Sausage & Brew Festival Draws People Together

The many volunteer faces of the annual Hobart Rotary Club's annual Sausage & Brew Festival in Hobart.

Dylan Sickles is smilin’ big as he temperature-checks the sausage at Hobart Rotary Club's annual Sausage & Brew Festival as  his father in law, Hobart Rotary Club member Art Turner laughs in the background. Three generations of the Turner family were helping out at the annual festival . His shirt says he survived the festival.

The pit crew at the Hobart Rotary Club's annual Sausage & Brew Festival works on cooking up more than 900 sausages as Michael Sandoval, president of the Hobart Rotary, oversees. In the pits, from left are: Ken Muthig, assistant chief for the Hobart Fire Department, Art Turner Hobart Rotary Club member, his son in law Dylan Sickles and Mike Triolo, Rotary Club member  and Michael Sandoval

By Liz Page

HOBART – What could be better than bringing hundreds of people together to enjoy some good, locally produced food and  crafted beverages, good conversation,  excellent music and maybe even a little cutting of the rug, or in this case, the parking lot. 

The Hobart Rotary Club's Sausage & Brew Festival  does all that while showcasing the small, upstate community known as Book Village. It brings everyone together and involves many community volunteers. 

The weather stayed perfect for them to serve up more than 930 sausages last Saturday to the estimated 800 to 900 people who traveled to Hobart Book Village.

Lisa Driscoll, a former president of the club and now its treasurer, believes it is the ideal event to draw people together for a good time. "Everybody just comes together to enjoy each others' company. That's why we do it," she said. 

The farthest traveled visitor was from Santa Monica, California, with others from Oregon, Nevada, Florida and many other places. "People from all over come to enjoy our little book town."

There were brief thoughts of finding a larger venue for the festival, however, Driscoll said the objective of the event is to showcase Book Village, to bring people to the stores and enjoy a good time. "It's really perfect the way that it is," said Driscoll.  "People can walk into town and get the flavor of our small community. We decided it is just perfect the way it is."

And it isn't just for out-of-towners, it brings the greater community together as well. Volunteers include family  of Rotary Club members, like the Turner family, with three generations helping out. Others are considered Friends of Rotary and were just helping because they wanted to, like Stacy Lynde, who was cooking up peppers and onions by the gallon. She considers herself an all around community volunteer. There were organizations, including the Hobart Fire Department, South Kortright Central School Honor Society students, Stamford-Hobart Inner Wheel, the Stamford Rotary and others.

"We have 25 to 30 volunteers and some rotate in and out throughout the day, but most stay for the duration. I try to get them to take a break, but most refuse. We appreciate all their help and they are really dedicated."

Driscoll said they too enjoy the interaction, seeing friends and neighbors and chatting with everyone. "It makes me happy when I see the volunteers happy and enjoying themselves. They know how it all works and it is really nice. A majority of them are repeat helpers."

While there are some new people who work themselves into the fold, Driscoll said they make it all possible and all work very hard. It is truly a community effort. They served 500 to 600 meals on Saturday.

"One of our bands had an emergency and the other two bands filled in for an hour each," said Driscoll. "It was fantastic to see how they pulled together to cover for the other group."

It is the Hobart Rotary Club's main fundraising event, which allows them to throw a free community turkey dinner,  one way they give back to the community. They also plant the flower barrels, provide the senior fruit baskets and they donate a small amount to the other organizations. "It funds the things we do throughout the year." 

Saturday was the eighth annual festival and plans are already underway to do it again next year.

 

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Delaware County Historical Association Fall Day Trip, October 2 - Historic Huguenot Street & New Paltz

We are pleased to announce our fall fundraising trip for 2025. On Thursday, October 2 we invite friends and members of the museum to travel with us to Historic Huguenot Street (https://www.huguenotstreet.org/) where guests will enjoy a guided tour featuring three historic structures including the Replica Esopus Wigwam, the Colonial Homestead and the 1717 Reconstructed French Church. The tour takes you on a journey through time as you learn about the history and culture of the local Native Americans through the years of the early Republic and its impact on the lives of the enslaved Africans who shaped New Paltz.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at Garvan’s Gastropub, an award winning restaurant located in a historic 1759 building (https://www.garvans.com/). After lunch you will have time to enjoy the Water Street Market  (https://waterstreetmarket.com/), a quaint European inspired shopping village described by locals as their community gathering place. Every shop is independently owned and operated.

