SALT & Rotary District Partner for a Day of Service Projects

The annual Rotary District meeting is being held in Cobleskill this weekend. In addition, Rotary members are participating in service projects around the area, including 6 major recovery projects coordinated by Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT). 

"We are excited to have the help of so many Rotarians, along with our AmeriCorp NCCC team and other volunteers who will be in the area to help us with the coordination of these projects," SALT Executive Director Sarah Goodrich states. 

For more information, including details of locations, projects and photo opportunities please contact Sarah Goodrich at518-702-5017 or 518-470-0014.

SALT’s Director Receives Distinguished Service Award

Sarah Goodrich, SALT Executive Director was presented with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award by the Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful Board of Directors, Wednesday, March 25, 2015. At a luncheon at Francesca’s Banquet Hall, Ilion, 18 individuals, municipalities, and organizations were recognized for their efforts to support sustainable practices and policies. Those who beautified public spaces and waterways, developed recycling programs, improved the quality of life in their neighborhood, led municipal planning efforts, organized citizen action groups, or established programs that educated others in the principles of sustainability were among the awardees.

Robert Albrecht, chair of the KMVB Board of Directors, and Steve Smith, KMVB’s Executive Director, presented the handcrafted award made entirely of sustainable materials including stone from Montgomery County and sustainable harvested lumber from Otsego County. Several awardees also received certificates of recognition from their state or federal elected representatives.

“Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful supports the idea that we cannot thrive alone as isolated individuals and that communities and networks of municipalities throughout the larger Mohawk Valley must work together to strengthen our neighborhoods and to bring economic development to the region,” said Albrecht at the ceremony attended by over 100 individuals. “Quality of life matters because that is what attracts talent to our region, and it is talented people who invest their lives and resources in our communities. The Distinguished Service Award celebrates that kind of talent and commitment.”

 Individual – Sarah Goodrich, Schoharie County Active Citizen

Sarah Goodrich, SALT’s executive director, “stands above all others in Schoharie County because of her character and work to revitalize the county in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.”  Working across municipal borders and between public and private sectors, Sarah brought together residents, businesses, human service agencies, and town governments at a time of great stress and need in the community. Her work on flood renewal and recovery was recognized not only by her neighbors but also by Governor Cuomo when she was awarded the NY Rising Service Award.  Sarah’s efforts support KMVB principles by engaging and empowering citizens and organizations to work together to build more robust communities and neighborhoods.

After the award competition was announced six months ago, nominations began to be submitted by individuals and groups throughout Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties. A KMVB committee reviewed the applications looking for individuals who demonstrated an understanding that community involvement and commitment to sustainability over time led to robust neighborhoods and economic stability.

“Excellence comes in many forms,” said Steve Smith, “and our awardees this year reflect that. There are many ways to be a change-maker. Some of our distinguished awardees are active in local government, some work to improve their Main Street, and others lead a regional business or multi-national corporation. We’re very pleased with the breadth of activity and commitment reflected in these awards this year.”

Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (KMVB) is an affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful Program and a standing committee of Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD), a 501-c-3 communities and economic development organization representing the Mohawk River Valley target area with 500,000 people. Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties are included in the affiliate area. KMVB aligns itself with the fundamental principle of the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils - collaboration across municipal boundaries to organize, engage and empower public and private entities to improve the environmental and economic conditions in the 6-county Mohawk Valley Region.

SALT rebuilds resilient and sustainable communities.

SALT Announces 2015 Goals

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery has announced several resolutions for 2015 that read in part a new commitment for recovery.

Part of these projects includes:

THE TRAIL PROJECT: Building on a long held community vision with a SALT facilitated, multi-organizational effort around the Schoharie Creek. In 2015, with other partnering organizations and the community we will create a feasibility study for a 38 mile multi-use trail from Esperance to Blenheim as a vehicle for community driven economic renewal.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The United Nations defines Community Development as “a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.” Going forward as we shift from recovery to renewal SALT will continue to seek out, facilitate and coordinate community development projects like the Trail Project.
ECONOMIC RENEWAL: 2014 saw many new businesses open post-flood across the county. 2015 will be the first full year that SALT is placing one of our VISTA members jointly at the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce to further support local business revitalization.

