Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York to hold Fall Festival October 15/16 at SUNY Oneonta

The Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York will present their 16th Annual Classical Guitar Fall Festival Saturday and Sunday, October 15th and 16th, 2016 in the SUNY Oneonta Fine Arts Building.

Saturday, October 15th events will begin at 10:00 am which will include members’ performances, presentations and demonstrations, followed by a concert featuring Classical Guitarist, Celil Refik Kaya at 7:30 pm in Fine Arts M201.  Sunday, October 16th Masterclasses will be offered with Celil Refik Kaya and Dr. Ken Meyer beginning at 9:00 am in Fine Arts 212, followed by Collegiate Honors Recital at 1:00 pm in Fine Arts M201.

The Festival is free to SUNY Oneonta Students with College ID.
Visit www.cgsuny.org for more concert and guest artist information.

Sen Seward: Support Fight Against Breast Cancer

By State Senator James Seward

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal time to discuss the importance of early detection and mammograms.  It is also a perfect time to highlight a valuable resource available in New York – the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.
         
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), over 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States in 2015 with an estimated 40,000 women expected to die from the disease. Today, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.

The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting older. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). While the overwhelming majority of breast cancer cases are found in women, about one percent of all cases affect men.

Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer.  Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, preferably every 3 years.

I have worked to update New York State laws on a number of occasions to improve detection and treatment of breast cancer while enhancing resources available to the public.  This year, I helped win approval of a major new initiative that:

Expands Breast Cancer Screening by Eliminating Insurance Cost Requirements: This measure removes the cost-sharing (e.g. annual deductibles or coinsurance) requirements for screening and diagnostic imaging for the detection of breast cancer. Eliminating these insurance barriers will prevent women from paying out-of-pocket for breast cancer screening, including imaging for the detection of breast cancer, diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);

Extends Hours for Mammography Services: To help individuals whose schedules may prevent them from finding available appointments to schedule mammograms, this bill requires hospitals and their extension clinics that provide mammography services throughout the state to provide extended hours in the early morning, evening, or on the weekend, in two-hour increments on at least two days, for a total of at least four hours each week. Facilities can choose between the following time slots to fulfill the requirements: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday or Sunday.

New York State programs are plentiful and we are also fortunate to have another terrific resource, the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.  The program is a project of Adelphi University and is the only New York statewide breast cancer hotline.  Adelphi provides services to women and men of all ages, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.  About 4,000 calls are made to the hotline each year and another 350,000 people visit the Adelphi website annually.

The Adelphi program has been in existence since 1980 providing information, support and hope.  One feature that really sets the program apart from similar services is that most of the volunteers who staff the hotline are breast cancer survivors themselves.  What this means is that when someone calls the hotline, distraught over a breast cancer diagnosis and not knowing where to turn, she is immediately met with a knowing, comforting voice and a living example that breast cancer is beatable.


For additional information, call the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program at 1-800-877-8077 or visit their website, www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer.

First Friday in Middleburgh October 7th

Tomorrow marks the last First Friday of the season for the Middleburgh business district. Put on by the Middleburgh Area Business Association and the Village of Middleburgh, the event promises specials from stores, vendors, music, and more. There will be a special exhibit at the Best House museum on Clauverwie. A Farmer's Market will be set up on Main Street.

For more information please see the event's Facebook page.

Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail Featured at Albany International Airport

The Albany International Airport Art & Culture Program presents the exhibition Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail in the Annex Gallery through December 20, 2016.  The production of quilts has traditionally been a group activity that both supports the needs of individuals and cements the bonds of community.  The Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail aims to do just this by establishing a series of large-scale quilt block paintings throughout the County for locals and visitors to enjoy.

In August 2011, severe flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee devastated the Schoharie County landscape and economy.  The non-profit Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail was conceived as part of a nation-wide movement to attract tourism and build regional spirit through the placement of these vivid, hand-painted 4X4’ and 8X8’ square quilt blocks on public and private buildings throughout rural hamlets and small towns.

Annex Gallery, Albany International Airport, Albany, NY. Photo credit Ginny Schaum     

Today, there are over 110 quilt block paintings for visitors to enjoy on their way to the area’s many scenic parks, museums, B&B’s, family farm stands and seasonal attractions.  This exhibition of photographs by Debra Bechtold documents a selection of the paintings where one would find them within the now-thriving landscape of Schoharie County, New York.

