The Freeman's Journal 06-04-20

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SUBSCRIBE at www. AllOTSEGO.com to OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE

Volume 212, No. 23

COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, June 4, 2020

Newsstand Price $1

After 500 Protest, 2nd one Planned

The Freeman’s Journal

Chef Aaron Wratten and his wife, Maddalena Molli, are bringing the Horned Dorset’s heralded French cuisine to Cooperstown weekly, via takeout/DETAILS, A3

Absent Voters Asked To OK $19M Budget COOPERSTOWN

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

Perhaps as many as 500 people called for justice in George Floyd’s death at an Oneonta protest rally Sunday, May 31..

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ooperstown voters will be asked to approve a $19 million budget for the 2020-21 CCS school year during a vote by absentee ballot on Tuesday, June 9.

Board of Education President Tim Hayes and member Gillian Spencer are once again running for three-year terms, and a proposition to lease three buses is also on the ballot.

SEE MULTIPLE REPORTS ON

AllOTSEGO.com ►VANDALS POUR PAINT on Trump billboard on Route 28 outside of Milford. ►CHARGES DROPPED, talent agent must pay back model. ►DMV RENEWS TRANSACTIONS by mail only. ►121st assembly HOPEFULS Buttermann, Mosher to debate Tuesday. ►City council OKs $153K to fund pandemic recovery. ►balloons, takeout open “new” Cooperstown Diner ►GEOTHERMAL drilling surprises Cooperstown neighbors. ►drive-in graduation considered in Cooperstown. ►cooperstown all-star Village cancels Week Four. ►new lisbon man choked woman. tried to torch house, police say.

PHASE 2 OPENS LOCAL STORES

‘A Few Friends’ Grew Into Many; Police Chief Left Protesters Alone

Laura Tolbert at All About The Girls, 147 Main St., Cooperstown, poses with mannequin Sentra, sporting one of the store’s signature scarves.

By LIBBY CUDMORE & IAN AUSTIN ONEONTA

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hen Sadie Starr Lincoln first created the invite for the Black Lives Matter rally in Muller Plaza on Sunday, May 31, she thought it might be she and some friends speaking out against police brutality.

“By Saturday, 100 people said they were going. By Sunday morning, 350 said they were going,” said Lincoln, who organized the rally after a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, The turnout surdied while an officer knelt on his neck for nine prised organizer Sadie Starr Lincoln, minutes during a May 25 arrest.

Please See PROTEST, A10 a Laurens resident.

COOPERSTOWN RALLY TO BENEFIT NAACP, ACLU

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fter an outpouring of support at Oneonta’s “Justice for George Floyd” rally, a second one is planned at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7, in front of the Otsego County Courthouse, Cooperstown,

organized by Village Trustee MacGuire Benton and Maria Noto.

Face masks and social distancing will be required. Bring signs. Donations will be sought for NAACP, Oneonta chapter, and ACLU.

AllOTSEGO.com

►FOR FIRST REPORT, CHECK www.

Buyers Fleeing NYC Abound, But Homes For Sale Scarce

By JIM KEVLIN

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he real-estate market in Margaretville and Andes, in southern Delaware County, are “on fire right now,” said Michele Stoeger, executive officer, Otsego-Delaware Board of

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Welcome Back, Shopper!

By LIBBY CUDMORE

K

im Weekes, Oneonta, had been waiting for this moment for two months.

“I feel giddy, like a school girl,” she said. “It’s like a first date!”

Weekes, a client of Kelly Woessner at The Hair Studio in The Shops at Ford and Main,

snagged a coveted appointment on Saturday, May 29, Oneonta, the first full-day retail and hair salons could be open under Phase Two of NY Forward.

“I’ve had clients since 7:30 a.m.” said Woessner. “And I’m booked out until the end of June.”

Main Streets in Oneonta and Cooperstown saw an influx of Please See SHOPPING, A10

Bassett Uses Parking Lot As Patients Flood Back In

Realtors. “Everyone’s working for downstate people.”

By LIBBY CUDMORE And the flames are lapping into southern Otsego County, said veteran realtor COOPERSTOWN Joan Fox. “I haven’t seen demand like this – ever. our car is the new wait“We have agents in four ing room, said Dr. Steven counties – Otsego, Heneghan, Bassett HealthPlease See BUYERS, A10 care’s chief clinical officer.

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Heneghan

“Before you come in, someone will call you the day before and screen for symptoms, travel, et cetera,” he said. “The day of, you’ll be asked to wait in your car until staff calls you in. You’ll get your temperature taken, then be escorted to an exam room.”

With COVID-19 cases dwindling Please See PATIENTS, A10

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

Morrisville Educator New CCS Elementary Principal COOPERSTOWN

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racy Durkee, high school principal at Morrisville-Eaton in Madison County, was named Cooperstown Central Elementary School principal last evening by the school board.

Durkee has 27 years experience in the education field, mostly as an elementary school teacher in grades one, three and five.

“I am extremely zealous about educating youth, and I am prepared to help contribute my knowledge to maximize student achievement,” she was quoted as saying in a press release.

She has a master’s degree in education with a concentration in reading

from SUNY Cortland, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

A “virtual Tracy reception” Durkee will be held in Ms. Durkee’s honor, and will be announced at a later time. The Zoom invitation will be publicized through social media and on the Cooperstown Central School website.

Durkee succeeds Ann Meccariello, elementary school principal since 2015, who was promoted to high school principal, succeeding Kristen Butler, who resigned.

Well-Driller Warms Neighbors To Project

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

LOCALS Three Graduate Clarkson University

Tickled Pink Headquarters to Rise in Hartwick Seminary

CHERRY VALLEY

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lbert D, Wait, Cherry Valley, was one of three local students who graduated from Clarkson University in May. He received a BS degree with distinction in environmental engineering, civil engineering.

Also graduating were: • James Reynolds Wait, Cherry Valley, BS degree with distinction in physics.

• Jacob Eric Kroll, Richfield Springs, SD degree in civil engineering.

DOLAN LAUDED: Emilia Dolan, Cooperstown, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration during commencement ceremonies on May 17, 2020.

··

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Lucas Doucas, son of Tickled Pink BBQ owner Chris, was at work this afternoon, along with Lucas LaRusso, who’s helping with the construction of the new Tickled Pink store in Hartwick Seminary, where construction began this weekend. The store will feature smoked cheeses and other delights, in addition to their famous barbeque.

WE ARE OPEN! And we’re ready to see you again!

We are taking every precaution necessary to make our customers and our employees safe in our “new normal” environment.

Our showroom and warehouse are packed, come on back!

--from Kathryn & Allan Ahearne

Thank you and Goodbye Our great adventure in moving here 22 years ago brought us much happiness and friendships. They will be missed. But now, having entered a new phase of maturity, we have moved to Warwick Grove, closer to the younger generation of family in Warwick, New York

krazytoms.com info@cfbsales.com

4316 County Hwy 11 Cooperstown SinCe 1962

Our goodbye though, would not be complete without special mention of our Murphy Hill neighbors.

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

After eight hours of loud drilling yesterday on Cooperstown’s Glen Avenue, Titan Drilling of Arkville handed out gift certificates to neighbors today as a good will gesture. At Glen and Railroad, Linda Parmalee, who was concerned yesterday about what turned out to the foundation of a novel Geothermal Heating System, said neighbors would have appreciated being briefed about what was going on.

COOPERSTOWN, THANK YOU!

Chuck Gould

607-432-2022

22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm

WORDS FAIL. MEMORIES WILL NOT.

