Bob,
I feel your "humorous" cartoon depicting the killing of a bear published in the March 3rd Chronicle is inappropriate. The killing of any living animal, especially one who unsuspectingly was just enjoying a drink of water from a pond, is not what we want to laugh at, or foster in our children. Please rethink such humor going forward unless there was a hidden message in this one. For the most-part, I think many of your other cartoons were good. but this one was definitely not. Let's value life!
Terry Ardito
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thank you for supporting Camphill Village!
Dear Editor,
I speak for our Board of Directors and the 240 people who live and work in Camphill Village, many of whom are adults with developmental disabilities and offer a heartfelt thank you to the volunteer firefighters who helped us on Feb. 13.
It was 3 am on a Sunday morning when the alarm went out. Fighting a fire that burned our Garden Shed and workshop to the ground was dangerous and challenging with the ice and snow….remaining cheerful and dedicated is another.
Many of the firefighters were still on the scene twelve hours later. A nicer and more dedicated group of people can’t be found – they mentioned that it was “nothing”, “all in the line of duty”, “our pleasure”. We applaud the volunteers from the Ancram, Copake, Craryville, Hillsdale, and Taghkanic departments for their unfailing assistance and willingness to help as volunteers.
We especially thank Chief John DeRoche of the Copake Fire Company #1.
With sincere appreciation,
Robert G. Norris
President, Board of Directors
Camphill Village USA, Inc.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Reggie Crowley Responds to Eithics Questions
Chronicle Editor’s Note: The following is an exchange of
ideas resulting from last week’s editorial in The Chronicle about the Copake
Ethics Board and the possibility of our town board shutting it down.
These letters come from a forum called Copake Politics. It is an open forum with just a few restrictions. The political discussion should be contained to Copake only and civility should prevail at all times. You can join this group by sending the moderator Howard Blue a request to join at Krylatsk@Gmail.comideas resulting from last week’s editorial in The Chronicle about the Copake
Ethics Board and the possibility of our town board shutting it down.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From John Decker
I haven't taken any stand on any of the issues so far talked about here because I didn't think I had enough information. But today I will because this is different. I am proud to live in a town that has an Ethics Board. It is good for the town and the people who live in Copake.Why would our town board even consider to shut it down? It is a
dumb idea. I am hoping that it is just some sort of lawyer talk and the town
board will completely dismiss the idea.
J. Decker
From Bob Sacks
John:
In all fairness, other than myself, the board hasn't taken any official stand yet. We have to
wait and see what the other board members wish to do. I am hopeful like yourself that they quickly stand up and express their full support and intent to keep the Ethics Board where it belongs, right here in Copake. So far there are just recommendations from the town lawyer. Only the Town Board can make a change.
But thank you for your comment.
Bob Sacks
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From Janet Hanson
I think Mr. Decker has made a very valid and important point. Given a choice I would prefer to live in a town with ethics. Is there someone who disagrees? Janet H.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Reggie Crowley
In reply to your comments about the Ethics Board. First of all, Mr. Blue did not question the integrity of the Ethics Board itself, but rather questioned the legality of the law. The Board asked the attorney to look into Mr. Blue's question. The attorney did not suggest anything.He gave us a report that outlined the opinions of the Committee on Open Government. He also gave us TWO options to consider.The first was to for a committee to review our ethics law and make any necessary changes. The second was to adopt the County's ethics law, which was just reviewed about 3 months ago.He DID NOT suggest one option above the other. He left that decision up to the Board.The attorney did exactly what we asked him to do.
He didn't confer with the Liason because at the time there was no Liason to the Ethics Board. Kind of tough to talk to someone who doesn't exist.He didn't confer with the Ethics Board because the Ethics Board DOES NOT write the law, that would be a bit of a conflict don't you think?
Once again Bob, you are posting only partial information and half truths. Perhaps what you should be concerned with is why the Ethics Board did not meet or even pick up their mail for 10 months.
Fortunately, there were no complaints in the pile of mail that built up for 10 months, but they could not have known this if they didn't bother to check their mail.I believe that if you check our present ethics law you will see it requires that the Ethics Board meet monthly, whether they have complaints or not.
If you are going to make posts Bob, you should post ALL the information. Posting inaccurate,incomplete information and half truths are a great disservice to the people of our town.
Reggie Crowley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Howard Blue
Re discussion of the ethics committee,I wish to correct Reggie Crowley's assertion of what I requested that the board ask the town attorney. Three months ago, at the Nov. Town board meeting I asked the board to look into the legality of keeping the Ethics Board's work secret, a procedure which I suggested violated the state's Open Meetings Law. In response, Reggie said that he would check with the attorney.
Many weeks went by and I had still not received the promised reply. So on February 8, I repeated the request in an e-mail to all of the board members except Walt Kiernan.
Then, earlier today in a posting to this forum, Reggie wrote "Mr. Blue did not question the integrity of the Ethics Board itself, but rather questioned the legality of the law."
I've already established above what specifically my question was. My concern is with openness in government and compliance with the Open Meetings Law. I believe that we need an Ethics Committee and that as much as practical and legal, its meetings should be open to the public as should its findings.
I also believe that our elected representatives owe it to us to be held accountable. Good and honest representatives will not have problems doing so. Only representatives who are less than good and honest need to fear compliance with the law and responsible oversight.