Cost: DCHA members $150 / Non-members $175.  (Price includes transportation, all admissions & lunch, plus a donation to DCHA.)

Reservations required by September 17.

For further information or reservations please call: (607) 746-3849, or email: dchadelhi@gmail.com

Passengers may board the motor coach in Oneonta at 7:00 am and in Delhi at 7:30 am.  We estimate our return time in Delhi to be approximately 6:00 pm and Oneonta 6:30pm.

 

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Delaware League Standings

Delaware League Varsity Boys Golf (7 league matches)

HTC                                         2-0        3-0

Andes/SKCS                           1-0        2-0

Gilboa Conesville                   1-0        2-0

Roxbury                                   1-0        1-1

Jefferson/Stamford                0-0       0-2

Margaretville                           0-1        0-2

Windham                                 0-2        1-2

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus  0-2       0-2

 

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Far Trio at Coffeehouse at the Walton Theatre Sept. 21

WALTON – Sunday, September 21, 2025, will see the opening of Music on the Delaware’s Coffeehouse at the Walton Theatre for the 2025-26 season. Featured will be Far Trio, with regional performers Eamon Rayhn, Drew Azzinaro and Ethan Fox.

The three musicians have performed as a musical team around the Northeast for the past 5 years, playing over 150 shows a year in Buffalo, NYC, Finger Lakes, Philadelphia, Berkshires, Hudson Valley and more.  Eamon (vocals, bass), Drew (vocals, guitar) and Ethan (drums) perform music they have written and arranged together, augmenting each other’s individual compositions and coming up with unique arrangements of songs and pieces by their favorite song writers and composers from John Lennon to the Allman Brothers. They have two albums out, “FAR Trio Volume 1” 2019, and “Ordinary Moments” recorded in Woodstock NY and released in fall of 2022. The new album contains 14 originals, from organic and soulful singer-song writer works to raunchy, blues-tinged songs.

For this concert, the trio will play a mix of original songs and unique arrangements of music from the 60s and 70s, from soul and classic rock to blues and jazz.  For more information, see www.fartrio.com.

The coffeehouse, which is free, runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p,m. and takes place in the Andrea Retz Paternoster room on the second floor of the Theatre.  Drinks and desserts will be available, with donations to Music on the Delaware gratefully accepted.

Upcoming coffeehouse concerts for the fall will feature Cory Purcell & Deirdre Lockman of Poor Man’s Gambit on October 19 and the duo Rosetree on November 16.  See www.musiconthedelaware.org for all future Music on the Delaware events.

 

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Grannycakes Bake-off Looking for Local Bakers - Sign up by September 7

DELHI – The Lost Bookshop and Wil Petre present Grannycakes, an intergenerational bake-off. Delco neighbors of different generations will be paired together, bake a favorite recipe, then share it with the community. Participants can sign up to be a baker by September 7, and spectators can enjoy sweet treats at the bake-off on September 21st.

Participants will self-identify as either a “granny” or a “youngin’” and be paired with someone of a different generation to bake with. “You don’t need to be a literal grandparent to identify as a granny--it’s a vibe! A Grannycakes granny is someone with a desire to teach, and a youngin’ is someone looking to learn,” said Emily Helck, owner of The Lost Bookshop. To that end, the granny in a pair might be 25, and the youngin’ might be 60. “It’s all about how you feel,” says Helck.

Thanks to support from the Greater Delhi Chamber of Commerce, bakers will receive local products like milk, eggs and other groceries to use in their creations free of charge.

At the bake-off on the 21st, held at This & That on Main St. in Delhi, folks will get to sample the creations, and local judges will award prizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the food pantry, whether cash or an item from their list.

Sign up at thelookbookshop.com/grannycakes, or send questions to hello@thelostbookshop.com.

 

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Christmas Feeling Still Needs Donations

By Liz Page

STAMFORD –  More than 150 donations have been received so far and the warm jackets and toys have arrived for a community event that helps a wide range of people and involves many volunteers.  The appeal for Christmas Feeling begins in July each year and has been going on for more than 50 years to provide food, warm clothing and presents to those less fortunate. 

