The Freeman's Journal 07-28-22

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Volume 214, No. 30

AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, July 28, 2022

Newsstand Price $1

Hall of Fame Festivities Bridge Past, Present with Joyous Weekend

By Ted Potrikus

Special to The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta [A byline note: With this as my final piece for publication in The Freeman’s Journal /Hometown Oneonta, I hope readers will indulge a first-person tour through this past weekend’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. I hadn’t attended an induction since 1983 when I covered the event for The Freeman’s Journal. So much has changed since then but one thing has remained constant — the unifying power of baseball. Here’s my take.]

It’s not every day that Cooperstown finds itself festooned with flags from the Dominican Republic, but on the weekend when the National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed the island nation’s own David “Big Papi” Ortiz into its exclusive ranks, there was no mistaking the party atmosphere pervading the village.

“We’re all ‘Big Papi’ this weekend, my friend!” one gentleman told me when I asked his name. That’s all I needed to know.

He and his family and friends — some dressed in Boston Red Sox garb like thousands of others lining Main, Chestnut, and Lake streets for the July 23 parade featuring some four dozen Hall of Famers — traveled to Cooperstown from the Dominican Republic to cheer on their hero. They staked their position on the corner of Main and Chestnut; the moment Mr. Ortiz’s ride — the last in the hour-long parade — came into view — their jubilant cheers said it all about the weekend.

And what a weekend it was. Dominican pride was well on display the next afternoon, July 24, when more than 30,000 fans poured onto the Clark Sports Center field to watch as Mr. Ortiz — along with Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges, Minnie Miñoso, and Buck O’Neil joined the 333 baseball immortals already enshrined. Fans had begun setting their tents, chairs, and blankets to reserve their spaces as early as the prior Thursday; as the 1:30 p.m.

Continued on page 3

This joyful bunch brought their patriotic pride all the way to Cooperstown from the Dominican Republic to cheer on their fellow countryman, David “Big Papi” Ortiz, on the weekend he and six others were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Our new Dominican friends grabbed prime real estate at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets on Saturday, July 23, when the Village of Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame hosted an hour-long parade featuring some four-dozen Hall of Famers — and when Big Papi came into their view, their cheers could be heard from blocks away. More photos, page 9

INSIDE

► NEW THIRD BASE BUILDING at Doubleday Field now “Fowler Pavilion” page A2 ► pAULA DIPERNA returns to Induction Ceremony, page A6 ► CHARLIE VASCELLERO brings exhibit to Dodger Stadium, page a 7 ► jAMES e. dOW, 74, obituary, co-founder Connell, Dow , Deysenroth Funeral Home, page A8 ► fENIMORE cHAMBER ORCHESTRA new Music Director, insert ► ENJOY LOCAL DINING at Cooperstown Sports Bar and Grill and Mt. Fuji, insert Follow Breaking News On

AllOTSEGO.com According to an approximate head count on Sunday’s Induction from The National Baseball Hall of Fame, 35,000 people were in Cooperstown for the three-hour ceremony that celebrated Bud Fowler, Gil Hodges Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, Tony Oliva and David Ortiz..

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

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Third Base Building at Doubleday Field Now Officially “Fowler Pavilion”

The Fowler Pavilion

The REPORTER REPORTER

The The

old. As a young man, he adopted the name Bud Fowler and was forced to live a nomadic life playing for short periods of time on numerous White baseball teams where he faced racism and discrimination. Ultimately forced out of the game, Fowler became a founder of the Page Fence Giants and a major proponent of Black baseball leagues.

In 2013 the Village of Cooperstown named a lane adjacent to Doubleday Field, Fowler Way in recognition of Fowler’s Cooperstown connection and his importance in the history of baseball.

The Village of Cooperstown began its $6.5 million renovation of historic Doubleday Field in 2019. The final phase of the project includes the nearly complete third base building.The installation of the bleachers, which are back ordered until early 2023, will complete the renovations made feasible with grant support from Empire State Development and from a State and Municipal (SAM) Facilities grant.

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At the July 25th Village Board meeting, the Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the new third base building at Doubleday Field, the “Fowler Pavilion” in honor of 2022 HoF Inductee Bud Fowler.

The motion was made by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, on the recommendation of the Doubleday Field Committee, at which Friends of Doubleday President and former Village Mayor, Jeff Katz had made the initial suggestion.

Mayor Tillapaugh noted that she felt that Dave Winfield’s speech for Bud Fowler’s induction at Sunday’s HoF Ceremony, was excellent and highlighted not only Fowler’s local connection but also his importance in the history of Baseball. Fowler played on integrated leagues in the 19th century, decades before Jackie Robinson officially broke the Major League Baseball color barrier.

Born John Jackson in 1858 Fort Plain, N.Y., Fowler’s family moved to Cooperstown when he was just a few years

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The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum have openings for:

Food Service Worker

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The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum seek applicant for the following position

Part-Time, Seasonal (Aug. – Dec.) position Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum are seeking Cafe Attendants for the Fenimore Cafe and Crossroads Cafe. Cafe Attendants prepare and serve all food and beverages to visitors of the museums. Cooking and/or food prep experience is preferred but we are willing to train enthusiastic individuals. Serv-Safe is a plus as is cashier or POS experience. Successful candidates will have a professional appearance and display strong customer service skills; always putting the customer first. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening events.

Covid-19 vaccination is a requirement of employment. To apply go to fenimoreartmuseum. org for an application, mail a completed application to HR at Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 St. Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or call Human Resources at 607-547-1462. EOE

OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competitive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs

Museum Interpreter Seasonal Part Time

Fenimore Art Museum seeks to hire a Museum Interpreter for our outdoor Native American cultural exhibition, Otsego: A Meeting Place. The ideal candidate will enjoy speaking with a diverse array of museum visitors and display energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

This position entails staffing a recreated Mohawk Bark House and an original Seneca Log House, tending a fire, leading tours along an outdoor path, and cultivating a small garden.

A keen interest in Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture and history required.

Knowledge of local history, anthropology, and ecology will support superior performance in this role. Covid-19 vaccination is a requirement for employment.

To apply for any position contact Human Resources at 607-547-1462 or email mary.myers@fenimoreart.org.

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The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum seek applicant for the following position

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Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum have an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/maintenance worker. The successful candidate will be a steady, reliable worker and enjoy working outdoors year-round.

Must have sufficient strength and manual dexterity to operate power equipment and lift up to 75 lbs. Experience with basic construction and carpentry a plus. Duties include maintaining grounds, mowing, clearing roads and pathways of debris and tree limbs, soil preparation, planting, weed removal, plowing and shoveling snow, cleaning and maintaining power equipment, and performing light carpentry and repair jobs.

This is a full-time position, flexibility necessary, must be willing to work occasional overtime. This position offers an excellent benefits package and pleasant work environment. Covid-19 vaccination is a requirement of employment.

To apply for any position contact Human Resources at 607-547-1462 or email mary.myers@fenimoreart.org.

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Cooperstown Rolls Out Red Carpet to the World Continued from page 1

of Fame treats us like royalty.

I understand how special it Sunday start approached, groups is to be in the Hall, to be in throughout the crowd waved their Cooperstown.”

Dominican flags and kept a highThat Saturday afternoon energy excitement alive despite ‘press availability’ at the Clark crushing heat and humidity.

Sports Center featured sessions ‘Big Papi’ didn’t disappoint; with all three living members when his turn to speak to the of the Class of 2022 — David crowd came, he leaned into Ortiz, Jim Kaat, and Tony the microphone and shouted, Oliva, along with ESPN’s Tim “COOPERSTOWN!” The crowd Kurkjian, awarded this year’s roared back in approval.

Career Excellence Award from “You’ve opened your doors his colleagues in the Baseball to us,” he said. “You’ve treated Writers Association of America. my family and all of us the Each spoke of his fondness for right way. And now I want to Cooperstown, for the team at the invite all of you to my island, Baseball Hall of Fame, for their the Dominican Republic, appreciation to the residents of for our beautiful beaches the village and the surrounding when you’re freezing up here!”

Thousands crowded along Cooperstown’s Main, area.

• Chestnut, and Lake streets on a warm July 23 I sat next to LaVelle E. Neal Of course, it wasn’t all about evening as their Hall of Fame heroes filed past in a III, a sports columnist from the “Big Papi” — fans were there, joyful hour-long parade.