Howard Blue
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Bob Sacks
To Reggie Crowley and the Copake Politics Group:
Reggie Crowley twice has posted interesting notes in this email forum. In his closing statement in the first note he concludes that:
“Posting inaccurate, incomplete, information and half-truths are a great disservice to the people of our town. “ For the first time, in a long time, I agree with Mr.
Crowley. I suggest that he consider following his own advice.
1) Mr. Crowley is incorrect in his first statement of what Mr. Blue asked. Mr. Blue didn’t ask about the legality of having an Ethics Board, he asked if they were following Open
Meeting Law.
2) In Mr. Crowley’s letter he proudly suggests a fascinating reason why our lawyer didn’t
speak to the liaison. Mr. Crowley said:
”He didn't confer with the Liason because at the time there was no Liason to the Ethics Board. Kind of tough to talk to someone who doesn't exist.”
I respectfully suggest that Mr. Crowley reconsider that statement. There has always been a
liaison to the Ethics Board since 2006, with the exception that no appointment was made in 2010. Who makes liaison appointments is a good question. That responsibility would fall to the supervisor. Reggie, why didn’t you appoint a liaison in 2010?
3) Mr. Crowley complains that the Ethics Board didn’t meet. That is true. They did not meet when there were no cases. I am aware that several of our boards don’t meet when there were no cases. The ZBA and The Planning Board come to mind.
At the end of the day none of this posturing by me or Reggie matters. What matters is whether the Town Board will sustain our local Ethics Board. I am for continuing to have one.
I am asking Reggie right here and now to declare his intentions. Reggie, will you support the continuation of a local Ethics Board in Copake?
Bob Sacks
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Reggie Crowley
To answer Councilman Sacks questions.In regards to Mr. Blue's question as to why the finding of the ethics board are not made public. This refers to the legality of our law which states that all complaints are confidential, therefore it is a question about the law, not the ethics board members.
Yes I did not appoint a liason in 2010. My reason for this was to avoid any appearance of political influence on the ethics board. I'm not in any way implying there was, but with no Town Board member as a liason it takes away all doubt. But in February 2011 the ethics board asked for a liason so I appointed one at that time.
Yes the ethics board did not meet for 10 months Bob, and your reasoning is that was because they had no complaints. A question for you Bob, how did they know they had no complaints if they didn't pick up their mail for that 10 month period?
As to my stand on the issue, I still have several questions for the attorney and the ethics board itself. When I get the answers to my questions I will make up my mind.
Reggie Crowley
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From John Cady
[Copakepolitics] Ethics obfusification
New Word. Obfusification. noun, Just talking non-sense in a thinly veiled attempt to cloud the real issue rather than even acknowledging it. See obfuscation.
This is getting too weird.
Now Mr. Crowley is suggesting there was a question about the Ethics Board members?
"In regards to Mr. Blue's question as to why the finding of the ethics board are
not made public. This refers to the legality of our law which states that all
complaints are confidential, therefore it is a question about the law, not the ethics board members."
My understanding of ethics issues in government is that they can go two ways. The people can have questions about the ethics of officials and officials can have questions about how they should conduct themselves when they perceive they may have conflicts. Officials with questions may want to consult an attorney but my understanding is that the Ethics Board is there to help with those questions also. Our Supervisor says he had an ethics question that prevented him from carrying out his duties regarding the ethics board. The ethics board is there to help. There is no such thing as a dumb question there.
"Yes I did not appoint a liason in 2010. My reason for this was to avoid any appearance of political influence on the ethics board. I'm not in any way implying there was, but with no Town Board member as a liason it takes away all doubt. "
What was the question? That is the first question to ask when evaluating the attorney's response. Lawyers are expensive. Did the Supervisor really say, Mr. Attorney, tell us what the legality of the Ethics Board is and the attorney said, gee that's a complicated question, lots of case law there, I'll get back to you in a few months? Maybe questions put to our
attorney should be drafted in session as a team effort.
attorney should be drafted in session as a team effort.
John Cady
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Janet HansonThis has become scary. What possible problem could there be for having a local ethics board? What possible reason could there be to be against it? It makes no sense. Not having ethics is like not having churches. I am appalled.
Janet
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Howard Blue
Reggie Crowley wrote, "The ethics board meetings are open to the public, when they meet. (but that's another issue). But as you know, personnel matters that may involve discipline are confidential, even at Town Board meetings."
Reggie,
Three months ago, I asked the board to look into the legality of keeping the Ethics Board's work secret, a procedure which I suggested violated the state's Open Meetings Law. Would you please clarify? Is your statement above the town attorney's response to which I have been waiting since November?
If a an ethics complaint is made regarding a town employee or elected official and the Ethics Board finds that complaint is valid, does the law support keeping that conclusion secret, does it support protecting an employee's or official's behavior that has been found to be
unethical?
Also, you wrote "The lag in replying to your question was because of the time it took the attorney to research this issue." But as I said in my recent posting you misrepresented the question I had asked. You stated that I had questioned the law which I did not. I asked
whether the Ethics Board's operating in secret was in compliance with the Open
Meetings Law.
And you wrote, "The ethics board meetings are open to the public, when they meet. (but that's another issue)." What do you mean that's another issue? It goes to the very heart of the question I asked: secrecy or openness.
