Dear Bob: Our little group of aging former athletes, aging never were athletes and younger generation 20 to 40 year olds have been playing softball during the summers in Copake Park on Sunday mornings since 1987
(perhaps even 1986 as this is a point of dispute).
As players retire or take leave of absences due to physical deterioration (mostly knees, backs, shoulders & elbows ) or pursuit of more sedentary activities golf, lounging), there is always a need for more softball players.
We would be very appreciative if you could mention our game in your Chronicle. We play Memorial Day weekend and then every weekend from July 4th to Labor Day starting around 10am - 1030am on Sunday mornings in Copake Park.
Thanks, Marc Furman
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Some Practical Information For Treatment Resistent Depression
Hi Bob,
I missed Linda's first article about her sister's suicide, so what I'm writing here might be redundant. In my job as a diagnostic interviewer for psychiatric studies, I work with people who have treatment resistent depression and assess them for suicide risk. I thought of some practical information I could add to the heightened awareness you have already provided.
When people are deeply depressed, they often feel that no one can understand. They often feel worthless and useless and guilty. Unfortunately, the people they talk to might unintentionally add to these feelings with encouraging remarks like, "Pull yourself out of it!" or "Wear bright colors!" or "Get more exercise!" These things are not helpful because depression is not a character defect; it is an illness, just like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
And it can be a fatal illness, as we have sadly seen in our community. The World Health Organization's National Strategy for Suicide Prevention estimates that in the U.S. about 60% of people who commit suicide have had a mood disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia). Younger persons who kill themselves often have a substance abuse disorder in addition to being depressed.
Suicidality is one symptom of depression. The other symptoms are change in appetite, change in sleep pattern, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and feelings of worthlessness. If someone you know seems to have several of these symptoms, don't be afraid to ask him or her about it. Listen just the way you would if the person were describing any type of medical condition. If someone says that he or she wishes they were dead, don't brush it off or try to talk them out of it.
Take it seriously as a symptom of the illness. Gently ask about thoughts of death or dying. Get more information. Often people think that they would be better off dead, or they wish that they were dead, as a way to escape their emotional pain. These people may have no plan or intention to kill themselves. But sometimes, people have gone so far in their minds as to think of how they might kill themselves.
Sometimes, after thinking about it alot, people begin the process - they collect pills, for example, or they make preliminary investigations into how they might buy a gun. Gentle questions can reveal this information, if we are willing to listen without judgement. When I talk to people who are thinking this way, I tell them that I am concerned about their safety. I ask if I might talk to their doctor about it. And then I call the doctor without delay.
I want to end by saying that a depressed person who is determined to commit suicide will do so, no matter how much help and protection is provided. This is because suicidality is a pernicious symptom of a serious illness. If we want to help our friends and neighbors who suffer from depression or who have lost a loved one to suicide, we must understand that.
Thanks for letting me go on, Bob.
Melissa Cockerham, M.A.
Columbia University
VNS Study
I missed Linda's first article about her sister's suicide, so what I'm writing here might be redundant. In my job as a diagnostic interviewer for psychiatric studies, I work with people who have treatment resistent depression and assess them for suicide risk. I thought of some practical information I could add to the heightened awareness you have already provided.
When people are deeply depressed, they often feel that no one can understand. They often feel worthless and useless and guilty. Unfortunately, the people they talk to might unintentionally add to these feelings with encouraging remarks like, "Pull yourself out of it!" or "Wear bright colors!" or "Get more exercise!" These things are not helpful because depression is not a character defect; it is an illness, just like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
And it can be a fatal illness, as we have sadly seen in our community. The World Health Organization's National Strategy for Suicide Prevention estimates that in the U.S. about 60% of people who commit suicide have had a mood disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia). Younger persons who kill themselves often have a substance abuse disorder in addition to being depressed.