Minneapolis Star Tribune; his too, to cheer on the others and paper had sent him and a colleague to cover the event be a part of an event back comfortably in its traditional welcoming the Minnesota Twins alums inducted over the July timeslot for the first time since 2019. Nearly 100 tour buses — many from Boston — lined the field on weekend. As he asked David Ortiz about his thoughts on Sunday afternoon; throughout the weekend, I met visi- his time as a Twin, it dawned on me — all three of the tors from Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, Chicago, living inductees were Twins alumni!

“That’s what I get for being a lifelong East Coaster,” Philadelphia, Hershey, Santo Domingo. We fell into easy conversation about not just Cooperstown, but the whole of I said to Mr. Neal as we waited for Jim Kaat to take the stage. “I just figured Ortiz was Boston, Kaat was the upstate New York.

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh was thrilled by it Yankees guy, and Tony Oliva just never made it out of all. “It was a fantastic weekend on so many levels!” she Minnesota.”

He laughed and recommended I scan the village for said. “It was wonderful to again have the event in July.

Twins regalia. “We’re all proud of our guys,” he said.

We received compliments on the beauty of the village and • the polite visitors, and it was a perfect group of Inductees, The press availability spoke volumes; baseball greats including Cooperstown’s own Bud Fowler.”

Inductee Jim Kaat spoke fondly of his relationship with clearly humbled by the attention, reclaiming an easy Cooperstown during a question-and-answer session with rapport with beat reporters they knew from their playing days. Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Oliva — as they would the next the press on the afternoon of July 23.

“I’ve been here many times,” he said, recalling how day in front of thousands and televised worldwide on the his father made the pilgrimage to Cooperstown when the MLB Network — switched effortlessly from responding Hall of Fame first opened in 1939. “My first trip here was in English and Spanish. Later that evening, watching great in 1956. My college roommate was from Herkimer so I after great pass by in a celebratory parade, the collective came up here with him. I still have the postcard I sent humility and pride from some of the greatest names ever to play the game, was easy to see. home from Cooperstown.”

My wife and I found a spot on Chestnut Street to watch “I’m so impressed with the detail,” he said. “The Hall the parade — not far from the turn onto Main where

thousands awaited, but far less populated. Hall of Famers and fans called back and forth with happy greetings. Tim Raines’s was one of only two cars without a placard identifying the player in tow; he took the opportunity to shout from the back of the pickup truck, “I’m Tim Raines!” he joked. “Tim Raines!” (Fellow Yankee great Mariano Rivera was the other without identification; his wide and beaming grin, though, made him instantly recognizable.)

Edgar Martinez grabbed a ball a fan tossed his way, signed it, and tossed it back.

The parade was quite an event. Fans wearing Red Sox and Yankees jerseys chatted amiably; there was a palpable sense of comradery as fans debunked pundits’ insistence that baseball has lost its reign as America’s Pastime. A wave and a hello from some of the greatest ever to play the game? A genius bit of programming pulled off with typical Hall of Fame dignity.

• I wrote in this newspaper in 1983 how my friend Bob Graham and I would wander freely through the Otesaga Hotel in the 1970s to collect autographs from greats like Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Willie Mays. They were all there and, provided we behaved and respected all the guests, we were allowed to chase our heroes. Father John Sise would welcome Hall members of all denomination to an 8 a.m. Mass on Induction Sunday; he’d make sure to schedule me as an altar boy and invite players like Stan Musial to visit afterward and, naturally, sign his altar boy’s baseball.

Hall of Famers aren’t as readily accessible as they were 40 and 50 years ago; baseball’s prominence as a personality-driven, big money enterprise necessitates the choreography the Hall of Fame weekend demands. But Hall leadership this year found a way to thread the needle through pent-up demand for pandemic-delayed celebration, careful security, an atmosphere welcoming to all, opportunities to see “where your baseball cards come to life,” as Hall of Fame Researcher and Writer Bill Francis wrote on his Twitter page after the weekend’s festivities came to an end.

For those wanting to spend the money, Hall members and retired Major League Baseball stars signed autographs at various stores and restaurants along Main Street; the Hall of Fame’s Ambassador for Education, Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith, hosted a weekend kick-off “Play Ball” event at Doubleday Field. His work raised money for the Hall’s education program and diversity scholarship; dozens of Continued on page 6

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

Cooperstown Art Association Hosted Our Gathering Storm Raymond Han Painting Sale

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Until this past week, we were just settling into a summer of weather that seemed almost perfectly “Goldilocks” — not too cold, not too hot. It reminded us of the summers of old, when there would be one or two days in early July that were considered hot — somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees. No one had air conditioning and very few had a swimming pool.

But last week the heat was intense and somewhat frightening, given global headlines on record-breaking heat, raging wildfires and devastating drought. Those of us who saw the allegorical film “Don’t Look Up” found ourselves, well, looking up. Since not wellversed in climate science, we considered looking up some facts and statistics but, afraid of finding anything too scary, put it off. Then, when a real scientist pointed out that we are now seeing effects of climate change not expected until around 2050, we had to do some looking up.

The seven years from 2015 to 2021 have been the hottest on the planet, the top three being 2016, 2019, 2020. Earth’s temperature has risen about 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1880, but the rate of warming since 1981 is more than twice that, at 0.32 degrees Fahrenheit. Already, 2022 has been posting all-time record high temperatures across Europe, Asia and the Americas. More than 2,000 heat-related deaths have been confirmed on the Iberian Peninsula.

A heat wave in East Asia set a record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Taiwan. In the US, the latest heat wave set or tied 359 high temperature records last week, and 709 records for warmest overnight low temperature. In the past month, 1,403 daily high temperature and 2,856 overnight low temperature records have been set or tied. Nearly all the records now being broken were set in recent years.

Meanwhile, in this country the heat coincides with widespread and increasing drought, also a hallmark of climate change. 44.57% of the US was in drought last week, up 11.9% from last month. 225.4 million acres of crops were in drought last week — up 24.6% from last month. 119.5 million people were affected by drought last week, up 26.8% from last month.

41 states are experiencing moderate to “exceptional” drought — 8 more than last month. Prolonged drought has left millions on the brink of famine in East Africa as well.

And then there are the wildfires spawned by heatdried undergrowth. Major wildfires are raging in South Korea, Morocco, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Argentina and beyond. In the US so far this year 38,046 wildfires have burned 5,571,855 acres. In the past 10 years, 39,362,610 acres have burned. That’s about 7 million more acres than all of New York State.

We were warned that this could sneak up on us and snowball as current effects produce further and greater impacts. As each year more greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, nothing significant is being done to forestall the coming apocalypse. The current Administration had a plan to at least start to deal with the problem but was stymied by a Senator from coal-rich West Virginia who was “more concerned” about inflation. The revered monarch butterfly, like countless other life, is on the brink of extinction already. As humans, we lament previous extinctions, but who will lament our own?

Politicians worldwide look for compromises that can be negotiated through myriad party platforms and priorities. But in this existential nightmare there is no room for compromise — no possibility of reasoning or negotiating some fantasy way out. As Winston Churchill famously stated, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth.” This tiger has the heads of eight billion people in its mouth, and its teeth are now beginning to pierce the flesh.

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Tara Barnwell Editor and Publisher Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Historian

Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

First Class Subscription, $155 a year.

Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080.

Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main St., Cooperstown NY 13326-9598

Both Raymond Han and Paul Kellogg loved Cooperstown and its residents, and the residents loved them. They were an integral part of the Cooperstown community.

They fostered the arts in the area and collaborated with artists, encouraging many to settle here. As a painter and sculptor, Han found his inspiration and subjects from his friends and colleagues in the community. Upon their deaths, they established the Raymond Han and Paul Kellogg Foundation to “encourage the value of visual and performing arts in enhancing the lives of all people.”

As a thank you to the people of Cooperstown for their years of friendship and support, the Foundation

decided, in cooperation with the Cooperstown Art Association, to offer for sale, at very special prices, 52 of

Raymond’s iconic paintings, and five sculptures.

Those paintings represent the wide and varied subjects of Raymond’s art, from still lifes, portraits and figure painting to genre scenes and abstracts, throughout the many years he worked and, to many a Cooperstown resident, present familiar images, of both peonies and people.

All but one painting and 3 sculptures were sold; over half within the firs 20 minutes.