Sincerely, K&A

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

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THURSDAY, june 4, 2020

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The est In The World

“The guru of world whiskey” Jim Murray has scored some Cooperstown brands at 95.

Cooperstown Distillery Proprietor Gene Marra discusses barrel storage with his key lieutenants, Head Distiller Daran Bottger, right, and Assistant Distiller Mike Deflumere.

what’s fun

in Otsego County

BEST BETS

Michael Henrici stars as Petruchio, alongside wife Danielle Henrici as the headstrong Kate in the Glimmerglobe Theatre’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Virtual Theater, Celebrate Pride Or Go Camping!

AllOTSEGO.life

Jim Kevlin/

Expanded Cooperstown Distillery Setting Sights On ‘Legacy’ Level

the best whiskeys in the world, proprietor Gene Marra will tell you.

“This elevates us to the status of the Big Boys,” said Marra, who, believing in the power of “The Cooperstown Brand,” has been operating and expanding prize-winning offerings from the plant at Railroad Avenue and Leatherstocking Street for seven-plus years now.

The 7,500-square-foot two-floor addition, begun last October, is among In the basement floor of the new 7,000-squarethe largest private projects in the foot building, Bottger thinks through shipping Please See DISTILLERY, A8 strategies.

By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

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he rickhouse, where fine whiskey is aged, is bright, high-ceilinged, and there’s 7,000 square feet of it.

And the 550 barrels of aged whiskey it stores today – en route to 1,500 – will allow Cooperstown Distillery’s brands to compete with

LEONARDSVILLE TOO FAR? NO MATTER

Horned Dorset’s Acclaimed Cuisine Delivered Locally

By LIBBY CUDMORE LEONARDSVILLE

AllOTSEGO.life

Jim Kevlin/

Ah, small business! Chef Aaron Wratten and his wife Maddalena Molli made the deliveries themselves last Saturday to The Cooperstown Distillery.

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ot cheese dip, baked polenta, a rack of lamb and a chocolate bombe…the only thing the Horned Dorset can’t provide with to-go dinners is live jazz.

“It would be hard to have a live band with social distancing!” said Chef Aaron Wratten.

Reacting to COVID-10 stringencies,

the French fine-dining establishment – famed for many miles around – has begun offering pick-up dinners, with weekly dropoffs in Cooperstown, Hamilton, New Hartford and Syracuse on Friday and Saturday nights.

“Location is the biggest challenge,” said Wratten. “We’re centrally located in the middle of nowhere. So this is an opportunity to bring dinner to our diners, and expand our audience.”

That said, it seems the reach is well beyond those four communities, Please See DROPOFF, A7

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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t’s a virtual night at the theater as the Fenimore Art Museum presents the Glimmerglobe Theatre’s 2019 performance of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Friday, June 5, The Fenimore Art Museum. www. facebook.com/feniLIBBY moreartmuseum/ CUDMORE • Now that the weather is nicer, take a guided walking tour of Oneonta and learn the history of the Oneonta Hotel, The Fairchild Mansion and other buildings. Afterwards, tour some of the History Center’s past exhibitions. www.gohstours.com • Celebrate Pride 2020 in an online event with an opening ceremony, speeches, musical performances and more, all with the theme “Colors of Pride.” 2 – 8 p.m. Saturday, June 6, www.facebook.com/otsegopride/.

• Make a delicious, old fashioned maple cake, just like they did in the Historic Village with a recipe from The Farmers’ Museum’s farmhouse cookbook. www. facebook.com/farmersmuseum/ • Spend a night under the stars as Glimmerglass State Park and Gilbert Lake State Park open for camping.

Please observe social distancing protocols; on beach, only wading allowed.

Reservations, www.newyorkstateparks. reserveamerica.com • First Friday goes virtual with themed cocktails, live music by Tyler Westcott of the band Folkfaces, an Art Talk, illustration instruction and more. 6 p.m. Friday, June 5, YouTube, mwpaimobi, Facebook, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.

AllOTSEGO.com, WHERE OTSEGO COUNTY GOES FOR BREAKING NEWS

VISIT www.

WE ARE OPEN!!!

We are taking ALL precautions possible to put you into your new SUBARU! 331 Chestnut St. | Oneonta | 607-432-0201

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL

In Nation Under Duress, A Verb To Live By T he verb, “to accept.”

The verb became action at 8:30 a.m.

Monday, June 1, when Public Works Director Mitch Hotaling climbed a ladder and hung the Pride Flag on Cooperstown Village Hall.

When the Village Board, with some rancor, voted last July to fly the flag during Gay Pride Month, trustees couldn’t know how the verb, “to accept,” might resonate today after three months of pandemic and a week of riots.

To begin, let’s activate the verb to accept the people we know who are gay: beloved brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and cousins, childhood friends.

And more: Let’s accept they should be honored, even celebrated. It’s time.

“We” sounds majoritarian. It is. It is time for the country at large to accept this minority, and be enriched by it, as the majority has accepted so many others over our 250-year history and continues to do today.

• Let’s go further. Let’s accept that violence Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal settles nothing.

Socially distanced appropriately, Cooperstown village trustees join Mayor Arguably, the 1967 burning of American Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch, center, at the Pride Flag, unfurled at 22 Main on cities ripped apart the Civil Rights coalition Tuesday, June 1. From left are Joe Membrino, Richard Sternberg, Jeanne Dewey, MacGuire Benton, Jim Dean and Cindy Falk.

LETTER FROM STRASBOURG

of the 1960s and set back the cause 20 years.

Fury creates fury; it’s no win.

Let’s accept that militarizing American police forces after 9/11 – “civilians” is what officers call the rest of us – was a mistake from its beginning in the shadow of the burning Twin Towers. Let’s ramp it back.

Locally, we’ve seen the bad as we walked past armored cars and flak-jacketed officers en route to the Hall of Fame’s Induction.

And we’ve seen the good: Last Sunday, Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner assigned no officer when 500 people rallied peacefully for justice in Oneonta’s Muller Plaza. He trusted them.

Community policing, that’s called, a partnership between police and people.

Let’s accept it.

Yes, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, we’ve read how Minneapolis’ police union sheltered members from responsibility. Let’s accept reform is needed there, too.

• Let’s accept that our nation’s vast wealth – the envy of the world – hasn’t been sufficiently shared.

Please See EDITORIAL, A5

LETTER FROM ONEONTA’S NAACP

Outraged? Yes! We Exclaim, ‘Not Again’

W Mae Loewenguth shelters on couch in Strausbourg, France, where she’s an exchange student.

Day Begins With Baguette, And End With A Bon Nuit

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uesday the 17th of March, a bright blue sky unlike the past two weeks is hovering over northern France, making the idea of a confinement even more difficult to understand.

The world is continuing to breathe while its people are infected. The new virus, COVID-19, has taken more than 20,000 lives in France.

The country’s president, Emanuel Macron, announced

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By MAE LOEWENGUTH

Monday night, that the country will have to remain indoors until May 11.

The only reason to leave one’s home is for groceries, medicine, or physical activities.

The first day of enclosure begins like any other. A cup of tea and a baguette with butter and jam. As online classes start for the young student at midday she has the time to go for a short bike ride, as long as she has the document stating that her outing is and only will be an activity alone.

If she was stopped and didn’t have this piece of paper, she would receive a fine of 135 euros.

Passing through the norPlease See FRANCE, A6

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Editor’s Note: Cooperstown’s Mae Loewenguth, an exchange student in Strasbourg, sent this description of her life in France under coronavirus.