I repeat the question that I asked in November: What is the legality of the Ethics Board operating in secret? Your statement that the public can attend its meetings seems to contradict your implied statement that the public cannot hear discussion of any personnel action that might result in disciplinary action. So what can the public hear at an Ethics Board meeting besides the Pledge of Allegiance? And what about the public's access to the
Ethics Board's findings of the ethical violations?
If your statements above are not a report on the attorney's findings, when can I expect an answer (to the actual question that I asked)? Before the end of the month? Before the end of the year?
Howard Blue
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My Great, Great, Great Copake Grandfather, John Pells built in the 1840s
Bob:
Our farm was established sometime in the 1840's. My Great, Great, Great Grandfather, John Pells built the barn and farmhouse of Pelholm Farm. Our family owned from the bottom of Center Hill (County Rt. 7A), coming from Craryville to the other side of the hill to where the Transfer Station is now.
John Pells passed the farm down to his son, Peter Pells. Peter Pells passed it down to his son, Frank Pells, Frank Pells passed it down to his son, Cortez Pells. My Grandfather sold it to my father, Franklin Pells. My Dad, my Mom, Marjorie, my sister, Rhonda Lee, my three brothers, Dave, Dean, and Dale, and I (Renea), worked the farm until we sold it in 1970. My father's brother and his wife owned 66 acres of the farm for many years until the last of the Pells family sold it last year after my uncle died.
The barn was torn down by someone who bought it for the boards to build their home elsewhere. The existing pond was dug by my Grandfather, Cortez, when I was 7 years old. Grandpa filled the pond with large mouth bass. He taught me to fish, and I caught my first bass there! Behind that pond is a smaller swimming pond where every year my Grandparents would host a family reunion.
The little house at the top of Center Hill (coming from Craryville) on the left was built by my parents, Franklin and Marjorie when they married in 1952.
John Pells passed the farm down to his son, Peter Pells. Peter Pells passed it down to his son, Frank Pells, Frank Pells passed it down to his son, Cortez Pells. My Grandfather sold it to my father, Franklin Pells. My Dad, my Mom, Marjorie, my sister, Rhonda Lee, my three brothers, Dave, Dean, and Dale, and I (Renea), worked the farm until we sold it in 1970. My father's brother and his wife owned 66 acres of the farm for many years until the last of the Pells family sold it last year after my uncle died.
The barn was torn down by someone who bought it for the boards to build their home elsewhere. The existing pond was dug by my Grandfather, Cortez, when I was 7 years old. Grandpa filled the pond with large mouth bass. He taught me to fish, and I caught my first bass there! Behind that pond is a smaller swimming pond where every year my Grandparents would host a family reunion.
The little house at the top of Center Hill (coming from Craryville) on the left was built by my parents, Franklin and Marjorie when they married in 1952.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
An open letter to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors
An open letter to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors
I am writing to call for a hearing to determine if Stuyvesant Supervisor Valerie Bertram should be removed from her position as chair of the Columbia County Ethics Board. I presented her with credible evidence of wrongdoing by people under her and the town as a body, with her knowledge and approval, retaliated against me. I will argue that leaving Ms. Bertram in her current position is akin to asking the fox to guard the hen house.
County Chairman Brown heard my allegations and wrote to Ms. Bertram, link below. In his letter, Mr. Brown noted the suggestion that Ms. Bertram be asked to voluntarily resign from the Ethics Board as an alternative to the hearing proposed here.
In my experience, open accountable government, democracy and a healthy environment for economic growth are synonymous. Government corruption can gum up the works in every aspect of human life, including the economy. My business has suffered and I have not made additional investments that might well have produced more jobs locally.
I do not need to establish the criminality of the underlying charges to demonstrate that Ms. Bertram’s response is unethical. As a private citizen I am not authorized to bring criminal charges, nor can I subpoena documents, nor is it obstruction of justice to mislead me. My FOIL submissions to the town of Stuyvesant are routinely rejected and ignored. Despite these handicaps in obtaining and verifying information, in the proposed hearing at the county level I would argue that 1) the underlying charges were serious, well substantiated and actionable; and 2) Ms. Bertram’s response was entirely inappropriate.
My necessarily superficial investigation of town finances and practices found serious problems: solicitation of inappropriate payment, movement of funds from the town bank account to contractor pockets without paperwork, invoice fraud, assessment manipulation allowing privileged property owner to avoid paying taxes, filing false statements and frequent pre-dawn observation of a residence.
The Columbia County Board of Supervisors should not allow this example to serve as a model for the county. However, Ms. Bertram deserves a chance to answer my charge that she retaliated against me for bringing ethical violations to her attention. Therefore, a hearing is absolutely necessary, unless Ms. Bertram avails herself of Chairman Brown's offer to discuss resignation. In my letter of Thursday, February 3, 2011 to Chairman Brown I argued that the Ethics Board itself is the proper venue for this hearing. Otherwise, the entire Columbia County Board of Supervisors would hear the case without the benefit of an advisory opinion.
There is no equal protection under the law, no due process, and no accountability in Stuyvesant. The concerted effort by many officers of the government is intended to ruin my business, the way I provide for my family, and, potentially, put me in jail on a false charge. Since I am obviously wholly innocent, the real purpose of this extraordinary campaign against me was an attempt to intimidate and silence me, to punish and convince me not to exercise my constitutional rights.