The show, which continued the memory of Raymond Han and Paul Kellogg to their fellow friends and artists, ran at the Art Association from June 9-18. A similar exhibition is being considered for June 2023.

News Briefs

Springbrook Promotes care, residential and educational Office for the Aging. To be eligible, services, day services, and clinical, seniors must have a monthly income DeLanoy, Basso Springbrook has announced the appointment of Kira DeLanoy as the organization’s Strategic Communications Officer. DeLanoy has been a member of Springbrook’s senior management team since 2016, serving as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

She joined the organization in 2011 as Assistant Director of that department. DeLanoy joins Springbrook’s executive leadership team, which works closely with the Board of Directors in providing strategic guidance to New York’s leading service and support provider for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

With DeLanoy’s appointment to the executive team, Michael Basso has been promoted to Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Basso joined the Springbrook staff in January 2021 as the Marketing Associate. In his year and a half in that position, he worked with DeLanoy to improve online, social media, and paid digital marketing functions. DeLanoy began her new role on July 1, and Basso his on July 11.

Springbrook provides at-home

therapeutic, and behavioral supports to more than 1,100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across New York State.

Plant Sale to Benefit Local Animal Shelter Super Heroes Humane Society will host an indoor and outdoor plant sale on Sunday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 160 Pony Farm Road, Oneonta. Proceeds will benefit the animal shelter. Plant donations for the sale can be left inside the red barn by Saturday, July 30. For more information, call 607-441-3227.

Farmers’ Market Vouchers Available for Seniors 60+ Otsego County Office for the Aging now has farmers’ market checks available for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older. The booklet of five $5 vouchers is made available through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Checks can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, a list of which will be provided by the

at or below $2,096 for a one-person household or $2,823 for a twoperson household. Booklets can be picked up according to the following schedule: • July 25 from 10:30 a.m. to noon: Neighborhood Apartments, 71 Clifton Street, Unadilla (main entrance) • July 28 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.: West Hill Terrace, 26 West Street, Edmeston (main entrance) • August 4 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.: Morris Farmers’ Market, Guy Rathbone Park, 117 Main Street, Morris • August 4 from 2 - 3:15 p.m.: Richfield Springs Farmers’ Market, Spring Park, Main Street, Richfield Springs • Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Otsego County Office for the Aging, 140 County Highway 33W, Suite 5, Cooperstown (call ahead) • Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Otsego County Office for the Aging, 242 Main Street, Oneonta (call ahead) For more information, contact Otsego County Office for the Aging at 607-547-4232.

Letters

Population Loss I read and re-read the letter from Nancy last week. Otsego County has a long history of being moved from district to district. Sometimes we are split west to east, and sometimes our entire County flops from west to east. Now we are being split in half north to south. This is not the fault of the people running for Congressional Office. This is the fault of population loss plain and simple. New York is hemorrhaging people at an alarming rate. The blame falls directly on our New York State Executive and Legislative branches.

Tax and spend policies along with unfunded mandates developed in the Legislature and approved by our Governor are driving this State into bankruptcy and the people leaving do not want to be held accountable for the debt. Compounding the exodus is the decades-long travesty of political corruption and scandals in Albany. Until the Great Empire State gets back on track Upstate districts will continue to be hacked away until there is just one big red blob on top of many downstate blue dots. So, Nancy, I ask you to please

learn about all our Legislative and Gubernatorial candidates from all parties running for office this November and vote for the people you trust to stop population loss, decrease taxation, support existing employers and welcome new businesses and industries — this is the only way to solve your redistricting problem.

Michael Stuart Middlefield

Please Hold…

After 2 years going silent to regroup their organizational strategies, under new CEO Tommy Ibrahim, and the Bassett Healthcare —“Your call is very important to us please stay on the line your call…”—Network is emerging with a legacy driven ad campaign.

This new campaign—“This call is very important to us please stay on the…”—will highlight the accomplishments of its founder Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett, one ofthe first female medical directors in—“Your call is very important to us please stay…”—the United States. It is a wonderful opportunity to share the

history of our beloved MIB hospital.

We ,who spend much time at MIB have not been aware of how— “This call is very important to us please…”—important and ground breaking Dr. Bassett was.

When you add in Ayrelia Fox, the patron of A.O Fox Memorial Hospital and Judge A Lindset and Olive B. O’Connor — namesakes of O’Connor Hospital—“Your call is very important to us…”—in Delhi, New York founded in 1921.

Three pioneering women are the reason Bassett Healthcare Network today has such an impressive legacy —“Your call is very important to…”—of care and compassion.

I’ve loved Bassett since the 1970s BUT anyone new that calls Bassett and is introduced to the Network with —“Your call is very…”—and then waits 10-15-20-25-30 minutes for a real person who ‘might’ send you to another—“Your call is answered in the order it was received, you are caller number #2,416.”

After 100 years this is not acceptable.

Jim Renckens Cooperstown

THURSDAY, jULY 28, 2022

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 News from the noteworthy Leaf

Drink Responsibly Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 YEARS AGO

A pleasant affair — Thanks to the kindness and efficiency of the Misses Hamlin, Cuyler, Chase and Cooke, the guests of the Hotel Fenimore and a few friends had the pleasure of attending a very enjoyable impromptu entertainment Saturday evening, consisting of reading, music and tableaux. Miss Hamlin is a very cultured elocutionist, and shows excellent taste in her selections. Miss Cuyler is a favorite, not only on account of the excellence of her performance as a pianist, but for the cheerfulness with which she responds to the many requests for music.

July 29, 1887

110 YEARS AGO

Cooperstown’s new fire alarm system in the shape of a special telephone placed in the International Milk Products Company has gone into operation. From now on the International’s whistle will be blown for the sounding of an alarm. In case of fire, instead of giving a number, merely say “Fire” to the operator, who will forward the message to the International Products Company. Anyone who can sleep peacefully while the International whistle is shrieking will be awarded a gold medal by the proper authorities.

July 24, 1912

75 YEARS AGO

The opinion of A. Leo Stevens of Fly Creek, pioneer aeronaut and former chief of the United States Army Bureau of Aeronautics, was given new weight when the Federal Bureau of Air Commerce at Washington reported its findings as to the cause of the destruction of the dirigible Hindenburg at Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 6, with a loss of 36 lives. In an interview published in Cooperstown newspapers, Mr. Stevens said that, through all the information he had been able to obtain in the few days that had elapsed since the disaster, and from his own personal experiences, the fire resulted from a charge of static electricity touching off a pocket of highly inflammable hydrogen gas which had leaked from a gas cell in the dirigible. The report essentially confirms Stevens’ opinion of the cause, finding that, when the landing ropes touched the ground the charge of electricity on the ship became equalized with that of the ground and the resulting electrostatic discharge ignited the mixture of air and leaking hydrogen which had accumulated in the dirigible’s stern.

July 28, 1937

60 YEARS AGO

July 25, 1962

Solution: ‘‘But Hey” (July 21)

If I were walking around Oneonta, Richfield Springs, or Cooperstown with a microphone doing random street interviews, I might ask the question, “What is responsible drinking?” I can tell you that the likely outcome of my attempt at reporting would result in a wide range of responses and interesting conversations.

The phrase “responsible drinking” has become ubiquitous in our culture. I will admit, my ears are finely attuned to it because of the work I do. However, I don’t think that’s the whole story. When we tell each other things like, “just drink responsibly” or “all things in moderation” we are essentially using phrases that are interpreted by the listener through their own lens of responsibility and moderation. We may mean one thing, while the other person hears something different.

Let me offer a few examples.

When I ask young people about responsible drinking, the answer usually has a central theme of not drinking and driving. That’s important! Absolutely don’t drink and drive. I applaud those commitments. Interestingly, there is rarely any mention personal health and safety issues related to consuming risky amounts of alcohol. So, avoiding personal injury, relationship violence, or a hangover is not part of that particular lens.

When I ask adults about responsible drinking, the answer tends to fall in a couple of categories: “know your own limit,” “only drink with food,” “always have a DD,” “No more than just a few.” Those are really important concepts to limit the impacts of alcohol, but are still hard to nail down and define.

Personal health and relationship health related to specific quantities of consumption don’t often show up in the conversation.

When you think about it, why would they? Ads only ever show us the “up” side of drinking. They show happy, active people sometimes doing amazing things while having a beer, sometimes even surrounded by more beer. They show happy people socializing in a setting where everyone has a drink, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. And then, at the end of every commercial about alcohol they flash, “always drink responsibly,” or “think when you drink.”

