chair

Jane Forbes Clark following Mead’s resignation. Clark asked Idelson to be a steward for the Hall and guide it through the induction season while it looked for a full-time leader.

“I care deeply for the Hall of Fame and the institution it represents,” Idelson said, “so when I got the call from Jane, I felt honored to be able to come back and bridge the gap to the next president and provide a smooth transition through the induction.”

Idelson said he felt for Mead, who was far from his family and burdened with an unusual string of Hall of Famer deaths to mourn

during his two-year tenure as president.

“I certainly understand his reasons for going back to Southern California,” Idelson said.

“Heaven has gotten an all Hall of Fame lineup, with a full rotation, the past year,” he continued.

Idelson said he is not involved with the search to replace Mead, but since he began May 15, he has been immersed in operations.

Idelson said his strength is his familiarity with the staff.

“The Hall of Fame is a welloiled machine because of its dedicated, compassionate staff and Jane Clark as chairman at

the helm,” he said.

Idelson said he thought the Hall weathered the coronavirus pandemic fairly well, and has seen a small rebound in visitors this season.

“The Hall has done an incredible job during COVID in making the museum safe for our visitors, and I think that is reflected in the number of visits we have gotten. Our customers trust us to take their safety into account,” Idelson said.

“Of course, we would like to see the attendance numbers rebound, just like everyone else about now,” he said.

Idelson has been living See HALL, Page B8

Contributed

Interim National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President Jeff Idelson, right, with his predecessor and successor, Tim Mead, in this 2019 photo.

Schenevus softball powers past Milford in T-V battle

By GREG KLEIN SCHENEVUS – Cassie Snyder threw a one hitter and Hannah Osborne’s solo home run started a six-run fourth inning for the host Dragons, turning a close game into a rout, as Schenevus topped Milford, 15-0, in a Tri-Valley League softball game that was stopped after six innings Friday, May 21.

“Cassie throws hard enough, she locates her ball really well, and she has a strong defense behind her,” Milford Coach Jim Weir said. “They’re a very good team. We’re young and inexperienced. With losing a year to COVID and a short season this year, we just have not played much. We lost a tough game (10-0) in Roxbury last night and it got away from us today, but it is good to be out here playing.”

“They’ve (Milford) got a young team and they made a couple of errors and it just got away from them,” Schenevus Coach Ron Greg Klein/AllOtsegolife Spranger said.

Schenevus senior Hannah Osborne shows bunt during the Dragons home win over Milford, 15-0, Milford pitcher Leeanna Friday, May 21, West matched Snyder in

the early innings, retiring the first eight batters she faced. Then Sam Barrett singled, stole second and scored on Autumn Jones’s single to right field to give Schenevus a 1-0 lead after three innings.

Osborne led off the next inning by hitting a ball to left field that rolled all the way to the woods.

“I think Hannah’s ball might still be rolling,” Spranger said. “It rolled a long way. We normally have a fence out there. I don’t know if it would have cleared the fence.”

Once rattled, West and her defense gave up a long string of hits, errors, stolen bases, passed balls and wild pitches that did not subside until the game was called.

The Dragons scored six runs in the fourth inning, seven more in the fifth inning and Elizabeth Hoag ended the game, scoring on an RBI single to left field by Sam Osborne.

Snyder’s only trouble of the game came in the sixth inning, when she loaded the bases on a dropped third See SOFTBALL, Page B6

Roundup: Cooperstown stays unbeaten in softball STAFF REPORT Marley Lippitt threw a two hitter and Cooperstown scored seven runs while batting through the lineup in the top of the sixth inning to beat host Adirondack in softball, 9-2, Monday, May 24, in Boonville.

Lippitt faced just 24 batters in seven innings, striking out 11, walking none, but hitting one batter and giving up two unearned runs. She faced only three batters in five of seven innings.

Abby Miller went 2-for-3 with an RBI triple and two runs scored. Maddy Hayes went 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI; Dani Seamon went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and Emily Amore went 1for-3 with a two-run double.

Cooperstown (7-0, 2-0) hosted Unatego in a nonleague game Wednesday. after deadline and hosts Sauquoit Valley at 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 28, in a Center State Conference game.