The goal is $35,000 and George Bergleitner, founder and chairman, said he needs $13,300 more to reach the goal so he can make out the checks for the coats and the toys. "The toys are here and the coats are on the way," he said last week.

His dedication to serving families during the holiday season quickly grew from a handful to so many more. Last year it provided coats, hats and mittens, food, candy and toys to more than 170 families. The donations and the spirit of giving, is what fuels the miracle with most of the donations  made by individuals. Bergleitner will tell you that no amount is too small and he is always overwhelmed by the continued generosity of the greater community. He said they are also appreciative for any clothing, toys, non-perishable food or other suitable items. Mallinckrodt in Hobart donated $3,000 last year to purchase warm coats.

Christmas Feeling touches families in the Stamford, Jefferson, Grand Gorge and South Kortright communities. Checks may be made out to Christmas Feeling Fund, 108 Main Street, Stamford, NY 12167. If you have any questions, you may contact Bergleitner at 607-652-3311.  Every penny is used for the fund, nothing is spent on administrative costs.

Volunteers and community organizations work together to collect non-perishable food items, wrap the gifts and sort the clothing to find the proper sizes for each family. 

 

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Charlotte Valley Excited About New Spaces For Students

By Liz Page

DAVENPORT  – There's a lot going on at Charlotte Valley Central School as they are ready to welcome students back on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Superintendent Eric Whipple said they welcome six new faces, including two new positions.

"I think the biggest accomplishment is the fact that 95 percent of our $13.3 million capital project, underway for the past one and a half to two years, is 95 percent complete," he said. It is coming in on time, a little under budget and all that remains are some finishing touches that will take place this fall.

What that means is students will have a brand new library, art room, music and chorus room and instrumental music room. They began utilizing the new kitchen and cafeteria last January and the exterior window work is now completed. The new track was opened last fall.

"We are really looking forward to utilizing our new instructional spaces. Kudos to the team and school staff for all their flexibility over the past year and a half, working from different locations and with different procedures. He said he also appreciates all of the community's support in providing these new spaces that will add to the programming for students.

It has allowed them to hire Emily Gibson as a full time Library Media Specialist. She brings a great deal of experience. She will be using the library's literary programs and integrating them with the teacher's curricula. Elementary classes will have a library class once every six days and the middle school students will have a library seminar class. She will be integrating programming and collaborating research and media projects to compliment the teacher's classes.

The other course coming back to the classroom at CVCS is business education. Arthur Rigas will be shared with the Schenevus Central three half days per week. He will be teaching personal money management to every senior student and offering entrepreneurship to students who may already be attending BOCES classes or those thinking of opening a business in the future. The third class he will be teaching is presentation software and how to utilize what is out there in the world of business.

"We are real excited about the business program. Our goal is to build on it even though it is not a required program anymore," he  said. Students will learn how to write checks, balance accounts, establish budgets and other useful skills necessary for college and life after high school. "Myself and the board believe it's a program that is incredibly important whether you are planning to open your own business, going off to college or working for someone else. It will provide the fundamental skills."

CVCS is also welcoming  Patricia Kennedy and Linda Patton as licensed teaching assistants and Beladee Griffiths, high school special education, and Trinity Johnson, second grade teacher. 

Whipple is also proud of the fact they have increased the number of college credits they can offer students, which saves them money and provides an opportunity to take additional college course. "We are expanding those credits from 24 to 36," he said. Again he gave praise to the teachers for becoming accredited to teach these courses.

Over the summer, a team of stakeholders worked together to develop a three-year strategic plan that addresses academics, capacity and environment and culture, each with three to five goals. That plan is now being tweaked and finalized for presentation to the rest of the district. "We are attempting to keep focused on moving in a positive way," said Whipple.

They also have a team to develop strategies for the student attendance policy. Every school district is required to have a policy. Since the pandemic, there has been a greater percentage of student absences in general. The team at Charlotte Valley has revamped  the policy to increase expectations and develop a strategy of what they can do to help intervene or support students. "We want students engaged in some activity at school, no matter what it is. Our goal is to reduce any barriers and find ways to engage the students while they are here." If the students are engaged in something, then they want to be there. This includes some new clubs for elementary students, such as poetry club, coding club and environmental club.