Find the whole list on their website.

200 Emergency Ready Kits Provided for Vulnerable Populations

Hope for the Home-bound, a new program formed by SALT, Office of Emergency Services, and AmeriCorps will be distributing 200 Emergency Ready Kits to vulnerable populations all across Schoharie County on November 25 at 258 Main Street, Schoharie. A press conference will be held at 11:00am to launch the distribution event.

Emergency Ready Kits are comprised mostly of common household items that are meant to sustain and comfort for three days in the event that a family is stranded at home. The kits are not just for natural disasters, they are important to have during events such as power outages, winter storms, or thunder and lightning storms.

Hope for the Home-bound could not have been accomplished without key partnerships and donations from over 30 organizations and individuals. The program’s goal is to not only help provide people with Emergency Ready Kits, but to teach them the skills necessary to help themselves as well as those who rely upon them. As stated recently by a member of the community, “I wish everyone would realize how important it is to have one of these kits.”

It costs approximately fifty dollars to assemble an Emergency Ready Kit home-bound individuals, who may suffer from a physical or medical condition, rely on public transportation, live in an isolated area or feel they would have nowhere to go should they need to evacuate, might not have the ability to assemble their own Emergency Ready Kit.

The press conference at 11:00am will provide food and refreshments volunteers and supporters throughout the day. If you are interested in helping to assemble or distribute kits, or would like more information on how to be prepared for any event, please contact Volunteer Director Jillian Kubiak at Jilliank@saltrecovery.org or by phone at 518-702-5017.

SALT Hosting Surf and Turf Dinner September 20th

SALT is hosting its next Surf and Turf dinner to raise money for flood victims. The event, from 4-7pm on Saturday, September 20th is at the Delmar Reformed Church at 386 Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

This dinner will include lobster, clams, shrimp, steak, and corn.

Anyone that is interested can buy tickets here or call 518-702-5017.

Opinion: SALT Forever, Sustainable

SALT has been among the most effective community groups since 2011's flooding. Its intrepid employees and volunteers have been incredibly effective at rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives shattered by Irene.

They need to stick around. There are still homes and businesses left to be fixed and the need for volunteers. SALT also partners with other groups to educate the public about flood and disaster response. There will be a need for general flood mitigation. Unfortunately, some day in the future the area will need a rapid reaction force ready to take on flooding.

SALT will, and should be there for these eventualities.

However, three years on after the flood, some things should transition. SALT has effectively aided over 600 properties, and has organized and distributed thousands of hours of volunteer labor and hundreds of dollars. There's a new reality as the flow of volunteers and donations slow to a trickle. It's nothing that SALT or any other local group did wrong, it's just that money and labor follow recent disasters. Schoharie Recovery co-founder Josh DeBartolo is in Colorado helping with flood recovery there-- it's just what good-hearted people do.

So with less cash and fewer hands on deck over the next years, what should SALT do? A large portion can stay the same-- keep the VISTA volunteers ready-- paid for by federal grants, keep sending out as many volunteers as possible, and keep informing the public. However, due to the fact that donations have declined and will continue the decline, moving to an all-volunteer basis (or a very low stipend system) is the only way that a group of the scale of SALT can sustain itself over the next several years. Any significant administrative costs will eventually rival the costs of materials and work done on-site. It happened to other major groups and could easily happen here.

SALT is, was, and will be an integral part of the County. It's important that it places itself in a position to do so.

Mixed Vote in SALT Poll

Readers want a shift in SALT's direction, but they're not clear on which one, according to the latest Schoharie News poll. Readers were asked where the flood recovery group should go, after Director Sarah Goodrich said that it has completed the vast majority of work in fixable houses and businesses.

The largest share of votes went to making the group into an all-volunteer group to meet future challenges. Right behind was disbandment and making no changes.

What Should SALT's New Role Be?