Cooperstown 8, WCV 4 Cooperstown senior center fielder Abby Miller’s basesloaded triple in the bottom of the sixth inning broke open a tie game and kept Cooperstown undefeated in softball with an 8-4 win over visiting West Canada Valley on Wednesday, May 19.

Cooperstown pitchers Dani Seamon and Marley Lippitt combined for 15 strikeouts.

Seamon started the game and retired nine of the first 11 batters she faced, before WCV’s batters began to catch up to her in the middle innings.

Lippitt relieved Seamon in the top of the sixth inning.

She struck out all three batters she faced in the sixth inning and then struck out three more in the top of the seventh inning, although she did issue a walk and give up a single. She got the final two batters to swing and miss with runners in scoring position.

Cooperstown scored three runs in the bottom of the first on an RBI single

by Katie Crippen and a two RBI single by Ellie Hotaling. The Hawkeyes made it 4-0 two innings later when Crippen singled and scored from first on an error.

WCV came back in the middle innings, scoring two in the fourth and twice in the fifth innings off of Seamon, who gave up four runs on four hits and an error.

In the bottom of the sixth, Seamon and Hotaling led off with singles, Anna Lambert drew a walk to load the bases. After Lippett struck out, Miller tripled to the right field fence to score all three runners. Miller then scored on Emmy Lippitt’s single.

Marley Lippitt got the win for Cooperstown, while Hanna Burdick took the loss for WCV. See RESULTS, Page B4

Cheryl Clough

Erica Collier of Cooperstown and John Collier of Richmondville race in the Mixed CC Endurance class of the 2018 General Clinton Canoe Regatta.

Regatta switches to virtual event for 2021

BY KEVIN LIMITI The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, which is traditionally held Memorial Day, will be held virtually this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have exhausted all other options,” the General Clinton Canoe Regatta website read.

There will be no winners or awards this year, but racers will be credited with finishes, according to event organizers.

Participants will be provided with a GPS in order to get credit for their finish on the 70 mile course. Those who finish will receive a t-shirt and an official 70-mile finish credit.

In addition, there will be no activities in General Clinton Park, because of the pandemic.

“I know this is a huge disappointment to all of you as well as it is to me. You all have worked hard training in anticipation of a race this year and we all worked hard to put on a world class race,” the website said. “We look forward to an amazing race in 2022.”

Several local races said they will sit out the virtual race, but some longtime paddlers said they will still participate.

Jim Jordan said he is set to make his 44th finish this year, racing with his brother, Scott Jordan, who will be making his 25th finish “It’s just not the same. It’s not competitive,” Jordan said.

“I wasn’t going to do it at all this year. I’d like to be more competitive and train a little more.”

Jordan said his brother has trained 70 hours for the Regatta while has only trained five. Nonetheless, he said See REGATTA, Page B8

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AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

Roundup: Coop drops first in baseball

RESULTS/Continued from B3 BASEBALL Oneonta 8, CF 3 Oneonta got its record in baseball back to .500, with a road win Saturday, May 22, over Chenango Forks, 8-3.

Strong pitching from Jordan Goble and Aidan Gelbsman led the Jackets.

At the plate, Oneonta was led by catcher Carter Neer, who broke a scoreless game with two-run single in the fourth. Neer had two hits and knocked in three runs for the Jackets.

Goble got the win. Jake Brown took the loss for CF. CF 6, Oneonta 2 Oneonta senor pitcher Tanner Russin pitched a four-hit game for Oneonta, but Chenango Forks capitalized on three Yellowjacket errors to win a Southern Tier Athletic Cheryl Clough Conference baseball game Friday, May 21, in Oneonta.

Oneonta catcher Carter Neer tags out Chenango Forks runner Zack Young at Zack Young led the Blue the plate during the Jackets 6-2 loss at home Friday, May 21.

Devils with two hits.

Forks pitcher Grady Stark got the win, giving up five hits.

Aidan Breakey had two of Oneonta’s hits, including an RBI single in the first.

WCV 6, Cooperstown 3 West Canada Valley scored four runs in the sixth inning to deal Cooperstown its first loss of the baseball season, 6-3, Wednesday, May 19, in Newport.

Cooperstown trailed 2-1 going into the sixth inning, with WCV’s Aiden Maxwell keeping the Hawkeye batters off guard. He struck out 12 batters in seven innings and pitched out of trouble twice early, with Cooperstown leaving a runner at third base in the second and third innings.