They have been teaching us their version of responsible.

Ads do not show the DWI crashes on prom night. Ads never mention that 88,000 people die every year from alcohol related causes. Ads, especially the ones with pink ribbons, do not mention that 6,000 women die every year from alcoholrelated breast cancer. It’s not their job to define responsible for us.

That would be a terrible business model. Their job is to sell product.

Believe it or not, even though potentially culturally uncomfortable, there are actual, defined lower risk levels of alcohol consumption.

The World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism each have scientifically based guidelines on how to use alcohol at a lower risk of harm.

Although these agencies differ slightly, they agree on a few things: 1) there is no known “safe” level of alcohol consumption. 2) Approximate 1 or 2 drinks per day for women and 2 or 3 drinks a day for men is considered lower risk.

Drinking above these rates greatly increase risk of harm, and 3) the earlier studies on the potential benefits of drinking have been revised down by more recent studies on the harms of drinking. They also agree that the choice that is always safest is to simply not drink.

So, now you know. There are truly measurable answers to “what is responsible drinking.” If you ever see me on the street with a microphone (I hope not!!), you can smile and answer my question with science.

Author of this column, Julie Dostal, is executive director of The LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Oneonta.

BY Merl Reagle

The Last Name Game…You don’t sound like yourself today ACROSS 1 Backbone cushion 5 Size up 11 Order to Frankenstein 15 With 37 Down, a singer 19 Home of Flaming Gorge 20 With 24 Across, loser of the first really serious pie fight?

21 City near Carson City 22 Yucky stuff 23 Actress Rooney or Kate 24 See 20 Across 27 Christian’s captain 29 Ex-fighter?

30 “May ___ on?”

31 Actor who plays slippery characters?

32 White House bloomer 34 Scull need 35 Oklahoma city 36 Singer who can’t keep a secret?

43 Derby prize 47 Delicately pretty 48 “___ I say!”

49 Our team, to their fans 52 Bridge sur la Seine 53 Business abbr.

54 Self-satisfied 55 Discipline with a kick 57 “Me ___!”

58 SAT taker 60 Actress who puts up her own posters?

63 Lon Nol or U Nu, for example 65 Grant counterpart 66 Very efficient, as a ship 67 Actor who never gives 100 per cent?

73 Field of knowledge 74 Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in the ___” 75 TV innovator Arledge 76 Statesman with mono?

82 Reindeer raiser 86 “Try ___ might ...”

87 Coffee urn features 88 Touch down 89 Tropic of Capricorn city 90 Leopold’s accomplice 92 Centers 93 Shakespearean bad guy 94 Koufax was one 97 Derby site, ___ Downs 99 Actress who likes to build her own sets?

102 ___ and ahs 105 Nonaffiliated one: abbr.

106 Took Trigger

107 With 117 Across, dancer who can’t help disrupting sermons?

110 Mrs. McKinley 111 Tense beginning?

113 Sorts chickens, e.g.

117 See 107 Across 121 Nana author 122 Wally of cookies 123 Dodge model 124 Singer who gardens?

125 Bothers 126 Five-year-old’s recitation 127 “Interesting!”

128 Howard and Isaac 129 Caustic cleaners

17 Singer Ives 18 Swirling effect 25 Mean man 26 Small piece 28 Parasite’s need 33 Infiltrator 34 Tulsa-area Indians 36 Change your story 37 See 15 Across 38 Failing 39 Halley of comet fame 40 Bad-tempered 41 Humbles 42 Actor Russell 44 Low-grade hooch 45 Pig nose 46 Harrow’s main cricket rival DOWN 50 Lamb’s lament 1 Speechless 2 Bold alternative, perhaps: abbr. 51 “The racer’s edge” fuel additive 54 German industrial area 3 Gift for a Madras Mrs. 55 It may be “bended” 4 Mortification 56 “Daniel” singer 5 Philanthropist ___ Khan IV 59 America’s godfather of safety 6 Waitperson 60 Ex of Frank and André 7 A bit 61 Violinist Mischa 8 While opening 62 Presentation aid 9 Friday, for one: abbr.

64 Enjoys a hammock 10 Continuing crises?

67 Kovacs et al.

11 “Answer yes ___” 68 Precisely right 12 Implore 69 Sans corrections 13 Ink, in Paris 70 “You ___ ..... a chicken!”

14 “Whose side are ___?”

71 Olivier’s title 15 Misbehaved 72 Soccer ___ 16 Highland hillside

73 Slave who told tales 76 Revolutionary hero 77 Driving-speed abbr., in Britain 78 Vow to pony up 79 Topic: abbr.

80 The pituitary, for one 81 Green plum 83 Fleece-seeking vessel 84 Docking place 85 M oney for personal projects, in D.C. 91 Disapproving words 93 Viscera 94 Toon dog, Scooby ___ 95 Pimlico posting 96 Young Zappa 98 Extinct birds 100 Press secretary, for one 101 Where Coos Bay is 103 Greeting to a spouse 104 Slug evidence 107 Movie-rating org.

108 Metrical foot 109 Burgermeister Ray 110 “What’s ___ for me?”

111 Corn bread 112 German industrial area 114 Chromosome choice 115 Actress Sommer 116 Bratty talk 118 ___ tight budget 119 Fold-up sleeper 120 “___ on another line

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Cooperstown Shines During Induction that, but in 1983, it seemed like the accept his new plaque and address his fans around the whole of Baltimore had traveled north world. The walk-off dynamo MLB Network had predicted. to celebrate their man Brooks. I recalled Applause for Cooperstown, applause from Cooperstown. feeling badly for Messrs. Alston, Kell, • and Marichel — each an indisputable Baseball cards indeed were alive throughout great on his own, Mr. Kell a hero of my Cooperstown all weekend and there on the stage Sunday then-boss and never-quit Detroit Tigers afternoon. Thunderstorms held off until later that evening. fan, Richard Johnson.

And by Monday evening, the basketball courts and indoor At the time, I’d never seen so many track at the Clark Sports Center were back after turning people in Cooperstown on one occasion over the weekend into a media center filled with reporters — the crowd estimates hovered around from across the nation, from the Dominican Republic, and 20,000 and they were, literally, climbing around the world sending their dispatches back home for the trees in the park for a better view of all to see.

When I interviewed Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch the stage. The audience listened politely By the time the July 24 ceremony began, close to 40,000 fans gathered on the fields to the speeches but broke into frenzied a few weeks ago about his first year at the Hall’s helm, he of the Clark Sports Center. applause when it was Brooks Robinson’s looked ahead at the challenges the museum and the world Continued from page 3 turn at the microphone. of baseball face headed into the future. “We need to stay And so it was 39 years later as the tens of thousands relevant for the next generation of fans,” he said. “Bridge lucky fans lined up to get personal baseball tips from the gleefully awaited David Ortiz’s speech on July 24.

The the generations but move it forward. A part of that bridge likes of Ozzie, Cal Ripken, Jr., Jim Thome, and Eddie Murray. The Hall of Famers lined up in a Doubleday Field MLB Network commentators said his speech would be is keeping the feeling you have when you’re walking on dugout in the classic leg-on-the-top step baseball pose as ‘another ‘Big Papi’ walkoff’ that would thrill the crowd. Main Street like you’ve stepped into a time machine.”

And that’s indeed what happened this past weekend participants lined up for a once-in-a-lifetime photo op. The Dominican flags notwithstanding, though, the audience eagerly listened to heartfelt speeches from Jim — Mr. Rawitch’s goal of building the bridge from past Hall staff welcomed each guest, talking baseball as they Kaat, from Dave Winfield, who spoke from the heart of to present, proof positive that baseball remains a unifying waited for their photo. Smiles all around. his appreciation for and thanks to Cooperstown native force rooted in nostalgia but pushing forward and a path • Back at the induction ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Bud Fowler, from Tony Oliva, whose off-script speech to break barriers — just as Dave Winfield spoke of Bud I thought back to the summer of 1983 when the Hall touched all the bases and every heart on the field, from Fowler’s determination, Tony Oliva spoke of the opportuwelcomed George Kell, Walter Alston, Juan Marichel, Gil Hodges’s daughter, from Minnie Miñoso’s widow, nities he grabbed along his path from Cuba to the United and Brooks Robinson into its ranks. The event back then from Buck O’Neil’s niece. Each speech an opportunity States, as David Ortiz spoke of his Dominican pride and was held in Cooper Park, on the steps of the Hall of Fame to salute the fans and to commend Cooperstown, Hall of his love for Boston (“Oh,” he said, “I could talk about Library. I’d been to at least a dozen ceremonies prior to Fame Chair Jane Forbes Clark (“She made this experi- Boston all day.”). The players, their families, their fans all ence flawless and unforget- felt, too, that they had stepped into a time machine. table,” said Irene Hodges), The Hall of Fame and the Village of Cooperstown put it Hall of Fame President Josh all on display for the thousands visiting in person and the Terry Berkson Life sketches Rawitch (“His passion for millions more watching on television.