Suicidality is one symptom of depression. The other symptoms are change in appetite, change in sleep pattern, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and feelings of worthlessness. If someone you know seems to have several of these symptoms, don't be afraid to ask him or her about it. Listen just the way you would if the person were describing any type of medical condition. If someone says that he or she wishes they were dead, don't brush it off or try to talk them out of it.
Take it seriously as a symptom of the illness. Gently ask about thoughts of death or dying. Get more information. Often people think that they would be better off dead, or they wish that they were dead, as a way to escape their emotional pain. These people may have no plan or intention to kill themselves. But sometimes, people have gone so far in their minds as to think of how they might kill themselves.
Sometimes, after thinking about it alot, people begin the process - they collect pills, for example, or they make preliminary investigations into how they might buy a gun. Gentle questions can reveal this information, if we are willing to listen without judgement. When I talk to people who are thinking this way, I tell them that I am concerned about their safety. I ask if I might talk to their doctor about it. And then I call the doctor without delay.
I want to end by saying that a depressed person who is determined to commit suicide will do so, no matter how much help and protection is provided. This is because suicidality is a pernicious symptom of a serious illness. If we want to help our friends and neighbors who suffer from depression or who have lost a loved one to suicide, we must understand that.
Thanks for letting me go on, Bob.
Melissa Cockerham, M.A.
Columbia University
VNS Study
Wondering about the Local Dairies
My husband John grew up in Copake and he was wondering about the local dairies if, Landon still has his farm. And if some of the farms that were there in the 50's are still there.
Do enjoy the paper I print them out for my husband as that keeps him in touch with Copake.
Judy
Do enjoy the paper I print them out for my husband as that keeps him in touch with Copake.
Judy
Regarding Where the Bash Bish Inn was
See my book The Faagan Sisters (Arcadia) sold at Copake Pharmacy for chapter on that inn, They knew all the details, had been there. As they say, it had been an estate, not replaced when burned.( previous inn at
the falls burned and wasn't rebuilt,) The property became Taconic State Park.
The bell was given to St Bridget's, originally rung by a long rope
at the rear of the church.
Elinor Mettler
the falls burned and wasn't rebuilt,) The property became Taconic State Park.
The bell was given to St Bridget's, originally rung by a long rope
at the rear of the church.
Elinor Mettler
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Defining Moment in Copake
I was very moved by the article by Linda Gabaccia. As a friend of Bob Sacks I frequently read the Copake Chronicle and enjoy the portrayal of life in a small New York community.
It is obvious that although Copake is a small community it is not spared the trials and tribulations of the larger society. Suicide is unfortunately a last resort solution to people who are in deep despair, feeling hopeless and helpless. Just this morning there was an article in Newsday about a 17 year old girl who was popular, outgoing and a successful athlete, who ended her life. She gave little to show that she was on this pathway.
People are asking , what did we miss? Sometimes it is impossible to answer this question. There are however many people who do show signs of depression, fear and despair. Without being too intrusive we must be proactive in providing awareness and treatment programs to try to help those who might need an intervention. Copake showed how a community could learn from a terrible tragedy and come together to show real humanity. People can save people.
Congratulations Copake
Professor Bob Rubin CSW, Nassau Community College.
It is obvious that although Copake is a small community it is not spared the trials and tribulations of the larger society. Suicide is unfortunately a last resort solution to people who are in deep despair, feeling hopeless and helpless. Just this morning there was an article in Newsday about a 17 year old girl who was popular, outgoing and a successful athlete, who ended her life. She gave little to show that she was on this pathway.
People are asking , what did we miss? Sometimes it is impossible to answer this question. There are however many people who do show signs of depression, fear and despair. Without being too intrusive we must be proactive in providing awareness and treatment programs to try to help those who might need an intervention. Copake showed how a community could learn from a terrible tragedy and come together to show real humanity. People can save people.
Congratulations Copake
Professor Bob Rubin CSW, Nassau Community College.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Dan Tompkins Should Have Done More Research
Dan Tompkins, an elected councilman, should have done more research about his "peers" before he made ignorant remarks about separation of church and state, as well as whether a person with utmost religious convictions or holds an esteemed positon in his church is qualified to be an ombudsman or elected offical in Copake or any other town/city.