The Annex Gallery is located on the second floor of the Albany International Airport’s terminal, before the security checkpoint, and is therefore open to the general public.  To learn more about the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail, visit www.quiltbartrail.com. For more information about the exhibition, visit www.albanyairport.com/art.   And for more information about visiting Schoharie County, visit UpStateVacations.com or call 1(800)41-VISIT.

Emergency Services Work Together to Help Stranded Hikers on Vroman's Nose

On 9/27/16 at 8:10 PM Schoharie County 911 Dispatchers received a call from a male subject stating that he and a female companion were hiking on Vroman's Nose in the Town of Fulton and had gotten off the trail. The caller stated they were lost.

The Middleburgh Fire Department, Middleburgh Ambulance, Sheriff Deputies, State Troopers and the Schoharie County Search and Rescue Team were dispatched to the scene.

Middleburgh firefighers located the pair at 8:30PM ages 25 and 36, whose names are not being released at this time, and walked with them to the parking area on Mill Valley road where a command post had been established.

The 36 year old female was evaluated at the scene by members of the Middleburgh Ambulance and transported to Bassett Hospital of Schoharie County for treatment of some very minor injuries.

Thanks to the Schoharie County Sheriff's Department for the report

Schoharie Girls Defeat Middleburgh in Volleyball

The Middleburgh Lady Varsity volleyball team played against the Schoharie varsity team at home today. 

The game was extremely close with many saves and digs by both teams.  Final outcome Schoharie won over Middleburgh. Next game for the Lady Knights is away on Friday   Final score was 25-22.

Information and photos from Frances Dobesh

Board of Supervisors Names October 2-8 as National 4-H week

Schoharie County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October 2-8 as National 4-H week locally for the work of CCE Schoharie and Otsego Counties in providing informal 4-H educational opportunities to 400 4-H youth and 40 adult volunteers in the county.

Attending the presentation by Board of Supervisor Chair Earl Van Wormer, IV, were from left to right: Shelly Wood, Happy Hoofsters 4-H Club Leader, Melinda McTaggart, 4-H Resource Educator, Margo Kyes, Thundering Hooves 4-H Club Assistant Leader and Susan Burns-Salisbury, 4-H After School Program Coordinator.  Cornell Cooperative Extension in Schoharie and Otsego Counties provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Senator Seward Pledges Support to Protect Youth From Tobacco Marketing

Advancing Tobacco Free Communities staff Deyanira Cisneros and Linda Wegner met with New York State Senator James Seward in Schoharie recently to discuss tobacco use issues and tobacco-free initiatives.



Despite comprehensive smoke-free policies, high federal and state taxes and powerful media campaigns, tobacco remains the primary cause of preventable death in New York State, claiming between 26,000 and 28,200 lives annually. Senator Seward serves on the New York State Senate Health Committee. He was dismayed to learn that the more tobacco marketing kids see, the more likely they are to smoke. He pledged his support of protecting youth from tobacco marketing in stores.

County Residents Strong in Greenville Horse Show

Two local residents placed well in the recent Greenville FFA open Western horse show. Taking place on Saturday afternoon, Kathy Hamilton and Emma Laraway had a strong showing.

Hamilton, who owns a six year Palomino Quarter Horse, Spirit of Golden, won the blue ribbon in her Halter Class.

Hamilton, Laraway, and Spirit of Golden

Emma Laraway of Red Maple Farms rode Spirit in the entire Western walk/jog division won several blues which made Spirit and Emma Grand Champion of their division. A job well done by two novices in the show ring. It was Spirits and Emma's first show.

Spirit has lived at Goss's Hosses in Middleburgh since she was seven months old. She was trained by Bonnie Goss and Jeremy McDermott.

Information and photo provided by Bonnie Goss

TOWN OF BLENHEIM PUBLIC NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Blenheim will hold monthly meetings regarding the New York Rising funded plans for the Municipal Complex the 2 nd Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am until further notice. Public is encouraged to attend. Meetings are held at the Blenheim Town Hall located at 1748 State Route 30, North Blenheim, NY 12131.

4-H Celebration October 6th

All 4-H alumni and friends are invited to celebrate National 4-H Week with the 4-H staff on October 6 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Chieftains Restaurant, Main Street, Cobleskill. The event hopes to encourage former 4-H members and supporters to stop in socialize, renew acquaintances, and make new friends while showing their support for this well regarded youth organization.