A m i ller ’ s k not the game of baseball and its • history makes him so deeply They’re already at work on the 2023 ceremonies; a Bumped into Buster Whipple several dating several guys who were probably respected across the sport,” seamless, world-class weekend doesn’t happen without summers ago at Joe’s Pizzeria down- as close to her as I was. said Jane Forbes Clark). meticulous planning and practice. Jane Forbes Clark town. He was up from Florida to attend The crew in the field broke for lunch “This place here,” said announced, too, that the Fenimore Art Museum will, in his grandchild’s graduation. We hashed and we sat on a stone fence next to a Tony Oliva as he looked out 2023, host an exhibition of photographs taken by Hall of over old times, among them, days I used hedgerow in the shade of a broad black onto the field, “it looks like Famer (and renowned photographer) Randy Johnson to to work with him on his family’s farm. cherry tree. Obie, not minding the sun, my home in Cuba where my coincide with the summer’s festivities.

We were doing hay the year I was eigh- sat on a nearby wagon quietly eating his It was, indeed, a Hall of Fame weekend evoking celefather built a field where we teen and headed for Brooklyn College wife’s bologna sandwich and washing it could play baseball.” brations from the past, but moving forward into a future in the fall. “You’re a good worker now,” down with lemonade. Steve Spitko’s wife Then ‘Big Papi’ strode where baseball breaks barriers and puts Cooperstown in Buster had said as I threw a bale onto had brought him his lunch. She had their to the front of the stage to the center of the sports universe. the wagon. “But college is going to ruin two little five-year-old girls with her. you. You won’t want to bust your gut any They were twins with platinum blond Paula DiPerna Neighbor’s Notebook hair. It was a handsome family. Steve more. You won’t come back.”

Buster had been wrong because the next talked of a time back in the Navy when S napshot from a return to the Induct i on summer I was once again on the Whipple he did a different kind of cutting — with farm tying bags of oats on the back of a pair of scissors! “The guys paid me a combine driven by rotund and jovial fifty cents a haircut. They said I clipped neighbor Steve Spitko. We were in a large hair better than the regular barber. It was field across Route 20 from the new house a big ship, a battleship, lot of men. Hair where Buster lived with his wife and four keeps growen. I had coins stuffed into my kids. One of the guys working with me locker, under my bunk, everywhere!”

I laughed and took was an old man named Obie Marriot who wore bib another bite out of Aunt overalls without any underRuta’s fatty pot roast sandwear. In spite of his age he wich. How would I earn was a good hand, big and money to support a wife and family? I knew this kind of powerful, and it was hard to keep up with him when onfarm work wouldn’t pay and off-loading the heavy enough. Some situations are burlap bags of oats. Tying better to be put on ice until bags was a dusty job and we’re ready for them. At the time I didn’t know that. working under a baking sun, it didn’t take long before I The Chevy was still parked was as dark as a migrant worker. down across Route 20 next to the house.

Obie showed me how to make a mill- It was painful to see it sitting there. This er’s knot so that the bags could be easily wouldn’t do. Either she and I were tied untied and emptied when we drove back together or we weren’t. A strong breeze I decided to go this year — it’s been so and asked me if I’d like to have my photo to the granary, but I kept forgetting how swept across the field lifting some straw long, and it was fun, even jaunty, to fall taken with Gil. I said, “No thanks, I’m to do it and had to resort to a knot that he that spun like a top down towards the in with the crowd, hundreds making their a Yankee fan, but I know he was great.” patiently had to unravel before dumping road. I looked up and saw a large crow way to the Induction ground — loners The dam broke. “Me too, I’m a Yankee a bag. I guess I was too macho to make a lumbering across the cloudless sky with and families, crowds and couples. Cars fan. I even named by daughter Mattingly bow so he kept showing me over and over something in its beak. A much smaller with plates from all the states most likely (after a great Yankee player, I knew) but how to tie a knot that could be undone bird was repeatedly attacking it by drop were jammed wherever they could be fit, in 1956 I was walking into a game and with just one pull. diving from above. Obie finished eating sun shining off their baking roofs. My Gil Hodges helped me push the stroller. I Yes, Buster had been wrong about me and walked over to where I was sitting. road led straight to the heart of things, thought I owed him that, so I came up.” not working for him any more. I looked He held a piece of twine and the brown footsteps away.

A man in tropical shorts is wrapped in downfield and across Route 20 to his paper bag that had carried his lunch.

It seemed everyone from everywhere the DR flag. A little girl plays pattycake new ranch house. Maybe the reason I “Let me show you how to make the knot was there on the lawn, every square of with her Mom until, precisely at 1:30, the was here was down there----in the form again,” Obie said grass taken, and a sea of umbrellas, ceremony begins and the crowd erupts.

That night I confronted her in my of a pretty brown-eyed girl babysitting tents, and caps. I lingered for a bit with I found myself near the set-up of the Buster’s kids. She and I had telephoned moonlit Ford that was parked in her a family from the Dominican Republic Cooperstown High School, vendor of and exchanged letters over the winter driveway. “Am I the one?” I asked for — looked like three generations — there choice, feeding long lines of fans with while I was in the city. She had initi- the third time. Again, she laughed and like so many to roar in David Ortiz, this burgers and hot dogs in buns as efficiently as ated the correspondence after I had left looked away. We were both silent just year’s favorite inductee by far. I said I’d from the school kitchen. By then, I was Richfield for college. We had gone out a sitting there as Clide McPhatter sang “A been down to the DR not too long ago, to frantic, not for water or food, but because I few times during the summer and now at Lover’s Question” on my car’s static”Punta….” “Cana!” they filled in before realized in my rush to leave home I’d forthe tender age of nineteen I wanted our riddled radio. It took a long time for her I could. “We’re from Samana.” I said I gotten a pen, that ever-present check on the relationship to be going somewhere. to say, “No.” loved their island, which is true, and that task list today crowded out by my memoAs I rode the combine hoping to get I expected to be crushed by that word.

I’d even been to San Pedro de Macoris, ries of me pitching a phantom baseball a glimpse of her out in the yard with the Instead, a surprisingly light feeling washed birthplace of many baseball players who to a phantom player down the long hall kids, I noticed a familiar car pull into over me. When she left I suddenly felt free got to turn pro. “Fantastic,” they say. of my family apartment in the Yankee the drive. I knew whose car it was and as I backed the Ford out onto the road.

Thinking of the DR’s gloriously trans- heyday, pretending I was Don Larsen. thought ‘Some friend. He knows I’m I took a slow drive around Canadarago parent seas, I chatted with them about My Yankee leanings must have shown crazy about her. What’s he butten in for?’ Lake and then headed back to my second coral reef restoration and that the DR as a yellow-haired fellow who might have My friend left his Chevy and strolled up floor room in Aunt Ruta’s house. In the was a leader in the field -- they seemed been a Mickey Mantle twin came up to to the house. What could I say to her later? small hours before falling asleep, I went as proud of that as baseball. sell me a Mickey Mantle baseball card, We weren’t going steady. I hadn’t given over in my mind Obie’s moves with the Onward. Kids tossed a light baseball saying “Ma’am are you interested in the her a class ring or anything like that. The twine: “around and under but don’t cross back and forth, careful to keep it from history of Mickey Mantle?” I quipped, way things were she could see anyone ‘cause then it’s difficult to undo!” straying into the crowd, running bases in “No thanks, I know it,” to which he ‘Yes,’ I thought. ‘I think I finally got it.’ she wanted. What was confusing was their heads. replied, “Then have a really nice day.”