Don't change a thing 26% - 20 
Transition into an all-volunteer flood recovery and mitigation group 29% - 23 
Disband gradually 14% - 11 
Disband immediately 27% - 21 
Don't know 4% - 3 
 78 total

Irene Marked by Leaders in Blenheim Ceremony

It has been three years to the day since Hurricane Irene changed the Schoharie Valley forever. The Town of Blenheim hosted a remembrance ceremony at its future community center, as mentioned by Deputy Supervisor Renee Grabowski.

The event drew around thirty people, including volunteers, SALT members, and local officials. It began at 11am.

"I want us to be renewed.... every person has a role in this," said SALT Director Sarah Goodrich. "We continue to see SALT as an important piece of this puzzle."

The event was well attended

Congressman Chris Gibson said that he would not relent in helping the residents of the area until recovery was achieved. "I want to start with how proud I am of this community... Lesser people would have folded," he said. Gibson praised both SALT Director Goodrich and Schoharie Recovery founder Josh DeBartolo, who is currently helping flood victims in Colorado.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez became choked up when describing the devastation after the flood and thanking volunteers. "We have gone from flood victims to flood survivors to architects," he stated. He also noted that a full quarter of the calls his office receives is related to flood recovery.

Other local officials each said a few words. Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone thanked volunteers and Congressman Gibson personally for assisting in resolving a two year old account that was hamstrung by state bureaucracy. "We cannot ask for better representatives," he said of the Assemblyman, Congressman, and State Senator Seward. Esperance Supervisor Earl VanWormer marked the incredible progress in Esperance and beyond. Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile said that efforts from every part of local society have been extraordinary.

The event also marked a shift in tone, as Goodrich noted between recovery and revitalization. She said that 85% of all houses were either fixed or would be torn down. 15% remain unoccupied and need to be fixed.

SALT Receives Large Donation from FAM

Fenimore Asset Management has been a great friend to flood recovery. The Cobleskill business gave $250,000 to SALT in 2012. This month the company pitched in $40,000 more for flood recovery.

Photo credit: SALT

According to SALT's press release, Director Sarah Goodrich stated, “As we at SALT turn our focus to community and economic renewal, support from successful local businesses such as FAM is vital.”

Salt to Host Surf & Turf Dinner July 25, 2014

What’s better than chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn? Supporting a good cause while chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn. SALT is hosting one of it’s famed Surf & Turf Dinners on Friday, July 25. 

Come on down to the Middleburgh Reformed Church (178 River Street, Middleburgh) between 4:00pm - 7:00pm to enjoy the feast prepared by Chef Michael Vamvas. SALT welcomes you to dine-in with good company, warm smiles, and delicious food. Can’t stay long? Not a problem. Order the Surf & Turf trimmings to go!

Tickets are on sale now! Pre-sale tickets are only $30.00 through July 22. Regular ticket price is $35.00. http://www.saltrecovery.org/lobster

Check out photos of our last Surf & Turf Dinner! http://www.saltrecovery.org/past-events/

Wal-Mart Gives $10,000 to SALT

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) was presented with a $10,000.00 check on June 24th by the national supermarket chain Wal-Mart, all thanks to the men and women who work at the Sharon Springs Distribution Center and who chose the flood recovery organization to receive the money. 

Photo credit: SALT

Every year only one of the one hundred and fifty Wal-Mart distribution centers in the United States receives the Helen R. Walton Award for Excellence in Community Service. This year, the local employees at the Sharon Springs warehouse received the award to recognize their volunteer efforts. 

As part of the award, employees received a grant of $10,000 for them to give to the organization of their choice. They chose SALT, where many of them first gave back to the community and volunteered with in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to assist their neighbors in recovery.

Bounty of the County Recalls Hard Work, Future Progress

SALT held its second annual Bounty of the County dinner at the Carrot Barn last Saturday, attracting over 100 people for the fundraiser. The feast was set to raise thousands for flood recovery and highlight the hard work of many volunteers over the last three years.