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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

Tara Barnwell

Advertising Director & General Manager

To the Editor, Chip Northrup’s recent letter condemning the efforts of Texans while praising those of New Yorkers was strong on opinion but weak on data. From my Google search on May 30: • New York (state population, about 20 million), 203,000 cases, 23,282 deaths; Otsego County (population, 59,249); 67 cases, four deaths.

• Texas (state population, about 29 million), 62,338 cases, 1,648 deaths; Kerr

County (population 52,405), 16 cases, zero deaths While these numbers change frequently, they are reliable enough to show clearly that Texas has vastly fewer cases and deaths than New York State. Then, taking rural counties of similar size, the numbers again show Texas far ahead of New York.

We can all agree that there are a number of reasons why these striking differences have occurred, but to conclude that somehow

Texas is falling far behind New York is untenable. In any case, Texas’ numbers are impressive by contrast to those in New York.

Consider Governor Cuomo’s March 2020 order forcing nursing homes to admit cases of COVID-19 this action may have turned some into medieval “pest houses” seen during the times of plague.

Mayor de Blasio’s tight lockdown of tenements in New York City, attempting to limit community spread of

the virus (in contrast to the quarantine of known positives cases) is the antithesis of “distancing” and may have caused more harm than good.

Note the logical actions of well-off New Yorker city dwellers - they fled! Are these public responses “as good as anywhere…?”

To paraphrase Mark Twain: It’s not the things you don’t know that can hurt you, it’s them you do know that ain’t true.

LEWIS HAMILTON Cooperstown

FRONT PORCH PERSPECTIVE

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant

Elizabeth Cooper Correspondent

Ian Austin Photographer

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

going to be enough? A national communication process will certainly not even start with this person presently living in the “wrong house” for three years.

Thursday evening, May 28, Joanne and I participated, along with 1,200 others, in a webinar presented by Derrick Johnson, CEO & president of our National NAACP, and panelist including presidents of the Minneapolis, Georgia, Louisville,

New York Branches, each explaining the situations happening in their communities, what they are doing to resolve their immediate problems but also what they are doing with actions moving ahead.

President Derrick Johnson strongly emphasized that if change is to be made, people must use positive energy to complete the Census, get to the polls on Nov. 4, and make a concerted effort to know your legislators and community leaders.

As our vice president, Michelle Osterhoudt, stated in her memo to each of you – “Talk about it, denounce social injustice, raise awareness and most importantly, join your local NAACP.” These are the way that you can make your communities stronger.

THIS MOMENT IS CALLING US TO STAY STRONG EVEN THOUGH WE ARE OUTRAGED AND NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE MUST FIGHT AND DEMAND JUSTICE, AND “WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN”!

Lee Fisher is president of the NAACP, Oneonta chapter.

Did New York State Really Do Better Than Texas?

Managing Editor

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

without immediate arrest. When these incidents happen they continually make your blood pressure spike for weeks, but we are not surprised of the bad police action throughout our nation and time and time again our justice system not resolving cases.

Shocked? No. Surprised? No. Outraged? Yes! And we exclaim, LEE “Not again!”

FISHER When is enough

LETTERS

Libby Cudmore

hen we saw the heinous act of another black man, George Floyd, intentionally being held down by four relaxed policemen and George not resisting arrest, but resisting suffocation and pleading “I can’t breathe, please let me stand,” it makes us return to the actions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. It was difficult to watch one policeman putting his knee with increased pressure on Mr. Floyd’s neck and three policemen watching until another black man’s life was painfully lost.

We could go back to Emmett Till in Mississippi, Ronna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., Eric Garner in New York City, Trayvon Martin and just a few weeks ago, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, shot dead running through a predominately white neighborhood, along with many others too numerous to list or mention. We are not surprised, we are angry.

Yes, again we are shocked when most of these killings we have witnessed, through new technology – except Emmett Till – result usually

Tom Heitz Consultant

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Milford • Town of Middlefield Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

First Class Subscription, $155 a year.

Published Thursdays 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

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‘All Ashore That’s Goin’ Ashore!’

ell, I’d circled the Baltimore inner harbor dockings and stood a bit, suitcase in hand, gazing up at an impressive threedomed building, each dome flying a huge pennant reading, “Old Bay Line.” And alongside the building a gangplank beckoned me. It climbed at a fairly steep angle to the main deck of the S.S. President Warfield.

Suitcase clutched with left hand, I hauled myself up the gangway’s handrail to the deck. There stood a tall

JIM ATWELL

smiling black man dressed in a starched white uniform. As I extended a hand, the man spoke in a rich baritone.

“I take it you are Master James Atwell?” Awed, I smiled and nodded.

“I am James, your personal steward. If I may take your suit-

case, I’ll escort you to your stateroom” And he meant stateroom. Down a long corridor that seemed to be following the ship’s keel, several decks below. James bowed and stepped ahead of me and turned on lights in a room easily 20 by 20 feet. Its main part held a double bed, an easy chair, and desk.

James gestured to the desk.

“Just in case you have some polishing to do on your speech,” he rumbled in that deep baritone.

Please See ATWELL, A6

AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS, A6

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • EMAIL THEM TO info@

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

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

205 YEARS AGO

At the late Court of Oyer & Terminer, held in this county

by His Honor Judge Spencer, Samuel McCollom was convicted of stealing a pocket-book from a Mr. Henry of Cherry Valley, and sentenced to four years imprisonment at hard labor in the State Prison. Intemperance, the father of much mischief and wickedness, seems to have led this man to his present disgraceful situation. It appeared from his own acknowledgement to one of the witnesses, that previous to the commission of the theft, so much was he wedded to his favorite liquor, that he actually took a pint of whiskey to bed with him. In aggravation of his crime, it seems that he had been in the habit of teaching school in the neighborhood. He took his departure for his new residence under the custody of the Sheriff last Thursday.

June 8, 1815

75 YEARS AGO

astride his tail. The Mayor picked up his hat and rubbed the places along his anatomy where the cat’s claws had struck. The cat, astride a limb, looked down upon the scene triumphant.

June 4, 1910

55 YEARS AGO

Editorial – Into the 20th Century – When Governor Rockefeller signed a bill Tuesday which outlaws, with two exceptions, capital punishment in New York State, he brought the Empire State into the 20th Century insofar as the administration of justice is concerned. It ends a 17-year fight to banish an archaic and barbaric form of punishment that has no rightful place in modern society. Capital punishment has been in effect in New York since Dutch Colonial times. Since 1891, when the electric chair was first used, 614 persons have been executed. New York thus becomes the 12th state to abandon the use of the death penalty.

Abolishment of the death penalty has had strong support from responsible segments of society.

June 6, 1945 June 2, 1965

180 YEARS AGO

The following is taken from an account of the Republican Young Men’s Otsego County Convention in Cooperstown in late May, 1840. (Ed. Note: The word Republican in 1840 described members of the Democratic Party) “Not less than three thousand Democratic Young Men, of Old Otsego, came together in this Village on the 27th ult. (May, 1840). It was a grand display of the rising Democracy of Old Otsego, and cheering to the highest degree to the hearts of all those who love their country and have a just regard for its prosperity and happiness. Every Town in the County was fully represented, and the procession was of the most imposing character, and, as it proceeded through the Village, the several Delegations composing the same were enthusiastically cheered by the vast multitude which filled the sidewalks, the corners of the streets and the piazzas of the hotels.

The “Huge Paws” appeared truly formidable, and the hewing down of Federal Whiggery that will take place in this County at the next November Election will be like the effects of the sweeping tornado.”