Years later I realized that tying a tight that she had always been the aggressor I hung out for a bit with Andrew and A poster-sized black and white photo calling me on the telephone, inviting me knot at the tender age of nineteen would of Gil Hodges, another this year’s Max, of the High School brigades, and to parties and asking me to take her to the have prevented life from pouring out all Inductee, leaned on a tree. I snapped a I promised I’d thank them in print for prom. But after all of that, she was now that it held in store. photo of it and a man came up behind me scoring me a ballpoint.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

Baseball’s Bridge to the Pacific Exhibit at Dodger Stadium

By Charlie Vascellaro

C h a r l i e Vascellaro is a long-time contributor to The Freeman’s J o u r n a l , Hometown Oneonta and Allotsego.com.

He is usually in Cooperstown covering the Induction but was away this year to bring this important exhibit to Dodger Stadium.

These days it would be hard to imagine Major League Baseball without the contributions made by Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani, the game’s top marquee attraction, or impending Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki, or the stir created by Hideo “The Tornado” Nomo, when he made his big-league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. Nomo was preceded by pitcher Masanori “Mashi” Murakami as the first Japanese player in the major leagues signing with the San Francisco Giants in 1964.

Despite the fact that baseball has been popular in Japan almost as long as it has been recognized as the national game in the United States, the history of Japanese lengthy involvement in baseball is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and is depicted by “Baseball’s Bridge to the Pacific: Celebrating the Legacy of Japanese American Baseball” an exhibit currently on display at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

The game was introduced to Japan in the 1870s by an American school teacher named Horace Wilson, who was teaching English to Japanese children at Kaisei Gakko School, which is now the site of Tokyo University.

For about a decade now I’ve been assisting in the creation of baseball museum installations and exhibits at museums and libraries in Scottsdale, and Mesa, Arizona in conjunction with the state’s Cactus League spring training season. Most of the content contained in our exhibits concerns

Kerry Yo Nakagawa, director of the Nisei Baseball Research Project, explaining the exhibit to fans. spring training history in Arizona dating back to the Cactus League’s inception in 1947 the same year that Jackie Robinson made his pioneering debut as Major League Baseball’s first black player.

Much of the baseball history explored in our museum exhibits also studies social and cultural American history extending outside of the foul lines and far beyond the outfield walls including issues such as segregation, integration, exclusion, inclusion, and civil rights.

During the spring of 2018 part of a museum exhibit commemorating inductees into the Cactus League Hall of Fame included long-time Chicago Cubs clubhouse manager Yosh Kawano whose amazing journey to the big leagues was temporarily derailed when he and his family were among 100,000 Americans of Japanese descent who were forcibly removed from their homes and detained in incarceration camps indefinitely. The Kawano family was sent to the Poston War Relocation Center on the Colorado River Indian Reservation near Yuma in hot and dusty southwestern Arizona.

Upon learning this significant part of Kawano’s story, the narrative of our

museum installation expanded into another dimension. Baseball was still the running theme and remained an important component enhanced by the inclusion of baseball leagues created within the confines of the World War II camps. Created by Kenichi Zenimura, known as “The Dean of the Diamond” and the “Father of Japanese American Baseball,” the intercamp leagues became a huge component of the exhibit’s narrative and we were able to procure some remarkable historic artifacts on loan from descendants of those imprisoned in the camps.

I had previously written on this topic back in 1997 when I first met Kerry Yo Nakagawa, the Director of the Nisei Baseball Research Project at the Arizona State Hall of Fame Museum where he had recently installed his “Diamonds in the Rough, Japanese Americans in Baseball” exhibit. A few months later the exhibit was relocated the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

The original home plate from Zenimura Field at the camp in Gila River, AZ was also included in the touring “Baseball as America” exhibit and later re-installed as part of the Hall of Fame’s timeline exhibit.

It’s now a centerpiece in the “Baseball’s Bridge to the Pacific” exhibit currently on display at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.

Installed in conjunction with Japanese American Heritage night at Dodger Stadium on June 15, the exhibit has been met with rave reviews as part of the recent All-Star Game and Home Run Derby festivities at Dodger Stadium July 18-19 and remains on display along the Left Field Pavilion.

Legacy of Japanese American Baseball celebrated at Dodger Stadium (mlb.com) “I am very proud of my Japanese heritage and honored to be managing a team with such a rich and pioneering history,” said Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers at the ribbon cutting ceremony (Press release: Dodgers to host Japanese Heritage Night on Wednesday, June 15 (mlb.com)). “Having played with and managed both Japanese and Japanese American players, it has been a privilege to help cultivate a sense of how much alike we truly are through the teaching of this wonderful game. Throughout time and under varied circumstances, baseball has always brought people together and as the Dodgers’ manager, I take great pride in helping lead the franchise at the forefront of Pacific Rim baseball.”

Created as a partnership between the Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience and the Nisei Baseball Research Project the exhibit opened at the Mesa Historical Museum as part of the “Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience & Cactus League Hall of Fame,” exhibit on February 26, 2022.

Members of the Dodgers front office caught a glimpse of our exhibit on Japanese Baseball History at the Mesa Historical Museum in Mesa, AZ during the 2022 Cactus League spring training season and expressed and interest to bring it to Dodger Stadium for Japanese American Heritage Night and the All-Star Game as part of an ongoing outreach to the Asian Community in Los Angeles.

“We’re very honored to be here to share with fans all this hidden legacy and history of these marginalized, invisible and forgotten ballplayers, is what I call them,” said Kerry Yo Nakagawa, director of the NBRP and the exhibit’s founding curator.

OBITUARIES Joyce L. Boyd, 70

January 30, 1952 – July 18,2022 FLY CREEK - Joyce L Boyd, 70, of Fly Creek, went to be with the Lord on July 18,2022 surrounded by her family and friends.

Joyce was born in Cooperstown on January 30, 1952 to Evelyn (McCarty) and Harris Clark, Jr. Joyce attend Cooperstown Central School, SUNY Cobleskill and Empire State College. She excelled in her career with Otsego County.

Joyce started as a keypunch operator in 1975 and was eventually promoted in 2007 to Commissioner of Social Services, the largest

agency in the county. Joyce retired in 2014 after 39 years of service.

Joyce was active in raising money for the American Cancer Society through the Boyd Evans Memorial Shoot and Otsego County Relay for Life. Joyce also served as the President of the Council for the Hartwick Seminary Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Joyce lived a full life and touched many people in the community with her generosity and kind heart. Joyce had many interests and hobbies. She approached

each new interest Christmas tree with a thorough skirts to family research. Those members.

Her who knew Joyce, homemade soups knew of her love and oatmeal of gardening and cookies were perennials, which some of her famiwere enjoyed by ly’s many favorite family and anyone treats.

Joyce L. Boyd lucky enough to Joyce was drive by her home. predeceased by her beloved She made many special husband Louie ‘Spike’Boyd items for family and and her parents Evelyn and friends either by knitting, Harris Clark Jr. crocheting, cross-stitching Joyce is survived by or needlepoint. Her latest her sisters Linda Pokorny hobby was quilting which of Cooperstown, Joan she tackled with her typical Mahoney of Bel Air, Md., thoroughness, delivering Karen Moakler (Jim) of

Greenfield Center, N.Y., and her brothers Gordon (Nancy) Clark of Cooperstown, and Alan (Alina) Clark Sr. of Porter, Texas.

Her uncles Robert ‘Bucko’ Clark (Deni), Keith (Janet) McCarty and aunts Janet Sikkema, Kate Steckler, and Carol (Rich) Ostrander and many cousins. She is also survived by her nephews Michael (Maggie) Pokorny, Brian (Sue) Pokorny, Shawn (Rebecca) Pokorny, Mitch (Julia) Clark, Alan (Nikki) Clark Jr, Eric (Marnie) Hanley, and nieces Jennifer (Ron) Mickle, Shannan

Karen Burgess, 64

Notice of Death

October 18, 1957 – July 19, 2022 HARTWICK – Karen Burgess (née Stefanachi) departed our world on July 19, 2022, due to complications from heart surgery while surrounded by loved ones. She was 64.

Karen was born October 18, 1957, in Rockville Centre to Eugene and Barbara Stefanachi. She grew up in Uniondale and attended Uniondale High School where she excelled in art and being that effortlessly cool chick. During a summer visit to Cooperstown, she met Mike Burgess, who she instantly recognized as ‘that cool guy she had seen around town.’ They married in 1977 and moved to Hartwick in 1983 with their three young daughters.