Prior to the coordinated attack on my rights by this town government, my life was dangerously close to perfect: prosperous, surrounded by beauty and happiness. I have a lot to lose. As a private citizen with no institutional standing and as a business owner vulnerable to politically motivated manipulation of zoning rules, I am vulnerable.
Vulnerable or not, punished or not, imprisoned or not, impoverished or not, I will never compromise when it comes to basic principles of fairness. The curse of this campaign against me may be a disguised blessing, revealing a prize I took for granted prior to this struggle: the Constitution of the United States of America. If I were put a higher price on a permit or almost anything else than I do on my constitutional rights I would disgrace to the blood of patriots. “For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
The Columbia County Board of Supervisors should not embrace open defiance of bedrock principles of American jurisprudence by leaving Ms. Bertram in her position as chair of the Ethics Board. Ms. Bertram’s response to allegations of corruption and abuse in her own government in the town of Stuyvesant was wholly inappropriate and should not be a model of ethical behavior to be embraced at the county level.
I will be at the Columbia County Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 9, at 7:30 PM. If logistical and jurisdictional issues need to be hammered out in person, I will be available to speak individually with any board member or with the board as a group if public comments are allowed or authorized tomorrow. Thank you for your attention to the issue of corruption in government in Stuyvesant, Columbia County, and how we might start to stamp it out. See you all tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Will Pflaum
I am writing to call for a hearing to determine if Stuyvesant Supervisor Valerie Bertram should be removed from her position as chair of the Columbia County Ethics Board. I presented her with credible evidence of wrongdoing by people under her and the town as a body, with her knowledge and approval, retaliated against me. I will argue that leaving Ms. Bertram in her current position is akin to asking the fox to guard the hen house.
County Chairman Brown heard my allegations and wrote to Ms. Bertram, link below. In his letter, Mr. Brown noted the suggestion that Ms. Bertram be asked to voluntarily resign from the Ethics Board as an alternative to the hearing proposed here.
In my experience, open accountable government, democracy and a healthy environment for economic growth are synonymous. Government corruption can gum up the works in every aspect of human life, including the economy. My business has suffered and I have not made additional investments that might well have produced more jobs locally.
I do not need to establish the criminality of the underlying charges to demonstrate that Ms. Bertram’s response is unethical. As a private citizen I am not authorized to bring criminal charges, nor can I subpoena documents, nor is it obstruction of justice to mislead me. My FOIL submissions to the town of Stuyvesant are routinely rejected and ignored. Despite these handicaps in obtaining and verifying information, in the proposed hearing at the county level I would argue that 1) the underlying charges were serious, well substantiated and actionable; and 2) Ms. Bertram’s response was entirely inappropriate.
My necessarily superficial investigation of town finances and practices found serious problems: solicitation of inappropriate payment, movement of funds from the town bank account to contractor pockets without paperwork, invoice fraud, assessment manipulation allowing privileged property owner to avoid paying taxes, filing false statements and frequent pre-dawn observation of a residence.
The Columbia County Board of Supervisors should not allow this example to serve as a model for the county. However, Ms. Bertram deserves a chance to answer my charge that she retaliated against me for bringing ethical violations to her attention. Therefore, a hearing is absolutely necessary, unless Ms. Bertram avails herself of Chairman Brown's offer to discuss resignation. In my letter of Thursday, February 3, 2011 to Chairman Brown I argued that the Ethics Board itself is the proper venue for this hearing. Otherwise, the entire Columbia County Board of Supervisors would hear the case without the benefit of an advisory opinion.
There is no equal protection under the law, no due process, and no accountability in Stuyvesant. The concerted effort by many officers of the government is intended to ruin my business, the way I provide for my family, and, potentially, put me in jail on a false charge. Since I am obviously wholly innocent, the real purpose of this extraordinary campaign against me was an attempt to intimidate and silence me, to punish and convince me not to exercise my constitutional rights.
Prior to the coordinated attack on my rights by this town government, my life was dangerously close to perfect: prosperous, surrounded by beauty and happiness. I have a lot to lose. As a private citizen with no institutional standing and as a business owner vulnerable to politically motivated manipulation of zoning rules, I am vulnerable.
Vulnerable or not, punished or not, imprisoned or not, impoverished or not, I will never compromise when it comes to basic principles of fairness. The curse of this campaign against me may be a disguised blessing, revealing a prize I took for granted prior to this struggle: the Constitution of the United States of America. If I were put a higher price on a permit or almost anything else than I do on my constitutional rights I would disgrace to the blood of patriots. “For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
The Columbia County Board of Supervisors should not embrace open defiance of bedrock principles of American jurisprudence by leaving Ms. Bertram in her position as chair of the Ethics Board. Ms. Bertram’s response to allegations of corruption and abuse in her own government in the town of Stuyvesant was wholly inappropriate and should not be a model of ethical behavior to be embraced at the county level.
I will be at the Columbia County Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 9, at 7:30 PM. If logistical and jurisdictional issues need to be hammered out in person, I will be available to speak individually with any board member or with the board as a group if public comments are allowed or authorized tomorrow. Thank you for your attention to the issue of corruption in government in Stuyvesant, Columbia County, and how we might start to stamp it out. See you all tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Will Pflaum
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Winds in the Wilderness Music Fulfilled High Expectations
Dear Friends,
A Press review of our last concert opened with, “The first concert in the second season of the Winds in the Wilderness music program fulfilled the high expectations enthusiastic audiences have for this group of superb musicians.”