Like all other school districts in the state, they have developed a policy for cell phones and other Internet devices. “The stakeholders have developed a policy that will utilize the Yndr pouches that will be provided to each student. Staff and employees will also be prohibited from using their cell phones while they are engaging with students. “It puts everyone on the same footing. It will be a hard transition for everyone. It should increase interaction and transform the school in a positive way of engagement.”

"We are extremely excited to welcome the students back with new spaces and new programming," said Whipple.

 

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Stamford Central Ready to Open the Doors Sept. 3

 

A Yondr Pouch will be used to store students' cell phones during the day at SCS and Charlotte Valley Central. They are a patented pouch and unlocking base that provides a standardized system for all students, each receiving an assigned pouch for the school year.

By Liz Page

STAMFORD –   There are at least three new faces joining the Stamford Central School community as the faculty, staff and administration prepare for the start of classes on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Teachers will report on Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 for conference days. 

Ms. Jackie Frederick is the new pre-K-12 principal and brings a very exciting and furry companion to her position, her trained facility dog, Murphy. Murphy is a one-year-old Labrador Retriever, who has been trained to provide emotional support, to encourage student well-being and to help promote a positive school climate. According to the research, facility dogs can help reduce stress, improve social connections and support learning. 

In her letter to the community, Frederick stated she is looking forward to getting to know the students, families and staff and welcomes everyone's thoughts and feedback as the new school year begins."As the new PK-12 principal at Stamford Central School, I'm thrilled to be joining such a committed and caring school community. I look forward to working together to ensure our students continue to grow academically, socially and emotionally in a safe and supportive environment.," stated Fredericks.

Parents were invited to an ice cream social on Tuesday to meet Ms. Fredericks and Murphy, just prior to a second parent/student forum regarding the Governor’s Cell Phone Ban.  Superintendent Dr. Glen Huot said parents provided a lot of good input and indicated they were very supportive of the initiative.

Dr. Huot said, “The kids are very excited about the new principal the therapy dog program she is bringing to SCS.”

Also joining the school community are Kaitlyn "Katie" Gott as the secondary mathematics teacher and Brian Marcus, instrumental music teacher. 

In his letter to the community, Dr. Huot said the district is following the Governor's mandate to no longer use or display Indigenous names, mascots or logos. This fall, the district will be focusing on establishing a new mascot by working collaboratively with the school community. The process will be inclusive by taking input from students, staff, families, alumni and community members.

All districts this year are dealing with the Governor's mandate that bans cell phones and other “Internet enabled devices" from use by students during the school day. The school's policy also prohibits access to text-message-based phone during the school day because they have been inappropriately used during emergency situations in the past. However, Internet-enabled devices belonging to the school district are excluded from this new law. The school day is defined as the entirety of the instructional day, including instructional and non-instruction times, such as lunch and recess. Students will be prohibited from using smartphones, cell phones etc, from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m..

The legislation provides for ways to contact students during the instructional day, through the principal's office, the main office or the nurse's office. Medical condition monitoring or alerts are not included in the ban. Students will store internet-enabled devices during the school day in school-issued secure pouches/containers, called Yondr Pouches. Students are prohibited from unlocking the phone pouch/container with any unauthorized unlocking device. Students must have Stamford personnel unlock the pouch/container or students must use a school district unlocking device.

The good news for all school districts is that the funding for the CROP programs has been released and there will be no change in the after school program for this school year.

“We are fully staffed during this challenging nationwide and statewide teacher shortage and are excited about the coming school year,” said Dr. Huot.

 

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Stamford Mayor's Cup Soccer Action Kicks Off Sept. 2

By Liz Page

STAMFORD  – It's that time of year, as high school soccer players begin training for the new season, which for many local teams, kicks off with the annual Stamford Mayor's Cup Soccer Tournament at Russ Archibald Memorial Field in Stamford.

Mike Brown, athletic director at Stamford Central School has the brackets set and the action opens September 2, ahead of classes and culminates Sept. 13 with the championship and consolation rounds. There are 15 teams in this year's tournament, with the opening round held over Sept. 2, 3 and 4 and  full day of second round action on Sept. 6 with all but one game played at Archibald Field.