She started in was a daily inspithe nursing profesration to create sion as a young art.

Whether mom and found it be with her a natural talent painting, jewelry for care-giving making, or any and the art and medium that science of medicalled to her, cine. As a working she was always Karen Burgess mom in the 90s, making someshe valiantly went back to thing gorgeous and giving college and furthered her it away to the delight of nursing degree. During her the lucky recipient. She nursing career of 40+ years, was also generous with she received awards and her thoughts and time. She recognitions too numerous loved to travel and some of to list here. More impor- her fondest memories were tantly, she healed count- of epic trips with her superless sick patients with her friends, La and Amy. Yet, expert care and soothed she always came back to hearts with her wisdom and Otsego Lake as one of her kindness. favorite meditative places She saw beauty every- on Earth (and Canadarago where, honored nature, and as the fun party lake). She

found bliss when paddling in her kayak, drinking in an ocean view, or doting on her dogs.

She loved being an ‘Oma’ to her three grandchildren; she never stopped being the cool chick, while also being a magical mom to yet another generation.

While she was a mother figure to many, she was also the quintessential warrior woman, heroically fighting off cancer twice.

Karen was preceded in death by her father Eugene in 2020. She is survived by Mike, her husband of 45 years, her mother Barbara, her sister Debra and brotherin-law Stephen; her nieces and nephews: Stephen, Jackie, Erica, Gene and

Mahoney, Shaun (Leo) McFadden, Susan Clark (Jim), Jacqueline Clark, and many cherished great and great-great nieces and nephews and longtime friends Cindy and Peter Lane.

There will be a private celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Joyce requested donations be made to Otsego County Relay for Life C/ O Jennifer Mickle Po Box 855 Oneonta, NY 13820 or Evangelical Lutheran Church 4636 NY St Hwy 28 Cooperstown NY 13820.

Joey; her daughters and their spouses: Heather and Justin; Rebecca and John; and Kari and Jeff. And of course, her grandchildren, Noah, Jasiah and Amelia who will continue to honor her legacy by making the world a kinder, more beautiful place, as she did.

Calling hours will be held Sunday July 31, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Connell, Dow and Deysenroth, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Susquehanna SPCA or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned for September.

Joseph L.G. Mone, 85 Joseph L . G .

M o n e , b o r n November 18, 1936 ( S u ff e r n , N . Y . ) passed peacefully at home in Knoxville, Tenn., July 12, 2022.

A lifelong music teacher, his dedication to his students and music in the schools was immeasurable.

His body was donated to science.

Complete obituary and contributions to the Memorial Scholarship at: https://bit. ly/JoeMone-Memorium.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OBITUARIES

James E. Dow, 74

November 10, 1947 – July 14, 2022 COOPERSTOWN – James E. Dow, whose dedication and service to the Cooperstown area as a licensed funeral director spanned a period of over 40 years, and service to Otsego County as a coroner spanned a period of 30 years, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 14, 2022, at his home in Cooperstown with his beloved wife, Debbie, at his side. He was 74.

Jim was born on November 10, 1947, in Oneonta, the son of George E. Dow, Jr. and Helen (Sturges) Dow. When Jim was 10 his father’s position with New York Telephone brought about a move to Stamford.

In 1961, another transfer brought the family to the Village of Cooperstown, and deep roots were planted.

Throughout those formative years, Jim enjoyed spending his free time with his grandparents on their farm at Sturges Corners in North Kortright. Valuable life lessons and skills were learned from Grandma Frances and Grandpa Ray, and he enjoyed sharing tales of his escapades and adventures there.

Jim graduated from CooperstownCentralSchool with the Class of 1965.

The day after graduation he began working at the Ingalls Funeral Home in Cooperstown and began to fulfill the mandatory year-long apprenticeship required prior to attending the Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science in Syracuse. Upon his graduation in 1967, he immediately returned to the Ingalls Funeral

April 18, 1933 – July 19, 2022

Home which was player, “ball boy” owned by Chet at a Hall of Fame and Millie Ingalls game and coach and managed by for Little League George Connell. and Pony League George and Jim teams, Jim later assumed full became a certified ownership and umpire and enjoyed operation of the using his skills at James E. Dow funeral home in area high schools 1970 and the name was and Damaschke Field. changed to the Ingalls, Throughout his life Jim Connell & Dow Funeral delved into any new interest Home. George retired in with 100% focus and energy.

1986 and Jim became the He created a one-of-a-kind sole owner and operator of narrow gauge model railroad the funeral home until 1994 layout; each and every when Peter Deysenroth part of which he created, joined him and the funeral carved by hand and built home became known from scratch, including as the Connell, Dow & intricate mountain passes, Deysenroth Funeral Home. trestle bridges, streams and In 2005 Jim retired and full scenery. He taught himself ownership passed to Peter. how to sail with a borrowed Throughout those 40 years, book and mastered the Jim remained committed to banjo with a few lessons. providing compassionate In later years he returned service, going above and to his love of camping and beyond to meet the needs enjoyed traveling to new of each and every family places with all the comforts he served. He became an of home along for the ride, Otsego County Coroner in including his beloved pets.

1988, a position where he For a period of 10 years, Jim continued his commitment and Deb spent the winter to compassionate service to months at the Briarcliffe local families and commu- RV Resort in Myrtle Beach nities until 2018. where he was an active Never one to be idle, member on the Board Jim pursued other business of Directors. He was an interests and jobs through- avid golfer, and especially out the years. In the early enjoyed the Wednesday 70s he took over the opera- golf group and tournaments tion of Bassett Hospital’s at the Leatherstocking Golf patient transport service Course. with his friend, David Butler.

He was a current The business was named member of the Sons of the Cooperstown Medical Trans- American Legion Post No. port and was later sold to 579, a past president and Mark Zeek and Margaret current vice president of McGown. He and Dave the Lakewood Cemetery also owned and operated Association, a long-time the Pathfinder Trucking Company for a period of time, and later entered into a joint venture of building two spec houses. A lifelong baseball fan, former

MeMories to Cherish every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation.

Be sure to remind your funeral director to provide obituary information to our newspapers, along with your favorite photo of your loved one. Submit the information yourself, directly to info@AllotSego.com, or by filling out a special form at www.AllotSego.

Albert Raczkowski, 89

member and past president of the Cooperstown Lions Club, a former member of both the NYS Funeral Directors Association and the former Ninth District Funeral Directors Association, a former member of the Rat Patrol, and a former member of the Cooperstown Fire Department.

Jim is survived by his loving companion of 40 years and wife of 39 years, Debra (Oles) Dow; his two sons Neil (Jaime) Dow of Middletown and Brian Dow of Kansas; his grandchildren Mitchell, Baylie, Alivia, Brianna, Kendra and Cooper Dow; his brother Ransom “Randy” Dow of Cooperstown; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Above all else, Jim was known and appreciated for his quick wit, broad smile, and contagious laughter. To best honor those qualities, a Celebration of Life service will be offered at 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown with the Rev. Betsy Jay officiating.

Immediately following the service there will be a time for greeting Jim’s family, a sharing of stories, and light refreshments.

Those wishing to do so may direct memorial donations to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.

O N E O N TA Raczkowski, – Albert Jacklyn C. Raczkowski, 89, Souza, Dale passed away July S. Holderman, 19, 2022 at home Valary R. amongst his loved Raczkowski, ones.

Malina B. He was born Dukaczewicz, April 18, 1933 Sebastyan J. Albert in Brooklyn, Dukaczewicz; Raczkowski the son of Louis great-grandchiland Frances (Carroll) dren, Dylan, Jemma, Onyx, Raczkowski.

Arina, Rylee, Jewel, and He was a U.S. Army Cereburus; a beloved niece, veteran serving in the Korean Marjorie I. (Bruce) Tribble, War. He was awarded the Winterville, NC; a grandcombat medical badge and niece, Jessica I. (Bradley) combat infantry badge.

Wallace, Emerald Isle, N.C.; Al married Maureen and a great-grand-nephew Murphy on September 4, Cody.