June 8, 1840

155 YEARS AGO

Thursday, the 1st of June, being set apart by the President as a day of humiliation and mourning, on account of the death of Mr. Lincoln, a union service will be held in the Presbyterian Church of this Village at 11 o’clock a.m.

Sermon by Rev. Mr. Peaslee.

Fourth of July Meeting – The Trustees of the Village invite the citizens generally to meet at Bowne Hall, on Friday evening of this week at 7:30 o’clock, to take into consideration the subject of a Fourth of July celebration.

A full attendance is desired. S.K. Thompson, President; C.R. Burch, Clerk.

June 2, 1865

130 YEARS AGO

Summary News – A sewer is to be laid through Church Street from River to Fair Street, and down Fair to Main Street – the expense of which is borne by Christ Church, Alfred C. Clark and James Bunyan, whose property flanks the sewer on each side the whole distance.

People leaving New York for Cooperstown will find the 9:50 train out of the city the best one, arriving here at 5:25 – only 7 hours and 35 minutes on the road – unless there should be a detention on one of the other roads. The train leaving Cooperstown at 2:10 p.m. connects with the boats at Albany.

June 6, 1890

110 YEARS AGO

Mayor Jack King was overseeing some public work on Chestnut Street the other day and was leaning against a tree.

Down the sidewalk something unusual attracted his attention.

It was a cat and right behind it was a dog and they were coming. As they came nearer the dog gained on the cat and just as they reached Jack the race seemed to be lost for the tabby. Then spt z-z-z! swish 23 blankety-blank!-! – the cat thought the Mayor was part of the tree, and up him she scrambled. The dog tried to follow, but Jack administered a kick and down the street the dog went with a kiyi and

LIFE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

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Navigating Without A Compass

ne thing is very clear when dealing we don’t have a good handle on these basic with a pandemic, it is very imporstatistics. tant to have good statistics in order We were able to determine what percentto determine a plan of attack. Without good age of those who were tested and confirmed numbers it’s hard to say what to do with COVID-19 died. The next. It’s also important to underproblem with that is many people stand what these numbers mean. who died during this period With COVID- 19, it has proven went unrecognized as having difficult to determine its morbidity COVID-19 because the algorithm and mortality rate and its infectivity. to decide who would be screened Additionally, we’re not sure exactly did not recognize that most what the tests that are being done infected people wouldn’t have mean. There’s a great deal of conclassic symptoms. This makes the troversy about accuracy, especially statistic of the percentage who about the antibody test which shows died unreliable.

RICHARD people who have the disease.

In Italy, it initially looked like • 10 percent of the victims were STERNBERG Some people die of the disease. dying. In Germany, it looks like Many of these people have pre-existless than 1 percent of the victims ing conditions. This is obviously common in are dying. In the United States it looks like elderly people. Some people have absolutely at least 5 percent die. no pre-existing conditions and are dying To figure out the real infection, fatality of COVID-19 solely. Many people who and morbidity rates, we are going to have contract the infection will survive it but may to know the size of the population, what have long-term health consequences. percentage of the population actually We have no idea what this percentage contracted the disease, and what percentage will turn out to be. Some people contract the was symptom-free. virus that are totally asymptomatic. They • A study in New York City, which have no illness at all. Unfortunately, they are probably still contagious and can infect Governor Cuomo frequently refers to, others who become symptomatic. shows that approximately 20 percent of the When we have good numbers of the size population have antibodies to COVID-19, of a population, the number of people afwhich indicates that they were infected and fected, number of people who die, and the implies that they have some level of immunumber of people who develop permanent nity even if only temporary.

The official numbers of New York City medical problems, we can start to develop good plans. are approximately 204,000 cases and 16,400 • deaths. This represents a fatality rate of apUnfortunately, we now recognize that Please See STERNBERG, A6

30 YEARS AGO

Memorial Day weekend 1990 was a winning time for twelve-year old Erica Collier. Erica and her father Steve Collier won first place in the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Generation Gap race on Friday. She and her Dad beat the boys who came in second and third. Then, on Sunday, Erica got dressed to compete in her first-ever beauty pageant at Albany’s Empire State Convention Center where she placed tenth among 59 contestants to qualify for a national beauty pageant in Orlando, Florida in January.

“It was a dream come true,” Erica said.

June 6, 1990

15 YEARS AGO

Village native Teri Barown is getting her desk in order and greasing the wheels of Cooperstown’s government in her new position as Village of Cooperstown Clerk.

Born and raised in Cooperstown, Barown graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1979. While she went to college part-time, Barown took a job in Lynn Green’s law office. In subsequent years she worked for the Otsego County Personnel Office, the New York State Historical Association’s Membership Department, and recently as District Clerk for Laurens Central School. “Until I worked in Laurens, I had always been in Cooperstown,” Barown said. “My kids go to school here. It’s like home to me.

When I saw this position, I had to go for it. It’s nice to be back in Cooperstown.”

June 3, 2005

MONEY TALK

Common Sense Ain’t So Common

’T

is early days, but what have we learned from the virus crisis?

One thing is that we don’t know what we don’t know. And we are often not certain about what we think we do know. For instance, we don’t know whether we should tell people to stay home, inside. Or should we encourage them to get out in the fresh air. Some experts say stay inside. Others throw facts at us that refute this.

They show if you are inside with others you are far more likely to transmit or pick up the virus. They argue that the best place to be is TOM outside. Where transmission is MORGAN much less likely.

That is a pretty basic thing to disagree about. Especially after four months. Especially after decades of dealing with viruses.

• This tops the list of things experts are not sure about. How far should we social-distance? Don’t worry about it, some experts tell us. Six-feet is best, say others. One expert told the world that 27 feet was ideal.

I am guessing he lives in the Sahara.

Or in a cave.

Should we wear masks? Some say yes, some no. Some said no, but changed their minds.

Do lockdowns work better when enforced before the virus arrives? Or maybe after it has arrived? Or maybe not at all?

Are our virus death tolls accurate?

Or are they exaggerated? Some states apparently record virus deaths much

differently than others.

Why is it that 80 percent of Minnesota virus deaths were in old-age facilities? But in other states the percentages were much lower? That seems odd.

And what is the death rate from the virus? What is the infection rate? Experts still disagree about these. And they change their figures every few weeks. Our Center for Disease Control has been all over the park with its figures.

• We are lucky that most of their revisions are downward. That is, these days they think the virus is not as virulent as they thought earlier. The CDC’s latest figure for infection rates is 1 in 1,000 for those under 50 who are not in nursing homes. Their death rates are 1 in nearly 7,000 overall. But almost all of these folks have – or had - other serious health issues.

I hesitate to use the word “latest.” Odds are good that the CDC will change their figures before this is printed. And some experts believe the true figures are higher than the CDC’s. Some think they are lower.

Does the virus spread easily on surfaces?

Some experts insist it does. And that we should spray and clean every surface near us every few minutes. Others reckon this is bunk. The CDC has basically said yes and no. Great.

• A big lesson we have learned is that the virus is political. It affects Republicans differently than Democrats. Most DemoPlease See MORGAN, A6

EDITORIAL: Let’s Accept Canon: Freedom, Justice, Pursuit Of Life, Liberty, Happiness EDITORIAL/From A4 Locally, Schenevus’ unified joy at the prospect of a 300-job distribution center dramatized the yearning for good jobs here, as in black neighborhoods like the one where George Floyd was killed.

In the Trump Administration’s peace plan for Israel and Palestine, multi-national companies agreed to build plants in Palestine, where unemployment is as high as 43 percent in Gaza. Why not in disadvantaged American neighborhoods?