Kendall Haney scored Cooperstown’s first run, with a triple in the top of the first inning. He scored on Chris Ubner’s RBI out.

WCV got the run back in the bottom of the first inning, on two singles and an error, and took the lead, 2-1, in the third inning following three straight singles.

Haney and Ubner both singled in the top of the sixth inning. Alex Hascup followed with a double to give the Hawkeyes a 3-2 lead.

Haney got the first out of the sixth inning, but then departed after issuing a walk.

Ubner walked another batter then got a strikeout, but WCV rallied with two outs.

Cole Maxwell doubled home both runs, and after another walk, Aiden Maxwell helped his cause with an RBI single to score two more runs.

Maxwell then finished the game with three straight outs in the top of the seventh inning for the win.

Haney went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and two runs scored.

remembering those who sacrificed all “Bravery never goes out of fashion”

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Our sincere thanks to all who have served and are serving our great country

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THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

B-5

Park features only remaining outdoor, uncovered sulphur spring in village PARK/Continued from Page B1 outdoor, uncovered sulphur spring in the village, made it an ideal candidate for a park in the meantime.

“What we will do with the property is still uncertain,” Dupont Rader said.

“So we thought, while we wait to see what happens, why don’t we turn this lot into something the entire

community can enjoy.”

For those who enjoy the work, the enjoyment went on for hours Sunday.

Richfield Springs Rotary members pitched in mowing, clearing invasive plants and collecting trash.

About a third of the help came from high school students, looking to collect community service hours

toward their graduation requirements. Several of them spread soil to build a garden.

“They’re planting pumpkins and zucchinis, so members of the community can come down in the fall and pick their own when they are ripe,” DupontRader said.

The Garden Club of

Richfield Springs donated plants and planting help, Local businesses donated materials, including Lowe’s, Dollar General, and Andela Products.

The local Boy Scouts of America troop are going to build a little library box.

Land Bank board member and Richfield resident/ business owner Dan

Sullivan said the project has special meaning to him.

“This is exciting for me because I was a founding member of the land bank,” he said.

The community seems to be responding positively to the park.

“It is kind of neat,” said Cyndy Andela, a Rotarian and owner of Andela

Products. “You think it is on Route 28, so it is going to be noisy with cars, but then you come back here to the back of the property and it is very peaceful, with the sound of the stream and with nature.

“I am going to come here at lunchtime, just to enjoy the quiet,” Andela said.

remembering those who sacrificed all Our deep

appreciation for those who served our country

MEMORIAL DAY

REMEMbERIng & hOnORIng ALL whO sERvED

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Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

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THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

B-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

All OTSEGO. dining & entertainment

Dragons top Milford, Laurens in softball

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Requests for the Zoom link must be made prior to Tuesday, June

Master Gardeners will be happily giving advice during sale!

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1st at 3:30 p.m. by anyone who wishes to participate in the public hearing.

Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)547-2411 Email: jutter@cooperstownny.org 1LegalMay27 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: •Meeting location to be determined.

Meeting to be held either in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York or via videoconferencing, due to Executive Order 202.1 issued by the Governor.

10 CHESTNUT STREET - Applicant seeks permission to demolish existing structures The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours,

08 - 2021

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28 CHESTNUT STREET – Applicant seeks an area variance for a one story addition within the sideyard setback per Section 30012C(3)(b)

Hand-dug perennials, bare-rooted & potted in sterile mix deer low-preference & Blight-resistant plants

E WIL

•Meeting location to be determined.

Meeting to be held either in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York or via videoconferencing, due to Executive Order 202.1 issued by the Governor.

Perennials • annuals • Vegetables • Herbs

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2536 x228

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SOFTBALL/Continued from Page B3 and two walks, all with two outs. But she struck out Delaney Mason on a full count to end the inning.

For Schenenvus, Hoag went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs scored and an RBI and Jones went 2for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs scored and an RBI. The Dragons had nine stolen bases in the game.

For Milford, West had six strikeouts. Catcher McKenna Buriella had the lone hit and also made a couple of plays early in the game to keep the score close, including throwing out a runner, Taylor Knapp, who was trying to steal third base in the third inning.

Both teams won games Tri-Valley games Monday, May 24.

West had 14 strikeouts and held Sharon Springs/Cherry Valley/Springfield to two hits while racking up 14 strikeouts for a 19-2 win.