While I am not aware of Father Thompson or his qualifications, I would like to mention our Speaker of the New York State Assembly Sheldon Silver, a practicing orthodox Jew, who attended a school which has produced hundreds of rabbis. I cannot think of one instance in which his religious training, background and convictions have anything to do with his voting on past or pending legislation.
Stephen Kriss
While I am not aware of Father Thompson or his qualifications, I would like to mention our Speaker of the New York State Assembly Sheldon Silver, a practicing orthodox Jew, who attended a school which has produced hundreds of rabbis. I cannot think of one instance in which his religious training, background and convictions have anything to do with his voting on past or pending legislation.
Stephen Kriss
The Original Bash Bish Inn burned and then was rebuilt in a different location
Bob,
• I believe the first bridge in Copake Falls crosses Bash Bish is where the current bridge going to the Bash Bish rental cottages is located
• The tennis courts for the former Bash Bish Inn was on the left side of Rt 344, opposite the entrance to the lower parking area for Bash Bish Falls.
• I think there were two locations for the Bash Bish Inn. The original inn burned and then was rebuilt in a different location.
Thanks,
Jane Peck
• I believe the first bridge in Copake Falls crosses Bash Bish is where the current bridge going to the Bash Bish rental cottages is located
• The tennis courts for the former Bash Bish Inn was on the left side of Rt 344, opposite the entrance to the lower parking area for Bash Bish Falls.
• I think there were two locations for the Bash Bish Inn. The original inn burned and then was rebuilt in a different location.
Thanks,
Jane Peck
The Present System of Milk Pricing Devalues Fluid Milk
Commissioner Hooker is right in saying the present system of milk pricing devalues fluid milk by tying it to the price of manufactured milk. Milk price is set by the Federal Order Program. Fluid milk is Class I, Class II is manufacturing milk,used for ice cream cheese and the like.The per cent used of each sets the order price for the defined order area. Columbia County enjoyed a much better price for milk when there was a Connecticut Milk Order. First most of the milk was used as fluid milk and a small amount of class II was needed to balance supply to ensure there was enough to meet fluid needs. While I am no longer sure of the date, in the later 50’s and early 60’s the Connecticut market was merged making a much larger order area. That dropped the percent of milk used for fluid or classes I and lowered the order price received by Columbia County farmers.
At the same time the price used for class II was not fair to local farmers. Class II price is established in the Midwest where cheese is produced. The farms there are close to the manufacturing plant giving a low cost of transportation that is paid by the farmer. At times a manufacturing plant may even subsidize the cost in order to attract enough milk. Mr. Ooms sends his class II milks a long distance, perhaps as far as Boston. He must pay the extra transportation cost for his class II milk needed to balance the market.
In Boston his class II might be used to make ice cream. I believe the difference in transportation cost between the Midwest and eastern farmer for class II could approach as much as 90 cents per hundred. I would point out the cost of processing milk is about 90 cents per hundred. If Mr. Ooms sends his milk to Boston it will cost about a dollar per hundred. Mr. Ooms obviously receives less for his class II milk than the Midwest farmer receives for his class II milk.
Grant Langdon,
former Columbia County Farm Bureau President
At the same time the price used for class II was not fair to local farmers. Class II price is established in the Midwest where cheese is produced. The farms there are close to the manufacturing plant giving a low cost of transportation that is paid by the farmer. At times a manufacturing plant may even subsidize the cost in order to attract enough milk. Mr. Ooms sends his class II milks a long distance, perhaps as far as Boston. He must pay the extra transportation cost for his class II milk needed to balance the market.
In Boston his class II might be used to make ice cream. I believe the difference in transportation cost between the Midwest and eastern farmer for class II could approach as much as 90 cents per hundred. I would point out the cost of processing milk is about 90 cents per hundred. If Mr. Ooms sends his milk to Boston it will cost about a dollar per hundred. Mr. Ooms obviously receives less for his class II milk than the Midwest farmer receives for his class II milk.