The guests of honor included the Beekman Boys, who recounted that there was something unique to Schoharie County and that flood recovery was close, but not complete.

SALT Executive Director Sarah Goodrich praised the efforts of volunteers putting together Schoharie, Esperance, and Middleburgh. She remarked that the progress seen was beyond anyone's imaginations in 2011.

Overall, attendance was estimated at around 120, including State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who said that he would be coming back shortly with union volunteers to further the volunteer effort.

SALT's Bounty of the County set for Saturday

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (June 26, 2014) --- Printz & Patternz (P&P), as part of the company’s ongoing community engagement efforts across the Capital Region, has provided signage and marketing materials for the annual Bounty of the County fundraiser on June 28.

Bounty of the County, now in its second year and founded by Noel Kaminski, raises funds to support the recovery and mitigation of the Schoharie Creek Basin. In its inaugural year, the fundraiser raised $19,000 for flood relief efforts. This year’s fundraiser aims on raising $30,000 and will feature Nicole Brisson, a Middleburgh, N.Y. native who is the executive chef of the Mario Batali-owned steakhouse Carnevivo in Las Vegas.

“The recovery that Schoharie County and the region as a whole have made so far since Hurricane Irene is nothing than amazing and only possible due to the hard work and determination of volunteers, donors, and so many individuals who chipped in. There is still work to be done and P&P remains committed to providing whatever support needed to continue to help Schoharie County families,” said Dan Crowley, president and founder of P&P.

The fundraiser will be on Saturday, June 28, starting with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. at the Tory Tavern (hosted by the Fabulous Beekman Boys), followed by dinner at the Carrot Barn at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit saltrecovery.org/BOC.

For more information about P&P, visit printzandpatternz.com.

SALT Announces Second Bounty of the County, Celebrity Guests

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) has announced the second annual "Bounty of the County" event set for June 28 and 29 as the organization invites friends and neighbors to celebrate the fertility and productivity of the county with special local celebrity guests. 

The flood recovery organization issued the following press release this morning, detailing the day by day events and special guests, who will join with everyone present to celebrate the bounty of Schoharie County's beauty and labor as move toward a stronger future:

On Saturday night, mingle over cocktails at the historic Schoharie Covered Bridge with The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Josh and Brent - accidental goat farmers, entrepreneurs, and stars of TV’s The Fabulous Beekman Boys, who are responsible for reintroducing the word mercantile into our vocabulary and introducing countless people to the beauty and bounty of Schoharie County. 

The cocktail hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m., will also feature samples of Schoharie- produced libations from Green Wolf Brewing Company, a nano-brewery new to Middleburgh; Kymar Winery and Distillery of Charlottesville; and Hummingbird Hills Winery of Fultonville. 

Stay for a mouth-watering (and belly-busting!) four-course dinner prepared by Chef Brisson beginning at 7 p.m. at the Carrot Barn.  Brisson who normally supervises a staff of 120 as Executive Chef at renowned steak house, Carnevino in Las Vegas, was featured on the TV show "Chopped" in 2013. All dishes on the menu feature produce donated by local farmers, and virtually everything our guests eat will have been produced here.  For a full list of participating farms visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCFarms. 

Come back to Schoharie on Sunday, when, beginning at 10 a.m., a country brunch kicks off Bounty of the County’s farmers and artisans market, to be held on the lawn of historic Lasell Hall. Visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCMarket for more information. 

SALT, the lead agency in coordinating flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek Basin and surrounding areas, will be hosting the two-day event. Besides raising vitally-needed funds for individuals and families still in need, Bounty of the County will showcase the recovery of this picturesque and historic area. 

To date, SALT has raised over $1.1 million dollars to assist in recovery efforts, but returning to a state of normalcy from this history-making natural disaster still requires considerable support. "We really need funds to keep the effort moving ahead, as we are supported primarily by private donations," reports SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich. 

Seating for this exclusive, gourmet dinner is limited. To purchase tickets and for event details, please visit SALTRecovery.org/BOC. 