Milford (5-5, 4-4) also split two games Saturday, May 22, losing a league game to Morris, 26-11, and defeating Laurens, 17-12, in a game that did not count in league standings.

Jones and Sam Osborne hit home runs for Schenevus (8-0, 8-0) in a 17-2 win over visiting Laurens. Hannah Osbourne went 4-for-4, with two triples and two RBI. Spranger said the TriValley League softball playoffs will take place Tuesday, June 1, and Thursday, June 3, with games, locations and times to be announced later.

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Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Requests for the Zoom link must be made prior to Tuesday, June 8th at 3:30 p.m. by anyone who wishes to participate in the public hearing.

as agent for process & shall mail to: 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJun.17

SF 636B Consulting, LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)547-2411 Email: jutter@cooperstownny.org 1LegalMay.27

1. The name of the limited liability company is SF 636B Consulting, LLC.

Name:

2. Articles of Organization of SF 636B Consulting, LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on April 1, 2021.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 April 2021.

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 18266 St Hwy 23, Davenport, NY 13750.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.3

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Notice of Formations of a LLC Jerry’s Reality LLC, Art of Org. filed with SSNY on 4/07/2021.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY design as agent upon whom proc. May be served & mail 926 CO HWY 49 New Berlin, NY 13411.

Purp. any lawfuL 6LegalJun.24 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Johannesen Schropp, LLC Filed 1/28/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated

Legal nOtice

Notice of organization of

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 263 County Highway 38A, Richmondville, NY 12149.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: SF 636B Consult-

ing, LLC, 263 County Highway 38A, Richmondville, NY 12149.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalJun.10 Legal nOtice

DVH STAR PROPERTIES LLC.

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: RAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of

Legal

Legal

State (SSNY) was 21 April 2021.

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 2959 St Hwy 80, Burlington Flats, NY 13316.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.3

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 20 Lewis St, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJun.3

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: BIRTHPLACE OF BASEBALL LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 April 2021.

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 40 Walnut St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.3 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Mount Equity LLC Filed 2/8/21

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Notice of Formation of Tabor Construction LLC Filed 3/5/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1820 NY 166, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJun.3 Legal nOtice

Notice of Qualification of 41 CENTER STREET, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/19/21.

Office location: Otsego County.

LLC formed in Nevada (NV) on 03/31/21.

Princ. office of LLC is: 8 Wells Ave., Hartwick, NY 13348.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Cert. of Form. filed with NV Secy. of State, 202 N. Carson St., Carson City, NY 89701-4201.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Legal

6LegalJun.10 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAW 1. The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is Free Spirit Flower Farm LLC. 2. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State is April 23, 2021.

3. The County within the State of New York in which the principal office of the LLC is located is Otsego.

4. The Secretary of State of the State of New York is hereby designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him or her is: 1415 County Highway 4, Otego, NY 13825.

5. The character or purpose of the business of the LLC is any purpose allowed by law.

6LegalJun.3 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Brie Happy Grazing Co. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 4/19/21.

Legal

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 52 W Broadway Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful 6LegalJun.3 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of ORTONA CAPITAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/25/2019.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 187 Newton St., Weston, MA 02493, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.27 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of LLC. Smokey Wind LLC (LLC) filed Arts. of Org. with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/14/2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at c/o Liberty Renewables Inc., 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any business permitted under law.

6LegalMay.27

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL B-7

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

IN MEMORIAM

Stanley G. Smith, 61 April 27, 1960 – May 23, 2021

ONEONTA – Stanley G. Smith, 61, lost his courageous battle with lung cancer on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

He was born on April 27, 1960 in Delhi, to Francis “Smitty” and Elizabeth (Slater) Smith.

Stan was a 1979 graduate of Oneonta High School, where he played football and baseball. He worked for several years at Brook’s BBQ. Stan worked also for Otsego County Senior Meals on Wheels. In between he worked as a bar bouncer, helped his dad “Smitty” with the family paving business, and at the Holiday Lanes doing several different jobs.

Stan worked in the maintenance at SUNY Oneonta for several years until the devastating diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer, forced his retirement last August.