Let’s accept that economic stability stabilizes families, and neighborhoods and communities. Stable communities require less policing, fewer opportunities for the Officer Chauvins of the world to do their damage.

Let’s accept vibrant American capitalism as a font of opportunity and wealth, the modern outlet for ambition and the pioneering spirit. And tax it appropriately for the benefit of all.

Let’s accept that our

Flags along Ben Franklin Parkway represent countries that contributed a significant number of residents to Philadelphia’s population.

Constitutional system generally works – or, as Churchill said, better than any other –

and that the current administration happened because government had lost touch

with its constituents.

If we don’t like the result, that can be allayed, perhaps as soon as Nov. 3 or no later than Nov. 5, 2024, and reforms made along the way.

Let’s accept the arc of history bends toward justice.

The American story, flawed as any other nation’s, proves it.

• Amid all this, let’s accept flying the Pride Flag each June. Since we all have gay friends and relatives, it shouldn’t be divisive at all. Mayor Gary Herzig has

said he doesn’t object to it in Oneonta – so, draft a resolution.

Let’s accept we may not fly enough flags: Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Parkway is lined with 90, one for every nation that has contributed any significant number of today’s Philadelphians.

Let’s accept the American canon: freedom, justice, the right to pursue Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. For everyone. And let’s use verb, “to accept,” to advance it.

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

ATWELL: Exploring The Mysteries Of SS President Warfield ATWELL/From A4 Oh, and over there is your bathroom.” The lastmentioned took up 5 square feet – and even featured both tub and shower.

“Now, after you’ve settled in, Master James, you’ll have plenty of time to walk all the way around the main deck of the President Warfield.

Just follow the outside rail and you’ll get a real sense of your home for the night.

“When you hear a brass gong sound, on deck and indoors, it’s calling you to the dining room. I’ll come looking for you so you won’t be late.” He grinned and winked.

“Mind you, we have quite a meal waiting there for you!”

James followed me back to the gangplank, and from there I headed aft down the starboard main deck of the

200-foot ship. Off to my left was the same view from my stateroom portholes but now broadened to a full panorama of the inner harbor all the way across to Federal Hill and past it to the flag (still there!) above Fort McHenry.

Still heading toward the stern, my quick glances in portholes showed a kitchen that could easily accommodate a restaurant, then a well-stocked bar, and then the dining where, as James had said, “quite a meal would be served to me.”

A few more portholes and suddenly I was glancing into somebody’s stateroom – and shocked, her hand to her mouth, an elderly woman was staring back at me!

Shame-faced, I broke into a shambling trot past a couple

Sixty years later, Jim Atwell remembers being impressed by the three domes on the Old Bay Line headquarters in Baltimore’s inner harbor, as he was about to board the SS President Warfield.

dozen more portholes, my eyes fixed across the harbor at distant Federal Hill. But by then I’d reached the ship’s stern and could surmise that the ship had, minus space

for preparing and serving meals for all its overnight guests, almost as many main deck staterooms sternward as it had forward of the gangway where I had boarded.

STERNBERG: If Numbers Don’t Add Up, Then What?

STERNBERG/From A5 proximately 8 percent. But there seems to be a number of patients “missing”: 20 percent of 8 million is 2 million.

Where are the missing 1.8 million cases?

If we take the number of deaths and divide that by the total number of cases, assuming those numbers are close to accurate, we get 16,400 divided by 2 million. Which is only 0.8 percent. This has to be adjusted for the deaths that haven’t been officially determined.

It appears that the disease is more prevalent and a lower mortality rate than initially thought. It also appears that as much as 90 percent of the population infected are not diagnosed.

•

A retrospective research paper that I read from a specialty hospital in New York City showed that otherwise healthy patients that were scheduled for surgery in April 2020 and did not warrant testing had an infection rate of approximately 12 percent, of which 58 percent remained asymptomatic even with the stress of surgery.

Whether it is determined by statistical methods or by formal scientific studies it is clear that a very significant percentage of patients with COVID-19 never show symptoms.

In summary, it’s clear that we do not have very good statistics which makes it more difficult to make informed decisions.

Hopefully, the statistics will improve. But the important point to

take away from this is, regardless of the percentage who have the disease, a large number of people are dying from it.

Even if the fatality rate is only 0.5 percent, if we don’t get a vaccine, we can expect 70 to 80 percent of the population to contract the disease, which in the United States would be more than 200 million people and therefore 1 million people will die.

Let’s hope we can keep the curve flat until a vaccine is found.

Dr. Richard Sternberg, a retired Bassett orthopedic surgeon, has agreed to provide his expertise to understanding COVID-19 during the course of the pandemic. A village trustee, he resides in Coopeerstown.

LOEWENGUTH: From Morning Baguette To Bon Nuit FRANCE/From A4 mally crowded streets, she notices that there is an odd sense of insecurity. Those who whip past her wear masks and gloves to protect themselves from the virus that can almost be felt in the air.

Arriving at her apartment just above a pharmacy, she had to swerve her bike to avoid running into the people in line outside, each with gloved hands and prescriptions ready. She watched to see exactly what they were doing, as one person came out another walked in.

After the five flights of stairs, she meets her roommate who has now finished her fourth series on Netflix.

Upside down on the couch they try to come up with ideas that could

keep them busy.

That is when the unofficial spring cleaning begins. Every sheet, pillow case, blanket is put into the washing machine. They take a minute to look out the window and peep at the others on their balconies hitting rugs with brooms to get the dust out and those next to them hanging the laundry.

The woman across the street cleaned her windows from top to bottom four times, while the older man in the house next to her is sitting in his chair, reading the newspaper with a frown on his face and a cigar between his lips.

Classes start in five minutes. The icons of her classmates appear in the chat as the teacher figures out how to

turn his microphone on. In top half blouse and bottom half pajamas, she is given her assignment of the day. She writes, reads, researches, and writes again to pass the time.

It’s 8:45 p.m. and the roommates have finished their fourth movie for the week. Her eyes are heavy as the exhausting day that seemed to never end has indeed ended. They each walk to their rooms at opposite sides of the hallway and closed the doors while saying “bon nuit.”

Thinking of how different life was before this began, she closed her eyes and prayed to dream about concerts, outdoor terraces, and crowded restaurants with close conversations.

MORGAN: How Did COVID-19 Become Politicized

MORGAN/From 5 crat-controlled cities and states report much different figures. From the New York Times front page: THE CORONAVIRUS IS DEADLIEST WHERE DEMOCRATS LIVE. Counties won by President Trump in 2016 have reported just 27 percent of the deaths – even though 45 percent of Americans live in these communities.

This may explain why Democrat-controlled states

tend toward lockdowns and restrictions. While Republican-run states tend toward measures to open up their states. This gets you into a chicken and egg situation. Maybe the lockdowns have made matters worse?

Of course, New York is wall-to-wall Democrat.

And wall-to-wall virus, compared to other states.

You probably have seen the comparisons between Florida and New York. The states are similar in many

respects. Their governors took opposite courses in handling the crises. The results are opposite. Political folks will argue about this for years.

One lesson we have relearned is that politicians are quick to point fingers during a crisis. They instantly blame leaders in the other party. But they rarely admit their own errors and misjudgements.

• In the midst of this

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confusion, consider “deaths of despair”. That is, deaths by suicide, drug abuse, alcohol, beatings and abuse.

I understand these are more numerous lately in areas with severe lockdowns. One expert tells us these “added” deaths are nearly as high as the virus deaths.

In the face of all this you might be tempted to fall back on a few old pearls.

I am: The obvious ain’t so obvious. And common sense ain’t so common. We sometimes gallop off in all directions. And too often we don’t know our backside from second base.