Grant Langdon,
former Columbia County Farm Bureau President
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Lyme Disease in Copake
Dear Bob,
I just wanted to inform you of a documentary film about Lyme Disease.
My family has suffered and is still suffering from this crazy disease and the effects of doctors not being able to treat it the way it should be treated. Were you aware that the test for it, western blot, is not fool proof? And if it is not diagnosed properly, it could cause devastating results. People have been diagnosed with MS, Parkinsons, Fibro Myalgia, Poly Myalgia, ALS and the list goes on.
But the worst part is that most doctors, when they can't find out what's wrong with you, say it's all in your head. I bet you know some one who has been going to doctor after doctor and can't get a diagnosis for what's wrong with them. I just had an experience with an old friend. She is 79 yrs old and was having unexplainable aches and pains and general all over weakness. They tested her for everything under the sun and everything came up negative. Most contributed it to old age and arthritis. But because I have so much knowledge of what happens with Lyme disease, I asked her doctor to give her a Lyme test. It came out positive and they started her on antibiotics, but they said she had to have been infected within the last 6 months. She was bitten by a tick 2 years ago and this is where the controversy starts.
Instead of me going on and on about it, I wanted to suggest that maybe it would be a good idea for movie night in Copake to show this documentary. I bought the CD when they showed it in the Millerton Theatre. Every one must see this movie it is eye opening. You can research it if you want. The name is "Under My Skin" by Open Eye Pictures.
Thanks for the Copake Chronicle!
Louise LaManna
I just wanted to inform you of a documentary film about Lyme Disease.
My family has suffered and is still suffering from this crazy disease and the effects of doctors not being able to treat it the way it should be treated. Were you aware that the test for it, western blot, is not fool proof? And if it is not diagnosed properly, it could cause devastating results. People have been diagnosed with MS, Parkinsons, Fibro Myalgia, Poly Myalgia, ALS and the list goes on.
But the worst part is that most doctors, when they can't find out what's wrong with you, say it's all in your head. I bet you know some one who has been going to doctor after doctor and can't get a diagnosis for what's wrong with them. I just had an experience with an old friend. She is 79 yrs old and was having unexplainable aches and pains and general all over weakness. They tested her for everything under the sun and everything came up negative. Most contributed it to old age and arthritis. But because I have so much knowledge of what happens with Lyme disease, I asked her doctor to give her a Lyme test. It came out positive and they started her on antibiotics, but they said she had to have been infected within the last 6 months. She was bitten by a tick 2 years ago and this is where the controversy starts.
Instead of me going on and on about it, I wanted to suggest that maybe it would be a good idea for movie night in Copake to show this documentary. I bought the CD when they showed it in the Millerton Theatre. Every one must see this movie it is eye opening. You can research it if you want. The name is "Under My Skin" by Open Eye Pictures.
Thanks for the Copake Chronicle!
Louise LaManna
A Civil Rights Violation in Copake?
March 13, 2010
To the Editor:
At the February 11th Copake Town Board meeting, Councilman Dan Tompkins successfully opposed the appointment of Father John Thompson, rector of the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, to the volunteer position of Town Ombudsman. In so doing, the councilman not only deprived the Town of an impartial candidate with training in conflict resolution, among other skills, but he may also have violated Father John’s civil rights.
Father John was denied the volunteer ombudsman position not because he was deemed unqualified, but because his profession is that of a clergyman. Mr. Tompkins showed great ignorance of the First Amendment by invoking the “separation of church and state” to justify his opposition. His successful use of a bungled interpretation to block the appointment of a highly qualified candidate is highly regrettable. The purpose of separation of church and state is to prevent government from establishing laws that impose religion upon the citizenry. It was not intended, nor has the Supreme Court ever interpreted it to mean, that a member of the clergy cannot hold elected or appointed public office.