Stan married Dolores Hugues on December 21, 2002. He became step-dad or as they liked to call him, “their extra dad”, to Peter Hugues-Simmons of Manchester, CT and Joseph Simmons of Laurens. Stan jumped into fatherhood

with both feet, coaching the Sunday morning kids bowling. Taking teams all over the state to tournaments and taking a team all the way to the States in Syracuse. He also coached city of Oneonta pony league baseball, going from last place the first year to being undeStanley G. feated Smith the next.

Stan, in his own rite, was an excellent bowler; 14 career 300 games, numerous 299’s.

At one point, Stan was on the Pro-Bowling tour bowling at many places across the country. Stan was voted into the Oneonta Bowling Hall of Fame around 20 years ago. He also played softball for several years and tried playing golf, it was one sport he couldn’t excel at, but not for trying. He and his wife enjoyed raising dachshunds as a hobby. Stan and Dolores also enjoyed the

yearly trip to Richmond, VA to the NASCAR Race and then onto Virginia Beach.

Stanley was predeceased by his father, Francis.

He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Whitney and step-dad, Sherman; his wife, Dolores; his sons, Peter and Joseph Simmons; several nieces, nephews and never to be left out his beloved dogs, Little Bit and Norman.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Stan’s name to Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans Animal Shelter, 697 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820, where we adopted our Norman.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Kenneth Hunter officiating.

Burial will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.

John R. Sovocool, 65 Marathoned in all 50 states

RICHFIELD SPRINGS - John R. Sovocool, 65, was born January 25, 1956 in St. Johns, Newfoundland in Canada to Wilbur Sovocool and MaryAnne Cranston Sovocool and passed away May 20, 2021 in Batavia, NY. John graduated from LeRoy High School, Cornell University, Golden State University and served in the US Air Force. For the last 20 years he owned and

operated the Fieldstone Farm Resort. In his off time, he was an avid runner who had completed at least 1 marathon in all 50 states. He ran a 100-mile marathon in Vermont which he finished in 22 hours and 11 minutes.

John is survived by his wife, Jeanie, five children, and two grandchildren: John E. Sovocool and his son, Chayden. Adam Sovocool and his son, Samuel. Kristin

Sovocool and her husband, Ben Cook. Nicholas Sovocool.

Alexander Sovocool, and also his six remaining siblings.

He was predeceased by both his parents, his sister Patty and his brother Kenny.

Arrangements are entrusted to Falcone Funeral Home, LeRoy, NY. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to plant a tree in his honor.

Patricia A. Romaine, 74

‘Jack of all Trades’ Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special.

Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Cooperstown – Patricia A. (Parlatore) Romaine, 74, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021 at Cooperstown Center in Cooperstown.

Patricia was born on January 8, 1947 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, daughter of the late Patsy and Frances (Capoccitti) Parlatore.

She enjoyed cross stitching, doing crossword puzzles and reading.

Patricia will be remembered for her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. She enjoyed the music and movies of Elvis Presley, especially since they shared the same birthday.

Throughout her life, Patricia was a jack of all trades, working as a bookkeeper, telemarketer, school monitor and for various newspapers. She would always look forward to coming home to spend time with her loving family.

She will be remembered by her domestic partner, Jarron Baysinger.

Patricia is the former spouse of Michael Minutolo and the late Roger Romaine.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Noon at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue in Stratford, CT.

OBITUARIES Richard Duncan, 76

‘He defined the natural beauty and history’ of Otsego County COOPERSTOWN depiction on the cover of and developing an interest - In 2003, when Richard “Otsego Lake.” in photography. “He was Duncan’s letter proposing Richard was born on always showing me his collaboration on a book June 9, 1944, in Catskill, latest lens,” said George of Otsego Dungan, a close Lake photos friend there. arrived at The He began studying Fenimore Art Aikido, the martial arts Museum, “it discipline, and more was somerecently Taoism. thing that In 1997, made sense Cooperstown’s right away,” Pat Thorpe, whom said Paul he’d met during his D’Ambrosio, MOMA studies, invited then the him for a weekend museum’s visit, and the region’s chief curator, Richard Duncan, beloved local artist, was beauty and the hospinow president. best known for his stunning photographs. tality he encountered With the convinced him to move blessing of Jane Forbes to Robert W. Duncan and here full time.