Cliches to the rescue.

Tom Morgan, the retired Oneonta investment counselor and nationally syndicated columnist, lives in Franklin. Write him at tomasinmorgan@yahoo.com

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Ten more minutes’ walk brought me up to the President Warfield’s bow.

Departure preparations were under way there, and I saw a deck hand cup his hands and shout down to the dock, “Loose the bow line!”

I guess the man down below caught a glimpse of my head and, realizing there was an audience, snapped a salute and shouted back, “Aye, aye, matey!” I laughed aloud when he loosed the hawser, a good 4 inches thick, by flipping the two loops of the massive clove hitch up and over the top of the deck piling. They struck the pier below with a deep report but were hardly still before five men edged me aside and hauling the hawser first off the dock and into the harbor, and then up

the ship’s side.

They didn’t take time to coil the hawser but dragged it across to the deck to the port side and started hauling it sternward there.

I wondered why this extra work. Someone down starboard side was bellowing into a megaphone: “ALL ASHORE THAT’S GOING ASHORE!” They were about to raise the gangway and draw it aboard. That done and with the stern hawser also hauled aboard, we’d be separated from the land.

My 12-hour voyage had begun!

Next time: The shipboard feast.

Jim Atwell, a Quaker minister and retired college administrator, lives in Cooperstown.

LETTERS

Cut Tourism Funding To Prevent 59 Layoffs

To the Editor: Last week, the Otsego County Board of Representatives made the tragic decision to terminate 59 employees, amounting to hundreds of years of institutional knowledge and public service.

While the euphemism “layoff” continues to be used, it doesn’t accurately reflect what occurred. These jobs have been eliminated.

To return, multiple committees and the full board would need to re-create, fund and then fill these jobs; an unlikely prospect for the foreseeable future.

It is unfortunate that this newspaper cavalierly glossed over these individuals, some with decades of service, and instead cynically focused on the perceived gain or loss of “clout” by politicians who voted for it.

This was by far the most difficult vote any representative has taken and each tried to do what our conscience and judgment told us was right. I don’t believe politics or clout factored into this decision for my colleagues – I know it didn’t for me.

While we can disagree on the merits of this vote, we all acknowledge the devastation of overturning the lives of 59 families in our community.

Budget decisions the county board makes in any given year reflect our values and priorities and also have lasting impacts on future budget years. In December 2018, this paper printed a letter of mine in which I expressed concern that the county board was voting to approve a half-million dollar raise for management, including a raise for themselves of nearly 30 percent.

These votes took place just weeks after the board endorsed the county treasurer’s plan to accelerate the tax foreclosure process on local struggling homeowners.

In addition to my concern that these actions reflected a tendency of the board to prop up those with power while making it harder for those struggling, the letter also warned about timing.

I wrote, “Economic storm clouds may be gathering.

The county is disproportionately reliant on bed and sales taxes, which track volatile consumer spending.

It appears the stock market is set for its worst year since 2008 and economists predict a recession within two years.

These raises are essentially locked into future budgets.

When the economy falters, the board will need to raise taxes or cut services.”

While no one expected the suddenness or magnitude of the current recession, clairvoyance is not required to predict a recession. All economic expansions even-

tually come to an end at some point. The choices we make in the good times will reverberate when hard times come.

Last week I stated that while job cuts may become necessary, I could only vote for them if they were strategic and a last resort.

Neither factor was present at the time of the vote. Looking only at the departments reporting to my committee, it is counterproductive to cut a significant proportion of employees working on issues of public health and mental health/addiction during a time of pandemic and rising community trauma. Some of these employees even generate revenue for the budget, more than paying for the expense of their position.

As evidence that the job cuts were not a last resort, we pointed to the over $1.1 million being funneled to external agencies and semiprivate entities. While the Administration Committee voted to cut 59 jobs, amounting to 25 percent of some departments, it only voted to cut by 15 percent payments to agencies doing work outside the county’s core mission. Included in this was over $600,000 to a private tourism agency advertising for a largely non-existent tourism season.

This agency is supposedly supported through the County’s bed tax. With a loss of 70 percent of bed tax, how can we only cut our payment by 15 percent?

These concerns and others were brought up repeatedly throughout the decision-making process and should have been resolved adequately prior to terminating employees.

It is on all Otsego County residents, both elected officials and voters, to think about what kind of government we want. In recent decades, we’ve greatly reduced the number of our neighbors working locally in public service, while at the same time transferring millions of taxpayer monies to out of town consultants and private corporations and agencies. COVID-19 has only accelerated this trend.

Do we continue further down this road? It may result in not just job losses for our neighbors but also valuable losses in services, as has been evidenced by the County Clerk’s recent closure of the Oneonta DMV. Through your voice and your vote, let your county know what kind of government you want to see. In the meantime, let’s all support our loved ones and community during this difficult time.

ANDREW STAMMEL County Representative

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

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come for 40 years, we have DROPOFF/From A3 a relationship with them, judging from last Saturday’s so it was good to be able to pickup at The Cooperstown say ‘hi’ and chat, even from Distillery. Jonathan and across the table.”

Lois Sastic drove up from And because the fare Oneonta. Dan Ayres, the is seasonal, the offerings Helios Care CEO, came all will expand every week. the way from Delhi.

“Spring is always difficult The restaurant was founded because not a lot is availin 1977 by Wratten’s father able,” Wratten said. “But in Kingsley and his uncle the coming weeks, we’ll be Bruce, as well as partners able to bring in a lot more Harold Davies and Donald elements.”

Lentz. Aaron and his wife, And though they’re only Maddalena Molli, run the delivering to four locations, business now, offering they hope that as word locally sourced, seasonal fare.

Jim Kevlin/ OTSEGO.life spreads, they’ll be able to But when the pandemic Jonathan and Lois Sastic drove up from Oneonta welcome new customers started, the restaurant to partake of the Horned Dorset’s takeout too. closed. service.

“If we see a demand, “We took it as a time we’ll expand,” he said. “We to take a deep breath and main courses, vegetable was very successful, and rethink our business model,” sides and, of course, the we were very pleased,” said see ourselves doing this for a long time.”

Aaron said. “In other parts famous Chocolate Bombe Molli. “People who have of the industry, restaurants dessert. “We’re famous are using their contacts to for our Hot Cheese Dip,” pivot, to rebranding as meal he added. “It’s a coveted kits or even grocery stores.” recipe, so we’ll always have For Wratten, moving to that on the menu.” take-out meals was “the Orders are taken through obvious pivot.”

Thursday, and pickups are “People kept asking when determined by location.

COMMERCIAL BAKER we were going to reopen, “In Cooperstown, Gene FOR LARGE FACILITY but we have to see how Marra was very kind to the situation evolves,” said give us space in front of the Starting at the end of June until the end of August.

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THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Expansion Allows Cooperstown Distillery To Join ‘The Big Boys’ DISTILLERY/From A3 village in decades, and the first time the village has applied for a CDBG (federal Community Development Block Grant) – $100,000 – to help a private entity expand.

“It’s a big deal!” exclaimed Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch. “It’s important that businesses know the village is willing to work with them on this type of expansion and development.” Not just manufacturing, she added, “but apartments – in the right location – to increase our housing stock.”

Otsego Now CEO Jody Zakrevsky said the

county IDA assisted in the financing, one, because it contributes to Cooperstown as a tourist destination and, two, the project doubles the distillery’s workforce from five to a dozen employees.

The expansion was further made possible through new investors Marra identified, who may be introduced at an official ribbon-cutting, delayed by the coronavirus threat to perhaps sometime in July.