If Tompkins were correct in his interpretation of separation of church and state, then the Reverends Ted Voelker and Walt Zelley should not be serving on our town’s Ethics Board, and Father Robert Drinan should never have been elected to serve five terms in Congress. Separation of church and state does not apply to Father John’s application for the position of ombudsman. To invoke it denies Father John his civil rights.
At the town board meeting Councilman Tompkins buttressed his regrettable position by expounding on “the issue of Positive Neutrality.” Mr. Tompkins failed to mention in his weighty discourse that he took his remarks, without attribution, from an article that can be found on the internet (www.leaderu.com). Ironically, the article is actually critical of government when, in regard to church and state, it endorses secularism over religion – quite a different meaning from what Tompkins presented in his plagiarized statement on Positive Neutrality.
To add insult to injury, Mr. Tompkins self-servingly said he would also deny Father John the position to save him exposure “to the harshness of Copake politics.” But Mr. Tompkins’ handling of the matter, from beginning to end, has been an exposure to Copake’s harsh politics.
The true motivation of Mr. Tompkin’s opposition can be found in the Town Board’s final decision to appoint no one to the position of Ombudsman. In fact, Crowley and his team do not wish to risk the possibility of anyone looking closely at or shining a light on their dark Copake governance. That is why they propose to change the Town Law so that the appointment of an ombudsman by the town board would be strictly optional.
The violation of civil rights, plagiarism, denial of citizens’ due process; that is our town government at work. Harsh politics indeed.
Sincerely,
Edgar M. Masters
To the Editor:
At the February 11th Copake Town Board meeting, Councilman Dan Tompkins successfully opposed the appointment of Father John Thompson, rector of the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, to the volunteer position of Town Ombudsman. In so doing, the councilman not only deprived the Town of an impartial candidate with training in conflict resolution, among other skills, but he may also have violated Father John’s civil rights.
Father John was denied the volunteer ombudsman position not because he was deemed unqualified, but because his profession is that of a clergyman. Mr. Tompkins showed great ignorance of the First Amendment by invoking the “separation of church and state” to justify his opposition. His successful use of a bungled interpretation to block the appointment of a highly qualified candidate is highly regrettable. The purpose of separation of church and state is to prevent government from establishing laws that impose religion upon the citizenry. It was not intended, nor has the Supreme Court ever interpreted it to mean, that a member of the clergy cannot hold elected or appointed public office.
If Tompkins were correct in his interpretation of separation of church and state, then the Reverends Ted Voelker and Walt Zelley should not be serving on our town’s Ethics Board, and Father Robert Drinan should never have been elected to serve five terms in Congress. Separation of church and state does not apply to Father John’s application for the position of ombudsman. To invoke it denies Father John his civil rights.
At the town board meeting Councilman Tompkins buttressed his regrettable position by expounding on “the issue of Positive Neutrality.” Mr. Tompkins failed to mention in his weighty discourse that he took his remarks, without attribution, from an article that can be found on the internet (www.leaderu.com). Ironically, the article is actually critical of government when, in regard to church and state, it endorses secularism over religion – quite a different meaning from what Tompkins presented in his plagiarized statement on Positive Neutrality.
To add insult to injury, Mr. Tompkins self-servingly said he would also deny Father John the position to save him exposure “to the harshness of Copake politics.” But Mr. Tompkins’ handling of the matter, from beginning to end, has been an exposure to Copake’s harsh politics.
The true motivation of Mr. Tompkin’s opposition can be found in the Town Board’s final decision to appoint no one to the position of Ombudsman. In fact, Crowley and his team do not wish to risk the possibility of anyone looking closely at or shining a light on their dark Copake governance. That is why they propose to change the Town Law so that the appointment of an ombudsman by the town board would be strictly optional.
The violation of civil rights, plagiarism, denial of citizens’ due process; that is our town government at work. Harsh politics indeed.
Sincerely,
Edgar M. Masters
A Letter of Thanks
Bob, I wanted to write a letter of thanks for the Chronicle. We are the luckiest town around to have our own little newspaper. I look forward to getting it every Thursday and I can’t imagine how much time you put into this. On the night of the great winds last week I saw you out in the rain and the wind, in your fire gear guiding traffic around the downed wires and trees. I just want to say thanks for all you do for Copake.
