"thank you very much!" for publishing the Copake Chronicle

Bob: just a quick note to once again says "thank you very much!" for publishing the Copake Chronicle. Just read about all your hard work on the road and fully understand the need to skip an edition sometimes. We live in Vestal, NY, but spend 4 weeks each year at Taconic Park (where I'm a "walker"!).
Love getting news from that beautiful part of the state!
Safe travel!
Mary

A Formal Request to Assemblyman Marc Molinaro

Recommendation to the Copake Town Board

From The Copake Economic Advisory Board
RE: Harlem Valley Rail Trail

The Copake Economic Advisory Board (unanimously) is asking the Copake Town Board to make a formal request to Assemblyman Marc Molinaro that he request that the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation assign a engineer/planner to develop a plan to extend the Harlem Valley Rail Trail north from the existing trail in Copake Falls through the old Odyssey Farm parcel and out to a Route 22 crossing just north of the “Full Moon” restaurant. All of the land is currently owned by the park.

Thank you for your support,
Leslie Wood
Chair
Copake Economic Advisory Board

What About The Charter Cable Situation

I started to read with great eagerness the article that started out about the Town Board was about to discuss the Charter cable situation. The where there's smoke there's fire article was interesting, but to many people what you omitted would have been much more interesting. You made mention of Charter Cable, and then went off on a story about, Mr. Crowley, s apology., and the fried electronics. I was boiling when I finished reading. Please understand, this letter is not written in bad spirit. I have extreme respect for you and the Copake Chronicle.

You led your story with one of the biggest issues in Copake, and dropped us cold. What happened with the discussion about Charter cable. What was talked about. To lead into an article the way you did, with a controversial issue, and leave people wondering how could Bob lead us on. I have to say I enjoy your excellent articles on the issues in you cyber news.

It is always interesting, and I must say if it stopped it would be Copake's loss of a great source of Town information. I also , for the very first time have to ask you, what's the rest of the story? I think you touched on a bigger story than what you wrote about, and touched very little. After starting just the second paragraph I jumped with excitement! At last ! here it comes ! New news!, and then nothing more on Charter Cable.

Can you please run an article in the Chronicle about what went down in that discussion about Charter, or just give me an idea in an Email about what was discussed. I suspect it was nothing big, or the whole Town would be buzzing, but anything is bigger than what the Town has been giving us would be better. I still can't believe that an issue this big is still on the back burner, and the Townsfolk are still in the dark.

There may be things happening that we don't know of, and that's where the problem is. We get no public information on anything that goes on with the Town Board if it were not for the Copake Chronicle. Thank heaven for that' or we would be totally in the dark.

Richard

Chronicle Editor Responded
Dear Richard:


I think I understand your anger. There are several things you should know. First is that I only write the lead editorial in the Chronicle each week. The rest of the stories are retrieved from our local county newspapers that I find distributed on the web. The article you mentioned and that made you boil was not written by me, but came from The Columbia Paper.


As to Charter Communications you have correctly pointed out a lack of communication. I will take the blame on this one. There is so much always going on that for whatever reason, that story never got into the Chronicle.


The part that you read in the paper was tail end of a lengthy process. The results are that we still have only Charter Communications.


The reason is that no other carrier wants to come to rural Copake. There is just not enough population to support a new business venture. I tried for over a year to get someone... almost anyone else to come to Copake. There was just no interest. I stalled Charter for a year to try to make something positive happen. I spoke to the Public Service Agencies, and other Cable companies. It is just not going to happen in the near future.


I have other hopes of different technologies jumping over the old copper cable that we have which is so inadequate to our 21st century needs. There are several possibilities, but nothing right now.


I hope that answers some of your questions.


Bob Sacks
-30-

A Benefit in Support a Local Volunteer Firemen in Need

The community of Colonie, Chipshots Sports Bar and Restaurant located at the Colonie Golf Course, and Comedian Greg Aidala are coming together to support one of their local volunteer firemen who is now in the fight of his life. A benefit is being held Saturday, April 24 at 6pm at Chipshots located at 418 Consual Road, Colonie for the family of Dan Buchan, a 46-year-old Colonie Volunteer firefighter and family man. Dan is shown below with his wife, Kym, and his daughters Hannah and Maggie.

Dan was first diagnosed at age 28, in 1992, when doctors found a brain tumor that was silently growing for years. Dan went through brain surgeries in 1992, 2000, and 2008 and has had radiation and many chemotherapy treatments with only a short 8-year remission between 2000 and 2008.

Dan has been fighting brain cancer for most of his adult life, but is always ready with a great joke and a big smile to warm your heart. “He never seems sick. It’s always a shock to hear he is going in for more treatments or worse, another surgery.” Says his best friend, Mike Markosky of Owego, NY.

“Not only is Dan the strongest man I know, but he has a remarkable way to make everyone feel good when he’s around. He can make a room erupt with laughter... He has a natural sense of humor and his amazing ability to remain positive helps him to keep up the fight.” says his wife Kym, proudly.

Recently, Dan’s prognosis to a Grade 4 tumor is rapidly growing and even spread to his spine and into his spinal fluid. As he was scheduled to temporarily move to Boston for stereotactic pinpoint radiation, due to the severity of his cancer the doctors thought it would be best to have his entire brain and spine radiated close to home.

The benefit is to help offset the enormous expenses that are occurring with medical treatments, co-pays, prescriptions and all that goes along with fighting this horrendous disease.

The benefit will be Saturday, April 24th at 6pm. There will be entertainment, raffles, door prizes, food, draft beer, soda. Admission is $15.

If you would like to make a donation, friends have set up an account at the Trustco Bank, c/o The Daniel Buchan Fund, 34 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205. **If you would like to donate items to be raffled off at the event please send them to: Chipshots Sports Bar, Attn: Jen McCullough, 418 Consual Road, Colonie, NY 12304. If you would like the items to be picked up, please call Kym at 482-4423.

Join Legion Riders - Sunday, June 13th for our Poker Ride

American Legion Post 184
Legion Riders
Hudson, N. Y.

Our Legion Riders have picked Sunday, June 13th for our Poker Ride.We would like you to join us at the Legion Hall in Hudson where it will begin between Ten AM and 12 Noon. We will charge each person twenty dollars. Whatever we bring in we will split with the person who has the best poker hand.

If you don't have a Bike you are welcomed to follow in a van or car. You can start with your group between ten and noon. This run will end up at Blue Stores. It's a lot of fun and We're sure you will enjoy the day. Any other info please contact our President Gus Pappaeliou
917-337-4091 or vice Pres. Bob Mayo 845-494-6551.

Thank you,
Secretary,
Charlotte Papineau

I am more informed about Copake

Bob:
Thanks for the Chronicle. I understand about putting things together, but I don't know how you get the time and energy to put out the newspaper for Copake each week for free. Even the ads are free. It is a remarkable achievement. I have lived here for 30 years and I have never been more informed about the town. You have my thanks for a job well done. All of Copake is up to date and understands the local political situations and events. I find your coverage, very well rounded. You clearly have strong opinions and state them in no uncertain terms. I don't agree with everything you say, but for the most of it you make a lot of sense.

Thanks again
John Clark
West Copake

20 to 40 Year Olds Seek Softball Players in the Park

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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