1965 at St Mary’s He was predeceased Catholic Church in Oneonta. by his parents; his sister, He was employed with Irene T. Raczkowski; his NYSEG and prior to his brother-in-law, John Ehret. retirement was the chief of Interment with military the gas department. honors will take place at Al was a member of the the Gerald B.H. Solomon American Legion Post 54 Saratoga National Cemetery in Munnsville. He loved at the convenience of the gardening and was environ- family. mentally conscious of nature In lieu of flowers contriand the surroundings. His butions may be made to the home and property became American Legion Post 54, a sanctuary for all animals. PO Box 187, Munnsville, He enjoyed helping others NY 13409 especially when a welding To share condolences repair was needed. stories or photos please visit He is survived by his www.lhpfuneralhome.com wife, Maureen Raczkowski; the website of Oneonta’s his daughters, Frances only family-owned funeral Elaine Holderman of home, Lewis, Hurley & Canastota, Theresa Marie Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Perry of Supply, N.C. and Street Susan Patricia Raczkowski of Oneonta; grandchildren, Timothy A. Perry Jr, Curtis A.S. Aria, Adam H.L. Nouchi, Patrick Luc

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special.

Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Swing for the Fences, LLC Filed 3/2/22 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 1064, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalAug.25 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of KEABLE CONSTRUCTION LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/08/22.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC

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upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 12 Richmond Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6LegalAug.25

purpose.

6LegalAug.18

Legal nOtice

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/02/22.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 27 Grand St., Apt. 1, Oneonta, 13820.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6LegalAug.18

Notice of Formation of COPING CONNECTION, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/5/22.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Essence Naturalz LLC

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Moldy Crow Pottery LLC.

Legal

LEGALS

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/17/22.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Po box 248 Cherry Valley, NY Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6LegalAug.11 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Revlis Services LLC. Filed 2/10/22.

Cty: Otsego.

SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 469 Peeters Rd, Schenevus, NY 12155.

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Purp: any lawful.

6LegalAug.11 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of FORD BLOCK MANAGER, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/18/21.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 80 Exchange St., Binghamton, NY 13901. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Christopher L. Roma, Esq., Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Legal

Legal

6LegalAug.11

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of FORD BLOCK, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/18/21.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 80 Exchange St., Binghamton, NY 13901. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Attn: Christopher L. Roma, Esq., Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalAug.4

Wendover Properties, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 6/8/22.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 115 Armstrong Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJul28 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Oneonta East LLC Arts of Org. filed

Legal

SSNY 5/19/22, Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207 General Purpose 6LegalJul.28 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Break of Noon, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/13/22.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 829 E. 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJul.28

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of X-Infinity 1985 Real Estate, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 1/27/22.

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

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 14 Miles Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.

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

6LegalJul.28

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

Jim Kaat looked back on his career and his many trips to Cooperstown as he prepared for his July 24 Hall of Fame Induction.

David Ortiz

TONY OLIVA charmed the press on July 23 talking about his path to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dr. Angela Terry, Buck O’Neil family

Irene Hodges, Gil Hodges family

Players representing Cooperstown’s youth baseball and softball program cheer as they get ready to step onto the street as part of the Hall of Fame Parade.

Andre Dawson

Mariano Rivera

National Baseball Hall of Fame Chair Jane Clark rode alongside Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch to kick off the July 23 parade.

Rickey Henderson

Rollie Fingers

Dave Winfield and wife Tonya Turner

Eddie Murray

Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez

Pedro Martinez

Goose and Corna Gossage

Edgar and Holli Martinez

From left to right, OZZIE SMITH, CAL RIPKEN, JR., JIM THOME, and EDDIE MURRAY greet the fans ready to talk baseball and get tips straight from the game’s greats.

Juan Marichal and Alma Rose Caravajal

Johnny Bench

Bert and Gayle Blyleven

Rod Carew

Mike Mussina and Jana McKissick

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Pat Ryan Visits Cooperstown and Cooperstown Distillery Ryan was a runner-up in the 2018 Democratic primary that brought Delgado into office, and he currently serves as Ulster County Executive. In that role, he has coordinated COVID relief funds, affordable housing developments, and mental health services. A native Gene Marra, owner of Cooperstown Distillery, left, and Pat Ryan, right, at of Kingston, New Cooperstown Distillery on July 15 York, Ryan is a veteran and has Sam Aldridge operated a small business before entering With political tensions simmering one politics. degree below boiling this summer, the “One of the few things most Americans very first special election for public office can agree on is that Washington is not is taking place here in District 19 between working. We need folks that have actually Pat Ryan (D) and Marc Molinaro (R) on walked the walk on military service, who August 23. Ryan visited Cooperstown have experience being successful in busion Friday, meeting with officials from ness, and who can break through complete Bassett Hospital, touring the Hall of Fame, dysfunction,” said Ryan, citing what he and tasting the spirits of Cooperstown sees are the differences between him and Distillery. his opponent.

“I had really good conversations with “Duchess County Executive Molinaro healthcare leaders, the town supervisor has been in elected office since he was 18. and mayor, and others. The big issues that When I was that age, I was taking an oath stood out are affordable housing and the to serve as a West Point cadet, then served need for real investment in water and sewer two combat tours in Iraq as an Army intelinfrastructure,” said Ryan, speaking in the ligence officer.” shade of a tree on Railroad Ave. Local though it may be, Ryan sees this Ryan and Molinaro are vying for moment as a bellwether for political senticontrol of former Representative Antonio ment nationwide coming so soon after the Delgado’s seat after he was instated as Supreme Court’s rulings on abortion, gun Lieutenant Governor. The winner of this rights, and the government’s ability to special election will defend their incum- legislate on climate issues. bency again in November.

“This will be an indicator of what will Whoever wins the elec- happen in November, so for those who care tion will vote on several not only about local issues, but also want to critical issues, namely the proposals to send a message about the direction of the close VA facilities in Albany and the country, this is their first chance.”

Hudson area, and how the biggest infraAt the Hall of Fame, Ryan was pleased to structure bill since Eisenhower will make see how many of the inductees are veterans, its way into communities. noticing the plaque that honors them and “These are personal to me,” Ryan said. their stories.

“We need a rep who will support our vets “Maybe it’s because it’s a beautiful Friday, and make sure that we are improving water but overall I have felt really good optimism systems, housing, and enabling small busi- and positivity here in Cooperstown.” nesses to succeed.”

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Community Foundation of Otsego County Announces 2022 “Student Voices, Student Choices”Competition Encouraging philanthropy throughout Otsego County is a major goal for the Community Foundation of Otsego County.

What better way to spark that interest than by engaging our youth? Our first-ever Student Voices, Student Choices Awards (SCSV) is a new competition for high school students to sharpen their focus on local needs and issues and encourage them to become leaders in their communities.

Four teams from participating high schools — Cherry Valley-Springfield, Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, and Richfield Springs — will identify the greatest needs in their communities, research organizations that address the needs, then present their causes to a panel of local leaders, educators, and perhaps, a celebrity or two.

The participating school principals and student advisors are all in and enthusiastic. Tim Lord, co-Executive Director of Dream Yard, a youth arts and social justice education organization in the Bronx, is an active and enthusiastic part of our planning. He says, “At Dream Yard, we have seen first-hand the power of real-world learning experiences for high school students as they develop their collaborative and communication skills while also impacting local communities in important ways.“ But Student Voices, Student Choices is not simply an exercise. The competition will result in very real local impact. Each team will receive a monetary award for the organization they represent: $5,000 to the top presentation team, $3,000 for the

runner-up, and $1,000 each to the other entrants. Everyone wins –– students, communities, schools, Otsego County.

“SCSV gives students the opportunity to expand on community service that will not only support a local specific nonprofit organization but also assists students in developing a plan from start to finish and having to follow through to reach their goal,” says TheriJo Snyder, Superintendent of Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School.”

Student teams will make their presentations before a panel of judges and an audience Monday, November 21, 2022. The Community Foundation of Otsego County is thrilled to begin what they envision as an annual event, expanding to all Otsego County High Schools, and creating the philanthropic leaders of our future.

CFOC continues to invite nonprofits working in Otsego County to apply for new awards for 2022; there are no application deadlines. Go to cfotsego.org, or email contact@cfotsego.org.

Founded in 2019, the Community Foundation of Otsego County works to lead and inspire community-wide efforts that significantly improve the quality of life and the prosperity of the Otsego County, New York area. For further information on CFOC, email contact@ cfotsego.org or call Harry Levine, Board President, Community Foundation of Otsego County, 607-306-1124. Or call Jeff Katz, Executive Director, 607-2863750, or jeff@cfotsego.org.

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A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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