Joan Storrs
Joan Storrs
No Mention Of The Ombudsman
Dear Mr. Sacks
There was no mention in the Chronicle last week about the Ombudsman position in Copake. Has that been resolved? If so, what did the board do? I see this as a critical move for the board. We either do or do not have an open government. In 45 years of voting, I have never declared myself to either political party, and I don’t have one now. I vote for the man who is running, but I will tell you that I will not vote for a group that thinks we don’t need a public advocate. I am very disappointed by several members of the board. I will not be voting for any of them again.
John Gammon
Craryville
There was no mention in the Chronicle last week about the Ombudsman position in Copake. Has that been resolved? If so, what did the board do? I see this as a critical move for the board. We either do or do not have an open government. In 45 years of voting, I have never declared myself to either political party, and I don’t have one now. I vote for the man who is running, but I will tell you that I will not vote for a group that thinks we don’t need a public advocate. I am very disappointed by several members of the board. I will not be voting for any of them again.
John Gammon
Craryville
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Our Homeowners Association is Watching Closely
To The Copake Town Board:
The Board sometimes gets it right and sometimes gets it very wrong. Not appointing Father John as the Copake Public Advocate was the dumbest thing I ever heard of. Passing a law to smooth the town’s application process was a smart move. Allowing the “junk yards” of Copake to run free, polute our waters, make the town look like the auto wreck center of the universe and decrease the values of everyone’s property was a very stupid move.
I just want you to know that our homeowners association is watching closely and will cast our votes for the smart success of our town and not the petty moves of incompetent bumbling politicians. You are here to represent the public and not your own personal shortsightedness.
John W. Cooper
Copake Lake
The Board sometimes gets it right and sometimes gets it very wrong. Not appointing Father John as the Copake Public Advocate was the dumbest thing I ever heard of. Passing a law to smooth the town’s application process was a smart move. Allowing the “junk yards” of Copake to run free, polute our waters, make the town look like the auto wreck center of the universe and decrease the values of everyone’s property was a very stupid move.
I just want you to know that our homeowners association is watching closely and will cast our votes for the smart success of our town and not the petty moves of incompetent bumbling politicians. You are here to represent the public and not your own personal shortsightedness.
John W. Cooper
Copake Lake
The Entire Copake Town Board is to be Commended
The entire Copake Town Board is to be commended for passing this new law. It deals effectively with the time and energy wasting (and, therefore, taxpayer dollar wasting) applicants while still being fair to those applicants whose project delays may be due to circumstances beyond their control.
Good job!
Susan Winchell-Sweeney
Good job!
Susan Winchell-Sweeney
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Town Board Rejects The Best Qualified Applicant
Dear Editor:
At its February 11th meeting, the Republican majority on the Copake Town Board rejected the application of a well-qualified candidate for the position of citizen ombudsman because the candidate is an Episcopal minister. The Columbia Paper’s February 18th report on that meeting quoted Councilman Dan Tompkins as saying, “Is someone from another religious denomination going to want to speak to him?”
If we use Mr. Tompkins’ rhetorical question as a guideline for determining the suitably of future volunteers for the ombudsman’s position, then one might also argue that there should be no African-Americans allowed because someone from another race would not want to speak to them, or that there should be no gay people, or handicapped people or poor people. That is most assuredly not an attitude to which we should pander as Mr. Tompkins has done. It is an attitude to be despised.
If we then follow Mr. Tompkins’ sad reasoning to its logical conclusion, the best outcome would be for there to be no ombudsman at all. Now we come to the real crux of the matter. Mr. Tompkins and his Republican cohorts don‘t want an ombudsman looking over their shoulder because they fear exposure. By rejecting a citizen who may well have been the best qualified applicant for the job, they have secured their agenda of carrying out their business with as little citizen oversight as possible.