Schoharie Area Long Term generates synergy through multi-sector partnerships to advance disaster recovery for families and communities, fostering resilience and sustainability in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding areas.

Ludwig Chiropractic Raises $505 to Benefit SALT with Ladies Night Out

Cobleskill, NY. – May 7, 2014. Ludwig Family Chiropractic of Cobleskill hosted the Third Annual Ladies Night out fundraiser to support SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery ) on  May 2nd from 5:30 pm- 9pm at the office of Ludwig Family Chiropractic located at 109 Park Place in Cobleskill. The event was a success with a total of $505 was raised for SALT. 

Melissa Jones, of the ladies enjoying the night's festivities,
receives a back massage from Kimberly Marsh.
Photo credit: SALT

“We had a great turnout,” recalls organizer Danielle Seiderer of Ludwig Chiropractic.  “And we are planning to make next year’s 4th Annual Ladies Night Out an even bigger and better event.”

The 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser included appetizers from SUNY Culinary students, FREE Chair massage by Kimberly Marsh LMT, local handcrafted jewelry from Blessed BEads Boutique at 10 % off, cookies, cakes and various goodies by Denise's Kitchen, do Terra Aroma Essential Oils presented by Anna, Faerie Hair ~ Silken Sparkle Threads and FREE European facials with Suzanna Ullman a representative from ARBONNE.  In conjunction with the Ludwig office Coby's offered a FREE wine tasting in their Lobby from 6-8pm presented by Southern Wine and Spirits as well as 15% off an entree with the purchase of an entree. Coby’s will also featured card readings by Julie from 5:30-8:30. The Studio for Art and Craft hosted a make and take Dichroic glass Pendant. 

Photo credit: SALT

“We are very grateful to have businesses like Ludwig Chiropractic, who continue to support the long term recovery effort, in our community,” states Sarah Goodrich, SALT Executive Director.  

SALT is the lead agency coordinating ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding area.

Third Annual Ladies Night Out to Benefit SALT May 2

Cobleskill, NY. – April 17, 2014. Ludwig Family Chiropractic of Cobleskill is pleased to host the Third Annual Ladies Night out fundraiser to support SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery) on Friday May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the office of Ludwig Family Chiropractic located at 109 Park Place in Cobleskill.

The 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser will include appetizers from SUNY Culinary students, free chair massage by Kimberly Marsh LMT, local handcrafted jewelry from Blessed Beads Boutique at 10 % off, cookies, cakes and various goodies by Denise's Kitchen, do Terra Aroma Essential Oils presented by Anna will have free samples, Faerie Hair ~ Silken Sparkle Threads that get tied in to the hair (at half price) and free European facials with Suzanna Ullman a representative from ARBONNE.  Also in the office there will be a bucket raffle, with tickets for sale from all the participating vendors and participating businesses. 

In conjunction with the Ludwig office Coby's will be offering a free wine tasting in their Lobby from 6-8pm presented by Southern Wine and Spirits as well as 15% off an entree with the purchase of an entree. Coby’s will also be featuring card readings by Julie from 5:30-8:30 (additional fee and sign up required). The Studio for Art and Craft will be holding a make and take Dichroic glass Pendant with $5.00 off ($14 total). More are still joining. So save the date and bring a friend!

Tickets to this event can be purchased  at Ludwig Family Chiropractic, 109 Park Place, in Cobleskill, Monday, Wednesday  and Thursday 7:45-11:30 and 2:30 to 5:15. Or by calling 518-234-1512. Tickets are $10.00. 

All monies collected from ticket sales, the bucket auction and vendor fee's will be  donated to SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery). SALT is the lead agency coordinating ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin.

Tickets are limited so please purchase in advance; they would make the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Savor Schoharie to Raise Money for Flood Recovery

SALT is hosting another push to raise funds for flood victims later this month. The Savor Schoharie meal offers some of the best cuisine of the County in three different locations.

Find out more information about the April 26th event on the Facebook page.