“They very much believe in Cooperstown whiskey becoming a national, even international, brand in the near future,” the owner said.

The new initiative has been on Marra’s mind

for a while, he said in an interview, but was inspired most recently in 2019 when Cooper’s Legacy Bourbon received 95 points – a “Liquid Gold” rating – in Jim Murray’s Whisky (the Brits spell it without an “e”) Bible.

Murray, who lives in Britain but has a second home in Frankfort, Ky., the heart of bourbon-making country, is the foremost arbiter of whiskey (the Yanks use an “e’) in the world, receiving several thousand bottles a year to test.

Marra, a restaurateur since he was 26 and later a vineyard owner as well,

came to Cooperstown in 2009 as a consultant to Michael Moffat’s Blue Mingo restaurant, and returned in 2013 with wife Montell, daughter Clara and son Gabriel. (Clara, a rising junior, is working for her dad while waiting for college to reopen.)

Marra and his team – it is now led by Daran Bottger, Ames, head distiller, and Mike Deflumere, New Berlin, assistant distiller, both trained at Cornell – have developed their own brands from the start, beginning in 2013 with lilac-flavored Fenimore Gin, Glimmerglass Vodka and Beanball Bourbon.

The distillery’s last few years have been focused on the “Cooperstown Select Whiskey Portfolio” – a bourbon, rye, American whiskey and, Marra said, the “soon to be released,” Cooperstown Select Single Malt Whiskey, “an American interpretation of Scotch whiskey.”

The proprietor calls them “ultra-premium whiskeys,” which will retail for $50-70 a bottle.

“We’ve been making young whiskey,” Marra said, “which is good, but now we’re developing more aged whiskey, which is what the market is clamoring for.

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What’s happening now “is about being able to have a library of aged whiskeys that can be released, with more character, more finesse, and will ultimately command a higher price in the market, particularly the five-year-old brands.”

The expanded brewery – it’s gone from one still, to two and, now, to four – is also introducing its Cane High Spiced Rum and an apple brandy, “made from locally sourced apples from Cherry Valley,” the publicity says.

All the grain used to distill these new products is Upstate grown, by centuryold Inverness Farm in Canajoharie. Plus, the barrels that store the liquor are made of Upstate wood.

As it has in the past, tours will begin again, probably in July. “We see the rickhouse as a site for private events and parties,” Marra said. “It’s a viable reception/wedding site.

There’s a lot of potential.”

By Labor Day, the distillery also plans to open the Saratoga Beverage Exchange on that community’s Broad Street, similar to the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange at Main and Pioneer, and featuring such brands as Saratoga Revolutionary Rum, Victory Vodka and Back-Stretch Bourbon.

“We’re super excited about that,” Marra said.

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may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 393 Main Street Suite 5, Oneonta, New York, 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

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Any lawful purpose.

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DP 2, LLC.

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

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it

Barreto Family Medicine, P.L.L.C. Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 5/8/20.

Location: Otsego County

Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of

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State on December 23, 2019.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: Merwan Irani, 5981 State Highway 7, Oneonta, New York 13820.

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

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Notice of Formation of

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Actively Becoming Me LLC,

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

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

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

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

Office: Otsego County.

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SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 33 Haven Esplanada, Staten Island, New York 10301.

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Company LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/30/2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 124 Goose Street, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

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THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-9

OBITUARIES

Sharon Ann Congelli, 74; Active With Local Quaker Worship Groups FLY CREEK – Sharon Ann Congelli, 74, who most recently lived with her daughter in Fly Creek, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020, following a valiant seven-year battle with glioblastoma. She was 74.

Born Nov. 20, 1945, in North Hornell, Sharon was the daughter of Duane E. and Carol J. (Bricks) Knapp of Atlanta, NY. After graduating from high school in Wayland she attended the Continental School of Beauty in Rochester.

While she was employed at several places throughout her life, she was best known as the manager of the Home Video store located in the Wayland Food Mart, for over 25 years. Prior to managing the video store, Sharon worked for the Wayland Central School as part of the high school cafeteria staff, a position she enjoyed and from which lifelong friendships were born as

evidenced by monthly lunch gatherings with the “cafeteria ladies” held for decades after.

Sharon was a good listener with a gentle nature and a cheerful outlook on life that was comforting to those around her. Her family, especially her ten grandchildren, loved visiting Sharon at her longtime residence on Loon Lake. There she shared with them her wellknown love of loons and enjoyed paddleboat rides around the lake. Sharon loved hosting family and friends at the lake, where she always made everyone feel welcome and at home, blessing her children with a lifetime of memories spent on Loon Lake.

Sharon was a spiritual person whose journey of faith began in the Atlanta Presbyterian Church. She had also been a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Way-

land, Loon Lake Community Chapel in the summers and, during her four-year residence in Fly Creek, was a much-loved participant of Butternuts Monthly Meeting Quaker worship groups in Cooperstown and Oneonta.

Sharon was conscientious about fulfilling her civic duty and for many years assisted her fellow community members in Wayland as an election worker at the polls on election days.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed being a regular patron at the small libraries in the communities she lived and frequented.

Sharon is survived by her four children, Jonas (Tammy) Congelli of Tully, Sarah (Mark) Wilcox of Fly Creek, Carol (George) Smith of Forest Grove, Ore, and Michael (Jennifer) Congelli of Spencerport; 10 grandchildren, Steffaney and Nathaniel Wilcox, Emily, Allison, Matthew and

Anna Congelli, and Izzy, Carly, Sammy and Vinny Congelli; and her four siblings, Lee (Megumi) Knapp of Sharon Tennessee, Congelli Lois(Jim) Mark of Dansville, Winifred (“Winnie”) Feathers of Geneseo, and Joan (Bill) Brewster of Dansville and their families.

mother, Deborah Perkins of Oneonta; beloved grandmother, Nancy Laraway Aaron Willey Weissflog of Clifton Park; sisters, Keturah L. Willey of New York Mills and Tayanita Perkins of Schuyler Lake; brother, Elijah Thomas Perkins of Schuyler Lake; beloved niece and nephew;

Count On Us

Thomas C. Tighe

June 6, 1941 — March 15, 2020

In-Branch Service Now Open!

stepfather, Thomas Perkins of Schuyler Lake; father, Christopher Posada and family in New Jersey; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his beloved grandfather, Donald Weissflog.

A private family service has been held for Aaron.

Nothing means more to us than the health, safety and well-being of the communities we serve.

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humorous, poignant, joyous – the full scope of a life well lived. By mail: Family of Sharon Congelli, c/o Sarah Wilcox, PO Box 95, Fly Creek, NY 13337 or by email: lilybluestone4@ yahoo.com.

Memorial donations in Sharon’s name may be made to the Village Library of Cooperstown, Butternuts Monthly Meeting of Cooperstown.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.

Now More Than Ever

Aaron M. Willey, 34; Grew Up In Burlington Flats ONEONTA - Aaron Michael Willey, 34, who spent his childhood in Burlington Flats, died unexpectedly on May 27, 2020, in Oneonta.

He was born on Sept. 12, 1985, to Deborah L. Perkins (Willey) and Christopher Posada in Middletown.

Aaron grew up in Burlington Flats and attended Edmeston Central School.

Aaron received a diploma of legal assistant/paralegal from the Blackstone Career Institute in 2006.

Aaron is survived by his fiancé, Heather Lynn Vandersloot of Oneonta;

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Duane E. Knapp who died November 14, 2008, and her mother, Carol J. Knapp, who died July 12, 2012.