And to answer Mr. Tompkins rhetorical question, Yes, Danny, there is at least one person of another religious denomination in this community who can imagine dealing with an Episcopal minister as ombudsman. That person is me. I am the person who urged the Episcopal minister to volunteer for the position and I am indeed of a different religious denomination.
Sincerely,
Deborah Cohen
Copake Falls, NY
At its February 11th meeting, the Republican majority on the Copake Town Board rejected the application of a well-qualified candidate for the position of citizen ombudsman because the candidate is an Episcopal minister. The Columbia Paper’s February 18th report on that meeting quoted Councilman Dan Tompkins as saying, “Is someone from another religious denomination going to want to speak to him?”
If we use Mr. Tompkins’ rhetorical question as a guideline for determining the suitably of future volunteers for the ombudsman’s position, then one might also argue that there should be no African-Americans allowed because someone from another race would not want to speak to them, or that there should be no gay people, or handicapped people or poor people. That is most assuredly not an attitude to which we should pander as Mr. Tompkins has done. It is an attitude to be despised.
If we then follow Mr. Tompkins’ sad reasoning to its logical conclusion, the best outcome would be for there to be no ombudsman at all. Now we come to the real crux of the matter. Mr. Tompkins and his Republican cohorts don‘t want an ombudsman looking over their shoulder because they fear exposure. By rejecting a citizen who may well have been the best qualified applicant for the job, they have secured their agenda of carrying out their business with as little citizen oversight as possible.
And to answer Mr. Tompkins rhetorical question, Yes, Danny, there is at least one person of another religious denomination in this community who can imagine dealing with an Episcopal minister as ombudsman. That person is me. I am the person who urged the Episcopal minister to volunteer for the position and I am indeed of a different religious denomination.
Sincerely,
Deborah Cohen
Copake Falls, NY
Monday, February 15, 2010
82 Year Old Copake "SNOW ANGEL"
BOB.
I always wanted to try the "SNOW ANGEL" BIT, here it is. I've named it "Marjories 82 year old "SNOW ANGEL"
Walt
I always wanted to try the "SNOW ANGEL" BIT, here it is. I've named it "Marjories 82 year old "SNOW ANGEL"
Walt
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Personal History of Copake
As a historian it has astounded me as to how much things have changed over the years. The house I grew up in was built by one of my ancestors in Copake, New York in 1687. Matthews was a simple tenant on Lord Livingston’s 160,000 acres manor. He rented about 80 acres, had to pay rent, build a house and a barn. Clear and fence the land, tend the live stock, plant wheat, an orchard and work on the road to the Manor House. Of course he had a slave bound to the farm to help. When the Massachusetts Bay Colony set up a township nearly 70 years later it included that farm. They were giving a 100 acres homestead free to new settlers and that started the Anti Rent War.
How times have changed. Still we seem to be held back by the inertia of the past. I remember when the minister of our church suggested moving the summer service up to 10; 30 from 11. One of our older board members and a stalwart of the church exclaimed; “It has always been held at 11!” That was it for change.
You can still see the same resistance to change today. It could be the County Chamber of Commerce that came out against the proposed Kohl’s Department store. Resistance to change is seen in the organization opposing the housing development of what was my farm. When a much smaller development was proposed for part of my land Mrs. Wilson organized resistance and about 50 people signed a petition opposing it and the project was eventually killed. It was particularly hard on my son Frank that wanted to take over the farm and I. That was because we just had our barn burned by the arsonist and need the funds from the sale of the land. I don’t like the proposed development by the way. It isn’t on the most sutable part of the two parcels the developers own.
While I no longer live in Copake I can see things that are needed for today and tomorrow. Long’s store was great. There was also the Circle Deli where you could shop. Today the Long’s store building wouldn’t meet the needs of the community. It was built by my great grandfather over a hundred years ago. It might make a better professional building or even an antiques shop or put to other uses. What Copake needs is a modern store to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. The people of Copake would be wise to look at where it should go to the best advantage. I have my own idea of where it should go.