Get excited! We have another wonderful concert coming soon.
On February 20th The Oblong Wind Quintet will play a lively selection of music for flute oboe, clarinet, bassoon and french horn, including: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart; Oblivion by Piazzola; Trois Pieces Breve by Ibert; Quintett by Klughardt and Maple Leaf Rag, Scott Joplin.
When I first joined the Oblong Wind Quintet, having not played in an all-wind group for a while, I was charmed and re-invigorated by the luscious sound. ‘The only thing better than a life devoted to playing a wind instrument is five lives devoted to playing a wind instrument!’ I said to myself after our first rehearsal. There was so much exuberance, warmth and glow projected by this instrumental combination. Winds in the Wilderness Concerts had just formed, performing in a church that has exquisite acoustics, especially for wind instruments. The rest is history. Alternating with our winds and strings ensemble, The Oblong Wind Quintet is now appearing at Church of St. John in the Wilderness for the third time.
We hope that you can join us. This program will be appreciated by people young and old and of all musical tastes.
The concert starts at 3:00PM. Church of St John in the Wilderness is located at 261 Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door, children free. A reception follows the concert.
I hope to see you there.
Sharon Powers
Artistic Director and Flutist
A Press review of our last concert opened with, “The first concert in the second season of the Winds in the Wilderness music program fulfilled the high expectations enthusiastic audiences have for this group of superb musicians.”
Get excited! We have another wonderful concert coming soon.
On February 20th The Oblong Wind Quintet will play a lively selection of music for flute oboe, clarinet, bassoon and french horn, including: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart; Oblivion by Piazzola; Trois Pieces Breve by Ibert; Quintett by Klughardt and Maple Leaf Rag, Scott Joplin.
When I first joined the Oblong Wind Quintet, having not played in an all-wind group for a while, I was charmed and re-invigorated by the luscious sound. ‘The only thing better than a life devoted to playing a wind instrument is five lives devoted to playing a wind instrument!’ I said to myself after our first rehearsal. There was so much exuberance, warmth and glow projected by this instrumental combination. Winds in the Wilderness Concerts had just formed, performing in a church that has exquisite acoustics, especially for wind instruments. The rest is history. Alternating with our winds and strings ensemble, The Oblong Wind Quintet is now appearing at Church of St. John in the Wilderness for the third time.
We hope that you can join us. This program will be appreciated by people young and old and of all musical tastes.
The concert starts at 3:00PM. Church of St John in the Wilderness is located at 261 Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door, children free. A reception follows the concert.
I hope to see you there.
Sharon Powers
Artistic Director and Flutist
Monday, January 31, 2011
Letter from the Wife of a Retired Highway Department Truck Driver
Bob,
I was thrilled when I read the article about loving your job and thanking our Highway Departments!
I am the wife of a retired highway department truck driver and I can vouch for his dedication to his job and community for thirty-eight years, however in essence it would equate to fifty-eight years if you added up all the overtime during his years of service - yes, years of service to you, the taxpayer.
Contrary to what the average citizen thinks, the highway guys and gals work very hard...especially during the winter months.
Most have missed time away from their family life, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family gatherings...you name it! There were many Christmases when my husband got home just in time to see the kids open their presents and then collapse into bed after working thirty-two hours straight so other families would be safe to drive to Grandma & Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner. While most people were snug in their beds he and countless others were awake all night plowing, sanding and salting the roads over and over or running heavy equipment to haul snow away. Right about now you are thinking yes, but that is the job they chose - you're right but remember these guys and gals chose to be public servants caring not only for their neighbors safety but anyone driving through their district. I might add that a great majority are also volunteer fire fighters giving their time to the community...seems to go hand and hand.
Most "Mr & Mrs Joe Public" can't relate to that when they are getting ready to go to work and get to the end of their driveway - expecting the roads to be clear - only to find it has been plowed in...cursing the idiot highway plowers. Oh how I wish each and every taxpayer could walk - actually drive - a mile in their shoes in order to comprehend the skill it takes to operate a huge truck and snowplow in the ice, snow and let's not forget the crazy traffic - as well, remember the stamina it takes to sit in one spot and drive for countless hours going over and over the same roads.
So yes please, thank a highway guy or gal...give them a thumbs up or a meaningful wave next time you see them going by because it will make their day knowing at least one person realizes what they do to keep everyone safe on the roads. Maybe even think of them out in their big trucks on a snowy evening as you climb under your down comforter with your book in hand getting ready to go to sleep...blue collar guys and gals like them are the backbone of our communities and rarely get the thanks they deserve.
Lesley Mullaney
I was thrilled when I read the article about loving your job and thanking our Highway Departments!
I am the wife of a retired highway department truck driver and I can vouch for his dedication to his job and community for thirty-eight years, however in essence it would equate to fifty-eight years if you added up all the overtime during his years of service - yes, years of service to you, the taxpayer.
Contrary to what the average citizen thinks, the highway guys and gals work very hard...especially during the winter months.
Most have missed time away from their family life, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family gatherings...you name it! There were many Christmases when my husband got home just in time to see the kids open their presents and then collapse into bed after working thirty-two hours straight so other families would be safe to drive to Grandma & Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner. While most people were snug in their beds he and countless others were awake all night plowing, sanding and salting the roads over and over or running heavy equipment to haul snow away. Right about now you are thinking yes, but that is the job they chose - you're right but remember these guys and gals chose to be public servants caring not only for their neighbors safety but anyone driving through their district. I might add that a great majority are also volunteer fire fighters giving their time to the community...seems to go hand and hand.