When it is safe and regulations allow, Sharon’s family will plan on having a public memorial service in Wayland. She will be laid to rest near her parents in St. Joseph’s Old Cemetery in Wayland.

In celebration of her life, please share your memories of Sharon with messages

Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.

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THURSDAY, June 4, 2020

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Protest Brings 500 To Muller Plaza; 2nd Due In Cooperstown PROTEST/From A1 The turnout was even higher, filling the plaza and the sidewalk across the street with an estimated 500 peaceful protesters. “People just kept coming,” she said. “I was in shock.”

The Laurens Central School senior has been active in several protests since 2016, when she joined activists at Standing Rock protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“My family is of the Narragansett tribe in Rhode Island, and when I heard about the protests at Standing Rock, I wrote a song and put it on Facebook,” she said. “My father decided we should drive out there, so we spent a week with the protestors.

I helped build a school, but it got

plowed over.”

She also participated in the 2016 Women’s March in Oneonta, and the Climate Change Rally in Albany, and helped rally local support for the protest of Trump’s visit to Utica in 2018.

Her first priority for this rally, she said, was peace. “We made sure ‘Peaceful’ was the first word on all our flyers,” she said. “We wanted to make sure no one showed up with ill intentions.”

Though police pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed and shot live and rubber rounds into crowds at protests across the country, Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner declined to even send a police presence to the event.

“We felt it would be better to let

demonstrators voice their opinion without distraction,” he said.

“There was no damage, no injuries, and they left the plaza cleaner than they found it. It was a good example of the people of Oneonta.

They care – they’re not looking to cause problems.”

He agreed with what the protesters stood for. “There is no excuse for what happened in Minneapolis,” he said. “There was no excuse for that officer to be holding him down like that, and no excuse for the officers who watched him do it.”

Nonetheless, protesters at the event did describe racially motivated run-ins with city police.

Johnson Brown, a SUNY Oneonta student, told of man threatening

Shoppers Return To Downtowns SHOPPING/From A1 customers; not quite the rush of summer traffic, but a welcome sight through doors that have been closed for two months.

“It’s so good to see people,” said Laura Tolbert, All About the Girls. “I’m starting to feel more human.”

“Customers are hungry to come in and shop,” said LJ Alexander, LJ’s Sassy Boutique. “We’re not online, so we depend on the customer who walks in the door.”

To open, stores had to follow a series of strict guidelines, including cleaning procedures, access to hand sanitizer, social distancing and no more than 50-percent capacity.

“The cleaning guidelines alone are 10 pages long,” said Nate Roberts, Serenity Hobbies. “And we put a hard cap of 10 customers at a time.”

“We had to submit a plan and fill out a whole booklet,” said Tolbert. “If people from the state come by and check, you have to be prepared.”

“The Cooperstown Distillery brought over hand sanitizer,” said Sue Fink, who gave her daughter-in-law, Lori, a day off from Tin Bin Alley. “Businesses are really working together, and it’s been so nice to see everyone. Everyone is being very respectful.”

At Tin Bin Alley, tape lines were placed on the floor to keep customers 6 feet from the counter, and customers read the price to the clerk to minimize

contact. At L’il Sassy’s Boutique, the store was marked for a one-way traffic flow.

“I got an additional certification in sanitizing procedures from Barbicide,” said Woessner. “I want to make sure my clients feel safe.”

An executive order from Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed store owners to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask. But if you left yours in the car, All About the Girls, has a box of paper masks at the front of her store, free of charge.

“I want people to feel safe,” she said.

“It’s so good to see everyone, it makes us all feel human again.”

She’ll also throw in a free fabric mask – black or leopard print – with every purchase. “We’ve got your mask here, either way.”

In Oneonta, The Artisan’s Guild and Serenity Hobbies modified hours to abbreviate staffing and allow for cleaning.

“I can’t be fully open until Phase Four,” said Roberts. “So much of what we do is event-based, tournaments and game nights, and that’s under recreation.”

If the region continues to stay within the state’s parameters, Phase Three could open in 14 days, possibly allowing restaurants to open for in-house dining.

“We’ve back in the swing of things,” said Alexander. “It’s fun again, and it will only get better.”

“You can’t tell under the mask,” said Weekes as Woessner began to snip. “But I’m smiling.”

to lynch him outside the Clinton Plaza hookah bar.

“We called the police,” said Brown. “And they escorted him home and yelled at me and my friends! When people are threatening us, you cannot tell us we cannot be mad.”

Rev. LaDonna Clark also spoke: “As a former police officer, I do not hate the police, but right is right and wrong is wrong. There can be no peace as long as an officer can place his knee on the neck of a black man and take his life before our eyes!”

Brenner has reached out to Lee Fisher, president of the NAACP’s Oneonta chapter, to discuss how the OPD might assist the community. The chief is also looking into

additional training for his officers.

Oneonta NAACP Vice President Michelle Osterhaudt, the former Common Council member, handed out membership forms at the rally, and said she’s had several emails and calls about where to send donations.

Following the rally, Lincoln said that she is in conversation with Rev. LaDonna Clark and Wesley Lippitt, who was shot by another Cooperstown Central student in what some believe was a racially motivated attack on Good Friday in 2010.

“We want to start a youth group for people of color and the people who support them,” she said. “When you speak out for the voiceless, you have so much power.”

Buyers Abound, But Few Homes Available BUYERS/From A1 Delaware, Schoharie and Chenango,” she continued.

“Across the board, primary- or secondary-home market, the demand is incredible, and it’s outstripping the supply of houses available.”

Even Cooperstown, fourplus hours from Manhattan, is feeling the heat. “It’s almost like a little frantic,” said Amy Stack of Stack-Page Properties. “People are trying to get into places. There are no places to show them.”

Veteran realtors liken

what’s happening now to what happened after 911, when urbanites fearing a repeat of the Twin Towers’ attack moved Upstate from New York City.

Margaret Savoie, owner of Cooperstown’s Don Olin Agency, agreed with Stack that “there’s a low inventory, but some houses have been on the market and not selling.

We can accommodate them.”

With landlords used to serving the 13-week Dreams Park market, “there are no rentals” for people looking to

rent year ’round. However, “interestingly, some people are looking for land.”

And, by the way, today everyone also wants highspeed Internet and cellphone access. “If a property has access to high-speed Internet service, it’s very attractive,” said Fox. Until Monday, June 1, Governor Cuomo’s emergency declaration closed real-estate offices, and many local real estate offices added photos to their online listings, even virtual tours.

Patients Return To Bassett, But Guardedly PATIENTS/From A1 – Heneghan reports that only one person remains hospitalized and there have been no new hospitalizations in seven weeks – Bassett Hospital has reopened for “85 percent” of procedures, including elective surgeries.

“There are very few things we aren’t doing, and everything we’re doing is with higher safety precautions,” he said.

Having people wait in their cars is just one way that

Bassett is continuing to minimize exposure to COVID-19.

“It’s about creating these basic safety points,” he said.

“That way, we minimize congestion.”

However, for those who were dropped off or used public transportation, waiting rooms are still available, at a lower capacity. “Some of the chairs are partitioned off,” said Heneghan. “We want everyone to feel safe and know that if they’re sitting in our waiting room, they’re not

sitting next to someone.”

Every visitor to any Bassett Healthcare clinic must wear a mask and have their temperature taken at the door, as well as answer a series of questions about symptoms and travel.

“We try to have enough people on staff so that no one has to wait in line,” he said.

“But at some times, like 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., there are more people waiting for appointments, so we have markers on the floor to make sure people are spread out.”

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