The defending boys champion will be Edmeston, while Schenevus, now combined with Charlotte Valley, is the defending girls champion.

The full schedule is, as follows:

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus girls have a bye from the opening round. Their first game is Sept. 6

Tuesday, Sept. 2

South Kortright vs. Franklin girls 4 p.m.

Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes boys 5:45 p.m. 

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury girls 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept 3

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford boys 4 p.m. 

Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston boys 5:45

Thursday, Sept. 4

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury loser plays SK/Andes vs. Franklin loser girls, 4 p.m.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley boys 5:45 p.m. 

Stamford/Jefferson vs Margaretville girls 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6 - Second Round

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury loser plays Stamford/Jefferson vs. Margaretville loser, girls 10 a.m.

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford loser  plays Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston loser, boys 11:45 a.m. school field - the only game on the school field.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley loser plays Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes loser boys 11:45 a.m. 

Gilboa/Roxbury vs. Laurens/Milford winner plays. Unatego/Franklin vs. Edmeston winner, boys 1:30 p.m.

Charlotte Valley/Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes winner  plays Franklin girls, 3:15 p.m.

Stamford/Jefferson vs. Charlotte Valley winners play Schenevus vs. South Kortright/Andes winners boys 5 p.m. 

Laurens vs. Gilboa/Roxbury girls winner plays South Kortright vs. Franklin girls winner 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13

South Kortright/Andes or  Franklin will play the loser of the Stamford/Jefferson vs. Margaretville girls at 10 a.m..

Third place playoff boys, 1:30 p.m.

Third place playoff girls, 3:15 p.m.

Girls Championship 5 p.m.

Boys Championship 6:45 p.m.

 

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Registration is Open for the First Annual Sidney Brew-to-Brew 5K

Proceeds to benefit the Uplift Collective and the Delaware Valley Humane Society

Sidney, NY —  The Wakeman Coffee Company and Muddy River Farm Brewery have partnered to host the first annual Sidney Brew-to-Brew 5K road race at 11 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Start your morning with an energizing coffee as the race begins at Wakeman, and reward yourself at the finish line with a crisp cold beer—or NA beverage—and stunning views of the Susquehanna River at Muddy River!

Runners and walkers of all ability levels are welcome! Registration is open now at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Sidney/SidneyBrewToBrew5K or by scanning the QR code below. 

Registration costs $25 now through August 30 and will increase to $35.60 on August 31. Race-day registration will be available for $46.20. All race participants will receive a t-shirt, a medal (upon race completion), and drink tokens for Wakeman & Muddy with their registration. 

Proceeds from the race will benefit two great local non-profit organizations: 

• The Uplift Collective, a Sidney Center-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in the Western Catskills and Southern Tier, particularly those facing a significant health crisis, and 

• The Delaware Valley Humane Society, which provides shelter and compassionate care for homeless animals.

“We’re thrilled to have the Wakeman Coffee Company serve as the start line for this exciting new community event, one that will benefit two great nonprofit organizations right here in Sidney,” said Jesse Wakeman, owner of the Wakeman Coffee Company.

“Muddy River can’t think of a better way to start a Saturday than a road race that features coffee at the start line and ice cold beer at the finish. Join your friends and family to cheer them on to the finish line and enjoy the rest of the day by the river!” said Jared Wood, owner of Muddy River Farm Brewery.

“Every dollar raised for the Delaware Valley Humane Society goes a long way toward helping the animals that we serve, and we’re excited to partner with Wakeman and Muddy River on this road race, and runners will be able to see our shelter and hear our dogs and cats cheering them on as they pass by on the course,” said Erin Insinga, Shelter Director at the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

"The Uplift Collective (formerly the Sidney Center Improvement Group) is honored to be one of the first recipients of funds raised from this event - which will go towards providing comforts to and positive experiences for children in our community going through a significant health crisis. 5K's are a wonderful way of bringing people together, focusing on health and positivity in order to raise money for a great cause. The Uplift Collective and its volunteer members are looking forward to being a partner in this annual event and seeing it thrive. We'll see you along the route!” said Mike Sellitti, president of The Uplift Collective.

You can follow the race’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SidneyBrewToBrew5K for additional information and updates.

QR Code for registration

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