Most "Mr & Mrs Joe Public" can't relate to that when they are getting ready to go to work and get to the end of their driveway - expecting the roads to be clear - only to find it has been plowed in...cursing the idiot highway plowers. Oh how I wish each and every taxpayer could walk - actually drive - a mile in their shoes in order to comprehend the skill it takes to operate a huge truck and snowplow in the ice, snow and let's not forget the crazy traffic - as well, remember the stamina it takes to sit in one spot and drive for countless hours going over and over the same roads.
So yes please, thank a highway guy or gal...give them a thumbs up or a meaningful wave next time you see them going by because it will make their day knowing at least one person realizes what they do to keep everyone safe on the roads. Maybe even think of them out in their big trucks on a snowy evening as you climb under your down comforter with your book in hand getting ready to go to sleep...blue collar guys and gals like them are the backbone of our communities and rarely get the thanks they deserve.
Lesley Mullaney
He is Doing a Super Job and Certainly Gets my Thanks
He is Doing a Super Job and Certainly Gets my Thanks
I totally agree about Bill Gregory,
I teach at a school in Amenia which has boarding students so we always have classes and I have been able to get out to 22 without a problem from up here in Craryville. He is doing a super job and certainly gets my thanks.
Ann Brown
I totally agree about Bill Gregory,
I teach at a school in Amenia which has boarding students so we always have classes and I have been able to get out to 22 without a problem from up here in Craryville. He is doing a super job and certainly gets my thanks.
Ann Brown
“Talking about Copake in NYC…”?
“Talking about Copake in NYC…”?
“Talking about Copake in NYC…”? I hope you know there are some of us who work in NYC and eagerly await each Thursday morning, when we can revel in the chronicle of the community we love. Just as we eagerly await weekends and/or whatever other time off from our City jobs, when we can be in the community we love. Many thanks for your service.
Will Maitland Weiss
“Talking about Copake in NYC…”? I hope you know there are some of us who work in NYC and eagerly await each Thursday morning, when we can revel in the chronicle of the community we love. Just as we eagerly await weekends and/or whatever other time off from our City jobs, when we can be in the community we love. Many thanks for your service.
Will Maitland Weiss
The "Swearing In" Ceremony for our Newly Elected and Re-elected Officials.
Last Saturday night I was privileged to attend the "swearing in" ceremony for our newly elected and re-elected officials. I was thrilled to be part of this ceremony, having been involved in the recent campaign as Copake Town Captain for Chris Gibson. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people in Copake and Columbia County. We are so lucky to have such excellent representation in government. I truly believe that Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, Senator Steve Saland, and Congressman Chris Gibson are in touch with their constituents. Assemblyman Molinaro and his wife Christy Cocker, a nurse, have 2 young children and,as many of you know, have a daughter who is autistic. Both Senator Saland (who is on the Education Committee) and Assemblyman Molinaro have done excellent work in NYS to help children with special needs.
In 2009 I was elected to represent NY State on the Advisory Council to the American Speech and Hearing Association for 2010-2012. Winning this election has sparked my recent interest in politics. Meeting with Scott Murphy, Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer (well, actually their legislative aides) last year on Capitol Hill was both exciting and enlightening. DC was buzzing with anticipation of the Healthcare vote scheduled to take place that weekend. It was an amazing experience.
I am now preparing for my upcoming visit this March. Now familiar with the process, and our new Congressman, I feel more confident. Having been involved in the rehabilitation field for over 30 years, I am anxious to discuss therapy and reimbursement rates for speech pathology and audiology services, especially in lieu of the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Giffords. Congressman Gibson, with over 24 years in the military, has seen his share of head trauma and injuries. His wife, Mary Jo is a Social Worker. They are an amazing family and will work hard to help the people of the 20th congressional district.
I hope that the people of Copake join with me in support of a new era in politics where we work together in a bi-partisan fashion for the total good.
Terry Sullivan, Au.D., CCC-SLP/A
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| Letter writter Terry Sullivan and Chris Gibson |
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| Letter Writter Terry Sullivan and Marc Molinaro |
I am now preparing for my upcoming visit this March. Now familiar with the process, and our new Congressman, I feel more confident. Having been involved in the rehabilitation field for over 30 years, I am anxious to discuss therapy and reimbursement rates for speech pathology and audiology services, especially in lieu of the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Giffords. Congressman Gibson, with over 24 years in the military, has seen his share of head trauma and injuries. His wife, Mary Jo is a Social Worker. They are an amazing family and will work hard to help the people of the 20th congressional district.
I hope that the people of Copake join with me in support of a new era in politics where we work together in a bi-partisan fashion for the total good.
Terry Sullivan, Au.D., CCC-SLP/A
Sunday, January 30, 2011
I Urge the Readers to Contact Senator Saland about The Grand Jury System
The serial arsons that hit the Copake area started about 1980 and continued on well into the 1990’s. Of the resulting damages none have suffered more than my family. It wasn’t the fires, but the misuse of the Grand Jury that caused the most damage.. My son was indicted by a grand jury on 13 counts of arson. When it came time for a trial there was no usable evidence and the charges were dropped before trial. My son was never cleared. There was a cove-up and no damages were paid nor do I expect damages to be paid. It is because of that misuse of the grand jury that I hope to replace it with a hearing before a judge. The Sheriff claimed he had a confession. He should have been forced to prove it before he arrested my son.