Clark, three books were Ruth H. Atwater. Survivors In a 2006 interview, he published rapid-fire over the include his beloved recalled arriving with a next five years, the legacy companion since 1998, Pam bicycle, a Leica in his knapof a man who devoted his Welch; a brother, Thom sack, and a few hundred adult life to the pursuit of Bigelow of Sherburne; dollars to his name. Hired art — for the past 35 years, an aunt, Connie Smith of as caretaker at Fairy Spring through photography.

Norwich, and Pam’s chilPark one summer, he began Age 76, Richard Duncan dren, Leela Brush, Scott photographing Otsego Lake passed away Thursday, Goodwin and Ethan Brush. in earnest.

May 21, at his home near Raised in Ithaca, where he His images appeared Arnold’s Lake, after a years’ attended a one-room school at a private gallery. Then long struggle with cancer. house, and Sherburne, the Cooperstown Art All three books Richard graduated from The Association and The — “Otsego Lake: Past Manlius School, the military Fenimore mounted exhibits and Present” (2005), academy near Syracuse. of his work, setting the stage “Cooperstown” (2006) and He studied painting at for the photo books that “Otsego County: Its Towns the Rhode Island School of followed. and Its Treasures” (2008) Design for just a semester, “He was a true artist,” — are still in print. then moved to San said Pam Welch. “He had a A 5,000-copy updated Francisco, where he appren- great eye. A great sense of edition of “Cooperstown,” ticed with the French artist, design. He loved color.” which includes Louis C. Jacques Fabert, immersed A memorial service is Jones’ 1949 history of the himself in the arts commuplanned at 4 p.m. June 9 village, also updated, was nity — at one point, also at Fairy Spring Park in published in 2018. studying Flamenco guitar Cooperstown. Bring a picnic “He defined the natural — and supported himself for the gathering that will beauty and history of the with a contract job delivfollow. region,” said D’Ambrosio, ering mail.

Memorial contributions whose favorite Duncan In the mid 1970s, may be made to the photograph, among the Richard was back in Boston, Cooperstown Art hundreds he edited, is studying at Boston’s Association, 22 Main St., still the Kingfisher Tower Museum of Modern Art, Cooperstown NY 13326.

B-8

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, May 27, 2021

Idelson returns for summer Some Regatta regulars will still paddle for Bainbridge in a separate canoe. not be an official race, he REGATTA/Continued from B3 the restrictions. to guide Hall through “It’s not a high risk “The Collier name has praised the management he expects to finish in 10 event,” Collier said. crossed the finish line more behind the canoe race, espehours or less. transition, induction However, the Collier than any other,” which is cially Chair John Harmon.

Steven Collier, 69, has HALL/Continued from B3 in San Francisco, where he and his partner in Grassroots Baseball, Jean Fruth, have been finishing up a project about historic Route 66.

Idelson said by going along one of America’s most famous roads, they were able to document the grassroots strength of the game.

“It is remarkable to see how strong volunteerism is making baseball,” Idelson said. “It is strong in many of the towns that dot the road.”

Idelson said he loves living in a big city again; he lived in Boston and New York City before moving to Cooperstown.

“I certainly miss Cooperstown … and all of my friends here,” he said, “but living in a major city again has been a nice transition.”

Now Idelson will return the favor to his old employer, allowing time to find a successor to Mead and helping it stage a pandemic-affected induction. No players were chosen for induction in 2021, but inductees from 2020, Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons, Larry Walker and the late Marvin Miller will be inducted Sunday, July 25, in a special television program.

According to Idelson, the broadcast will be held in a custom-made studio in the area and shown on the MLB Network and www.mlb.com.

Idelson’s main job is to make the event a success.

“I flew in on a Tuesday, hit the ground running on a Wednesday and I am happily knee deep in Hall of Fame Weekend now,” he said.

39 finishes and said he is “hoping to make it to Bainbridge, but it’s a long way from Cooperstown.”

Collier says that he has been more relaxed this year about training because of

family has been involved with the canoe race for about four decades. His daughter, Jessica Cowell, will be paddling with him, and his son and daughter John and Erica will also be

about 90 times, Collier said.

“When my kids think of Memorial Day, they think of canoeing.”

Despite the fact that Collier is “disappointed” that this year’s Regatta will

“He tried desperately to make the race start as usual, but they couldn’t find a place to start in Cooperstown,” Collier said.

“I’m just thankful I can go down this year.”

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