I wrote two books. The first is Scandal in the Courtroom, found Guilty without Trial. It is a story of how Investigator Cozzolino wrote a statement and forced Frank to sign it. Frank never uttered on word of what he wrote but, a Federal Judge ruled it was a confession and granted the County a summary judgment motion prevented Frank for denying it. It is the story of how I went from owning a multimillion dollar farm to having just $200 in my pocket 12 years ago when I moved to Ohio. My second Book is Rebels of the North, how Land Policy Caused the Civil War. It too has much of the history of the area. Both were published at my expense and it is my hope to at least recover the cost of publication. Both are available at my web site http://www.grantlangdon.com/.
Grant Langdon
How times have changed. Still we seem to be held back by the inertia of the past. I remember when the minister of our church suggested moving the summer service up to 10; 30 from 11. One of our older board members and a stalwart of the church exclaimed; “It has always been held at 11!” That was it for change.
You can still see the same resistance to change today. It could be the County Chamber of Commerce that came out against the proposed Kohl’s Department store. Resistance to change is seen in the organization opposing the housing development of what was my farm. When a much smaller development was proposed for part of my land Mrs. Wilson organized resistance and about 50 people signed a petition opposing it and the project was eventually killed. It was particularly hard on my son Frank that wanted to take over the farm and I. That was because we just had our barn burned by the arsonist and need the funds from the sale of the land. I don’t like the proposed development by the way. It isn’t on the most sutable part of the two parcels the developers own.
While I no longer live in Copake I can see things that are needed for today and tomorrow. Long’s store was great. There was also the Circle Deli where you could shop. Today the Long’s store building wouldn’t meet the needs of the community. It was built by my great grandfather over a hundred years ago. It might make a better professional building or even an antiques shop or put to other uses. What Copake needs is a modern store to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. The people of Copake would be wise to look at where it should go to the best advantage. I have my own idea of where it should go.
I wrote two books. The first is Scandal in the Courtroom, found Guilty without Trial. It is a story of how Investigator Cozzolino wrote a statement and forced Frank to sign it. Frank never uttered on word of what he wrote but, a Federal Judge ruled it was a confession and granted the County a summary judgment motion prevented Frank for denying it. It is the story of how I went from owning a multimillion dollar farm to having just $200 in my pocket 12 years ago when I moved to Ohio. My second Book is Rebels of the North, how Land Policy Caused the Civil War. It too has much of the history of the area. Both were published at my expense and it is my hope to at least recover the cost of publication. Both are available at my web site http://www.grantlangdon.com/.
Grant Langdon
Friday, February 5, 2010
We Should All Know More About The Larger Issue Of Suicide
When I read this letter and saw the line that said "And we should all know more about the larger issue of suicide and how to prevent it" I took this as my que to do exactly that.
My name is Joan Spencer and I lost my 16 year old son, Jeffrey Taylor, to suicide a year ago September. Since then I've been a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and they offer trainings on exactly that. I will contact the regional director and see about getting trainings down here for the community. As you have just seen, suicide affects not only the families but the community.
Through education you will be empowered by having the knowledge to know 'How to Save a Life' ....my son's favorite song...
J
My name is Joan Spencer and I lost my 16 year old son, Jeffrey Taylor, to suicide a year ago September. Since then I've been a volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and they offer trainings on exactly that. I will contact the regional director and see about getting trainings down here for the community. As you have just seen, suicide affects not only the families but the community.
Through education you will be empowered by having the knowledge to know 'How to Save a Life' ....my son's favorite song...
J
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I get so much more out of your issues than any other paper
Bob,
I can't thank you enough for taking this project on. I get so much more out of your
issues than any other paper. I hope it can continue for a long time to come.
Madeline
A Senior who has spent every summer at Copake Lake since l938
as a senior who has spent every summer at Copake Lake since l938 and still do I enjoy the chronicle for its happy and sad moments and pass it on to friends all fielded with fond memories of their lake days....
Muriel
Muriel
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