The grand jury has been around since 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his power. Britain did away with the Grand Jury in 1933 because of misuse. All other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia have done away with it too. The only country that has the Grand Jury is the United States. Because of a ruling of the Supreme Court it is not required in State Courts. About one half of the states have replaced it with a hearing before a judge
I petitioned Senator Steven M. Saland and my Assemblyman to hold hearing on replacing the Grand Jury in New York. I would urge the readers to contact Senator Saland and their Assemblyman and urge them to grant hearings on replacing the Grand Jury.. Lawyers should no longer be able to brag; “I can indict a ham sandwich with the Grand Jury.” A judge in open court should make that decision.
Grant Dinehart Langdon
The grand jury has been around since 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his power. Britain did away with the Grand Jury in 1933 because of misuse. All other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia have done away with it too. The only country that has the Grand Jury is the United States. Because of a ruling of the Supreme Court it is not required in State Courts. About one half of the states have replaced it with a hearing before a judge
I petitioned Senator Steven M. Saland and my Assemblyman to hold hearing on replacing the Grand Jury in New York. I would urge the readers to contact Senator Saland and their Assemblyman and urge them to grant hearings on replacing the Grand Jury.. Lawyers should no longer be able to brag; “I can indict a ham sandwich with the Grand Jury.” A judge in open court should make that decision.
Grant Dinehart Langdon
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Can You Imagine My Surprise
Bob:
Are you going to speak to the Naples Daily News as well?
We are in Bonita Springs, just north of Naples.
Can you imagine my surprise when I saw Copake was to headline Naples!!!!
Judy Whitbeck
Bonita Springs, Florida ( as well as Mount Washington in summer)
Are you going to speak to the Naples Daily News as well?
We are in Bonita Springs, just north of Naples.
Can you imagine my surprise when I saw Copake was to headline Naples!!!!
Judy Whitbeck
Bonita Springs, Florida ( as well as Mount Washington in summer)
Monday, January 17, 2011
What is the movie playing at the Copake Theater
Hi Bob
Thanks for the great job you are doing with the Copake Chronicle. Everyone I send a copy to winds up subscribing on their own, which is a really good sign. And I have a question re signs: What is the movie playing at the Copake Theater in the icon you have for accessing movie listings (another great help by the way)? I have tried all the photo enhancement tools I have on hand, and I still can't get enough definition from the icon to read the sign above the doors. As a kid, I loved going to that theater, and it was a sad day when it was destroyed...anyway, if you can help, would appreciate it very much.
Regards
Ed Wiggers
The Answer is Gremlins was playing at the Copake theater in the photo. It was released in 1984.
Thanks for the great job you are doing with the Copake Chronicle. Everyone I send a copy to winds up subscribing on their own, which is a really good sign. And I have a question re signs: What is the movie playing at the Copake Theater in the icon you have for accessing movie listings (another great help by the way)? I have tried all the photo enhancement tools I have on hand, and I still can't get enough definition from the icon to read the sign above the doors. As a kid, I loved going to that theater, and it was a sad day when it was destroyed...anyway, if you can help, would appreciate it very much.
Regards
Ed Wiggers
The Answer is Gremlins was playing at the Copake theater in the photo. It was released in 1984.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Randi Shadic and the men of the Copake Fire Company
Bob:
I found your tribute to Randi Shadic and the men of the Copake Fire Company very moving and well placed. Your appreciation of the strong leadership of Mr. Shadic does you credit, as I have seen you demonstrate the very same qualities here in Copake for years. You are a straight shooter and speak your mind openly and without fear. As far as I’m concerned you lead by example and that is no easy thing to do.
I would like to thank the men and woman of the Copake Fire Company for their selfless devotion to our town's safety. Many people don’t understand the nature of those volunteers nor how hard they work, running into trouble and danger, when others are running away. As you said, we are indeed a very lucky town to have these people as neighbors and friends.
JJ Miller
Craryville
I found your tribute to Randi Shadic and the men of the Copake Fire Company very moving and well placed. Your appreciation of the strong leadership of Mr. Shadic does you credit, as I have seen you demonstrate the very same qualities here in Copake for years. You are a straight shooter and speak your mind openly and without fear. As far as I’m concerned you lead by example and that is no easy thing to do.
I would like to thank the men and woman of the Copake Fire Company for their selfless devotion to our town's safety. Many people don’t understand the nature of those volunteers nor how hard they work, running into trouble and danger, when others are running away. As you said, we are indeed a very lucky town to have these people as neighbors and friends.
JJ Miller
Craryville
Monday, January 10, 2011
America’s Criminal Justice System is Second Rate.
America’s criminal justice system is second rate.
“I can get the Grand Jury indict a ham sandwich,” I heard a lawyer brag. . That is because it is the prosecutor is in charge of the grand jury. There is no judge and what happens is kept secret. The target of the grand jury doesn't have a right to call witnesses. . New York requires that exculpatory evidence must be presented however.
I would like New York State to do away with the Grand Jury. I would like it replaced with a hearing before a judge with the right of the defense to present witnesses and cross examine the police on how they conducted their investigation. Most cases where a person is later freed involve a forced:”confession.”
