Protecting The Integrity of Copake

Bob:


Thanks for standing up to Reggie and for always trying to protect the integrity of Copake. You handled the situation with much grace and total professionalism. I am comforted to know that there are people like you who can be counted upon to do the right thing and at the right time. Your on-going volunteerism around Copake is noted and appreciated by me and our neighbors. Keep up the good fight, you are winning.

John K. Jones
Copake

Taconic Hills Little League Says Thanks To Supporters

To the editor:

Taconic Hills Little league would like to Thank the following supporters; The Hegarty Community Fund, Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, Brad Peck, Inc., Ed Herrington, Inc., Hillsdale Supermarket, Inc., J.C. Construction, Mobile Locksmith, Claverack Pump Service,Northwest Lawn, Carmen Barbato Inc., Peter Beck's creations, Joe Costa, Callan Family Care, Roe Jan Lockworks, Philmont Rod & Gun Club, Varriale Brothers Inc., Bash Bish Bike, Randy Slater, Copake Sunoco, Stickle Electric, Inc., Meltz Lumber, and Copake KOA. We would also like to thank the following for their help in improving the Claverack field conditions and the construction of the two new dugouts on Tipple field; Speeds, Bob Preusser, Mike Johnston, Louie Lamont, Williams lumber, Claverack Agway, Brian Perkins, Rodney Schemerhorn and JRT Enterprises.In addition we would like to add a special thanks to PJ Proper and the Copake Fire Dept. as well as our Copake field ace, Mike Bradway. Our goals are to build character, courage and loyalty in our youth. With all the support, we are able to achieve those goals. Respectfully, Robert W. Dykeman President- Taconic Hills Little League.

Eminent Domaine in Copake

The following letter is from Reggie Crowley. Clearly he and I disagree on the point of eminent domain and the idea of what proper communication is. He admits here that he didn’t tell the President of the Homeowners association, nor anyone on the Copake Town Board. That means that no member of the Copake Town board was informed by our Supervisor of the threat of eminent domain was happening in Copake. Yes, as Reggie says the town board could have gone to those public meetings, but he didn’t tell us or anyone else in Copake that they were happening. So, a tree actually fell in the forest and no one was there to hear it.

Bob, I thought that the issue of eminent domaine was put to rest at the last Board meeting, but evidently not. Once again you are giving your readers inaccurate information.

You're correct, I did not speak with Shawn McClain. I spoke with Taconic Shores Legal Director. It was a legal matter. Why do you have a Legal Director? If your Legal Director did not convey my message to your Board of Directors that is an issue between your Board of Directors and your Legal Director.

As for this information being a total surprise, come on Bob, that's a pretty lame excuse. Every bit of information I presented at the Town Board meeting was all public knowledge. Any citizen could have obtained copies of everything I presented. Your Board of Directors have had your attorney working on this for some time. You mean to tell me that your attorney did not convey this information to your Board? I can't believe that. If your attorney did not obtain this information or convey it to your Board then you have an issue with your attorney.

Every single County committee meeting that this issue was discussed at was open to the public. And the public hearing was just that, A PUBLIC HEARING. Our other local newspapers had no problem obtaining information. As a matter of fact Bob, if you remember, there was a public hearing held on the project several years ago in our own town hall.

The bottom line is this, you made accusations without even trying to find out the facts, or perhaps you chose to ignore the facts. Either way Bob, stop with the excuses. You made a mistake, we have all made mistakes. At least be man enough to admit it.

Reggie Crowley

"Jobs for Albany's Do Nothings"

To the Editor of the Chronicle:


The Saturday 5/15 Editorial in the NYTimes about "Jobs for Albany's Do Nothings" should serve as a wake-up call to all of New York's voters and a call to non-voters to register and vote. Our alleged public servants in Albany have made a mockery of Democracy and the concept of representative government. If ever a clean sweep was in order that time seems to be now. If ever all of the current spoiled crop of politicians deserved to be thrown out it seems to be now.

It's hard to imagine that a completely new elected group of democrats and/or republicans and/or independents could do worse! We should all do our duties as citizens and vote on 9/14 and 11/2.

Ted Voelker
Copake

"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 Thompson

Copake Falls Village Wide Yard Sale

Dear Neighbors:


Calling all Copake Falls residents with too much “stuff.” Register now to participate in the 2nd Annual Copake Falls Village Wide Yard Sale, to be held on Saturday, May 29th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! If you have been meaning to clean out that garage, attic or basement, here’s a great opportunity to do it with the least possible effort. Copake Falls homeowners pay a $20 registration fee to have their yard sale widely advertised and listed on a map distributed to interested buyers. Signs and balloons will also be provided to homeowners so that shoppers can easily identify participating households along with a packet of helpful tips.

Sellers who do not wish to sell from home can set up shop at the Copake Ironworks School House, centrally located on Route 22 in Copake Falls, for a $25 registration fee (one table provided; additional tables available for $15 each). Donations of yard-sale appropriate goods will also be gratefully accepted by the organizers of the sale which will benefit Copake Falls Day.

Last year’s Copake Falls Village Wide Yard drew huge crowds throughout the village of Copake Falls and at the Ironworks Schoolhouse on Route 22. We expect a similar turnout this year. Saturday, May 29th kicks off the yard sale season -- in addition to the Copake Falls sale, numerous other big sales will take place in the area that weekend. Shoppers and sellers alike will really have a chance to clean-up (literally and figuratively!) during this big yard sale weekend!

For registration forms and information on the sale, visit www.copakefalls.org or email info@copakefalls.org, or call 518-966-2233.

See you there!
Robin Bruce, Event Chairperson

"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