Local Mayors, SALT Join Forces to Recognize Impact of National Service

Schoharie, NY – On April 1, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) along with local leaders joined more than 1,750 mayors and town supervisors across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of national service on local challenges. 

SALT and local leaders, including Mayor Avitabile of Middleburgh and Mayor Borst of Schoharie hosted a luncheon and press conference at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street, Middleburgh.  At the event SALT AmeriCorps VISTA members were recognized and thanked for their commitment to national service and the local recovery effort.

Local officials, members of SALT and long-time
volunteers enjoyed a "thank you" lunch as well

The nation’s mayors and town supervisors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address city challenges at a time of fiscal constraint.  Currently, eight AmeriCorps members serve in Schoharie County, proving vital support to residents by assisting with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Since 2012, over 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members have served with SALT in this capacity. While serving in the Schoharie Valley, they have assisted with volunteer recruitment and management, construction management, fund development, grant research and writing, marketing and special events, business and community development, and technology services. 

In addition, VISTA members have helped to leverage over $238,000 in cash and over $640,000 of in-kind resources for the recovery effort. They have also recruited and coordinated over 5,200 volunteers, helped to organize over 20 special events, and submitted over 35 grant applications.  “The VISTA members have significantly increased our overall capacity to assist with recovery in SALT’s coverage area. It is our distinct honor to have been awarded this AmeriCorps VISTA grant.”  SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich stated.  “We especially appreciate our VISTA volunteers for their commitment to the mission, their dedication to our daily work, and for the many varied gifts they bring to our team. Congratulations and thank you to all of our VISTA members for their outstanding service to our community!” 

Furthermore, committed long term volunteers were recognized for their dedication to rebuilding our community. Cathleen Berry, Jim Czebiniak, Bill Kinisky, Jim Lord, Dr. Rev. Carlton Shepard, and Michael Vamvas were among those recognized for their long-term service to the recovery effort.    

SALT also kicked off a spring volunteer recruitment campaign for ongoing recovery work and to build up a pool of volunteers who will be ready to serve Schoharie County in the event of a future emergency or disaster. All of these volunteer opportunities will help move Schoharie County toward a community that is resilient, vibrant, and fully recovered.  To sign up today visit SALTRecovery.org/Volunteer, email: volunteer@SALTRecovery.org or call 518-390-8828.

Local Mayors, SALT to Recognize National Service

On April 1, from noon until one at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) along with Mayors' Avitabile and Holmes will join more than 1,000 mayors across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of national service on city challenges.

SALT, joined by Mayor Avitabile of Middleburgh and Mayor Holmes of Cobleskill will host a luncheon and press conference to recognize and thank our AmeriCorps VISTA members for their commitment to national service as well as our committed long term volunteers for their dedication to rebuilding our community.  SALT will also be kicking off a spring volunteer recruitment campaign for ongoing recovery work and to build up a pool of volunteers who will be ready to serve Schoharie County in the event of a future emergency.

The nation's mayors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address city challenges at a time of fiscal constraint.  Currently, eight AmeriCorps members serve in Schoharie County, proving vital support to Schoharie County residents by assisting with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Since 2012, over 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members have served with SALT.

The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is a national bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.

Village of Middleburgh Welcomes New SALT Vista

Earlier this week Middleburgh Village officials welcomed in local resident Sheila Donegan as the newest member of the Valley community's flood recovery team. Ms. Donegan has lived in Schoharie County for twenty years, however, she felt compelled by both the natural and political upheaval of Middleburgh's past three years to take a larger role in her adopted hometown. 

Sheila Donegan is already working on several
community projects in her new role as VISTA

Telling the Schoharie News that, "Following the flood, and the election of a new mayor, I wanted to become more involved in my community," Ms. Donegan started to attend local government meetings, and became the secretary of the Middleburgh Area Business Association.

But that was only beginning for Ms. Donegan, who applied for a position with VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - with SALT Recovery as her project agency. After undergoing two weeks of training in Philadelphia and Utica, Ms. Donegan started her year of service on March 1st in the Middleburgh Village Hall.