The Grand Jury has been around sine 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his kingdom. Britain did away with the Grand Jury because of abuse in 1933. All other countries did away with the Grand Jury. The only exception is the United States. Today only about one half of all states in the United States have the Grand Jury system. Once an indictment is secured the prosecution holds the upper hand.
After serving years in jail Frank Sterling of Rochester was freed from prison by Donald M. Thompson, Esq. with the help of the Innocents Project. Frank Sterling was convicted for the November 29, 1988 murder of 74 year old Viola Manville in Hilton, New York. In fact Mark Christy, who was later arrested for the 1994 murder of Kali Ann Poulton murdered Manville. He was questioned as a suspect in the Manville murder in 1988, but then Sterling became the police target. “There’s no question in this case the police officers had tunnel vision,” said Innocence Project co-founder Peter Neufeld. Innocence Project officials contend that investigators became too fixated on Sterling and ignored other possibilities. . In an appellate brief, in fact, Thompson once wrote that “any reasonable view of the evidence would have supported the conclusion that (Sterling) would be free and Mark Christie would be serving time for not one murder, but two.”
I believe the power to indict should be taken away from the prosecutors and the police and given to a judge where witnesses can be cross examined and where the defendant has the right of council.
Grant Dinehart Langdon
“I can get the Grand Jury indict a ham sandwich,” I heard a lawyer brag. . That is because it is the prosecutor is in charge of the grand jury. There is no judge and what happens is kept secret. The target of the grand jury doesn't have a right to call witnesses. . New York requires that exculpatory evidence must be presented however.
I would like New York State to do away with the Grand Jury. I would like it replaced with a hearing before a judge with the right of the defense to present witnesses and cross examine the police on how they conducted their investigation. Most cases where a person is later freed involve a forced:”confession.”
The Grand Jury has been around sine 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his kingdom. Britain did away with the Grand Jury because of abuse in 1933. All other countries did away with the Grand Jury. The only exception is the United States. Today only about one half of all states in the United States have the Grand Jury system. Once an indictment is secured the prosecution holds the upper hand.
After serving years in jail Frank Sterling of Rochester was freed from prison by Donald M. Thompson, Esq. with the help of the Innocents Project. Frank Sterling was convicted for the November 29, 1988 murder of 74 year old Viola Manville in Hilton, New York. In fact Mark Christy, who was later arrested for the 1994 murder of Kali Ann Poulton murdered Manville. He was questioned as a suspect in the Manville murder in 1988, but then Sterling became the police target. “There’s no question in this case the police officers had tunnel vision,” said Innocence Project co-founder Peter Neufeld. Innocence Project officials contend that investigators became too fixated on Sterling and ignored other possibilities. . In an appellate brief, in fact, Thompson once wrote that “any reasonable view of the evidence would have supported the conclusion that (Sterling) would be free and Mark Christie would be serving time for not one murder, but two.”
I believe the power to indict should be taken away from the prosecutors and the police and given to a judge where witnesses can be cross examined and where the defendant has the right of council.
Grant Dinehart Langdon
Communication to our Community
Bob, Thank you for putting out such a wonderful communication to our community. I look forward to receiving and reading it every time it pops up on my computer. It was great receiving the snow emergency last week and being made aware of that. Thank you for this great service you are providing.
Denise Chickery
Copake Lake
Denise Chickery
Copake Lake
Friday, January 7, 2011
A Feeling of Fellowship and Pride in the Town
Dear Bob,
Congratulations! Your young publication now 100 issues old! Generating an emergency alert system is a real contribution, but even more your tribute to Randi Shadic and others who serve the community does a great deal to create a feeling of fellowship and pride in the town. As your fellow Copake citizens, we are all very fortunate to have the benefit of your experience, expertise, and civic devotion. Thanks.
Mac
Copake Falls
Congratulations! Your young publication now 100 issues old! Generating an emergency alert system is a real contribution, but even more your tribute to Randi Shadic and others who serve the community does a great deal to create a feeling of fellowship and pride in the town. As your fellow Copake citizens, we are all very fortunate to have the benefit of your experience, expertise, and civic devotion. Thanks.
Mac
Copake Falls
Our Community is Very Fortunate
In this season of unexpected weather and higher gas prices, our community is very fortunate to have the DEPOT DELI open every day of the week now, fully stocked from the daily papers and coffee to sandwiches, drinks and canned foods and much more (maybe even homemade chili). They are located near the Taconic State park and entrance to the rail trail in Copake Falls. 329-4770
Iris Sachs
Iris Sachs
Thursday, January 6, 2011
My New Web Site - www.crookedjudges.com
Letter to the Editor:
I would like to announce my new web site; http://www.crookedjudges.com/. In my web site I propose that the Grand Jury be replaced with a judge to examine the evidence to determined if there is enough evidence to go to trial. My proposal is based on the arrest of my son and his indictment by the Grand Jury. The District Attorney, Paul Czajka, ended the matter "for failure to go forward." He did not have any evidence and could not win the case. There was no determination of guilt or of innocents. The web site also proposes a mandatory investigation of charges of judicial misconduct if the charge is dismissed and then appealed. I have asked the innocents project and others to comment. The innocents Project has freed hundreds of men from prison that were proven innocent.
Grant Dinehart Langdon
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County
RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County
Thanks for the heads up...had no clue!
Karen D.
Thanks for the heads up...had no clue!
Karen D.
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