According to Shelly Wood, leader of Middleburgh’s Happy Hoofsters 4-H Club, “4-H is a group that has something for all children and adults. We have lots of opportunities for all different interests including citizenship, animals, gardening, the sciences, and lots of outdoor education activities.” There will be giveaways, snacks, and more for those who attend.

For more information, contact the Schoharie County 4-H Office at (518) 234-4303 or 296-8310.  Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties provides equal program and employment opportunities.  Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties prior to the program.

Letter to the Editor: Protect the Second Amendment

As a civil rights activist the intertwining of all our rights brings US to the Second Amendment.

  Through a clear strong voice We counter the liberal rhetoric which is driven by hyperbole and conjecture.

We need not look to the past or to hypothetical theory to see clearly.

  Current events in Charlotte NC are playing out. Rioters and thugs are being described on main stream media as "protesters".

 Folks , this is an attempt to foster division and hate.

 The truth IS in our culture is being sold a narrative through main stream media that does absolutely nothing to address the core issues before US.

 "Liberty and Freedom are of the individual, not of Government." KS

  "The rights of Man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God." John F Kennedy.

    "We the People are the Governors of our State." KS

    Take hold of your rights , never surrender them to a Government that tells the masses that in order to secure a little safety one must give up a portion of Liberty.

-- Kevin Sission, Webster

Berne Man Arrested for Aggravated DWI

On September 23, 2016, State Troopers in Westerlo arrested 46 year old Timothy J. Brazell of Berne, New York for Aggravated DWI.

Troopers stopped Brazell for speeding on State Route 443, in the Town of Berne.  During interview, Troopers detected an odor of beverage alcohol emanating from his breath.  Subsequent to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Brazell was arrested for DWI.

Brazell was taken to SP New Scotland for arrest processing.  There, he was determined to have a .18% blood alcohol concentration.  Because of his BAC, Brazell was charged with Aggravated DWI.  He was released on tickets and is due to appear in the Berne Town Court on October 10, 2016.

Middleburgh Stewart's Construction Update

Photos and Article by Sheila Donegan

It doesn't take long to see the work crew make a whole lot progress at the new Stewart's store. At almost any daylight hour of any day you can see someone stopping by to watch the changes, and it happens very quickly.

On Monday, September 19, the building was mostly just a shell. The crew was getting the roof ready for shingles. There were no door or window frames on the building, so there certainly wasn't any glass anywhere. The outer walls of the building were green, everywhere.  By the middle of the afternoon on Thursday, the roof was almost completely shingled and would certainly be finished by the end of the day. That's an obvious change. Looking a little more closely, you could see reflections on the glass in the windows, and the base of the building had a skirt of bricks in the front.

Closer to the street, it was easy to see dramatic changes over that same time period.  A man with a chain saw was cutting invasive tree roots, trimming them back on Monday. Those roots had been the major cause of the buckling that had taken place in the old sidewalk. By Tuesday, there was a curb by the street, and by Wednesday, the framework was laid for the new sidewalk. New concrete was beginning to appear by Thursday afternoon.

It is anticipated that the opening of the store will happen at the end of November, so there is plenty of activity to watch the next two months.

Old Stone Fort History Fair this Weekend

The Old Stone Fort Museum’s History Fair is a two-day trip through time, featuring programs and exhibits spanning the centuries from ancient Rome to the 1960s.  Military and civilian re-enactors and living history impersonators will help visitors discover what life was like by interacting with adults and children of all ages.

• For fans of the iconic BBC TV series Doctor Who, a T.A.R.D.I.S. “time machine” will enhance the illusion of time travel by appearing in various historical settings during the event
• Native American educator Mike Tarbell of the Mohawk nation will describe the tools of his ancestors
• J.D. Winslow demonstrates Roman horseback riding of the Circus Maximus
• There will be 18th century toys, games and educational puzzles for children and families to try out
• For the mechanically-minded, pioneer gasoline engines
• Visitors can examine restored cars and military vehicles
• A World War I aeroplane will also be on static display from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum
• Music by 77th NY Regimental Balladeers, the Esperance Band and Patty & the Migraines
• The Golden Fleece Spinners and Weaverswill demonstrate textile arts
• Local historical society displays
• Traditional food, including colonial chocolate-making demonstrations

The History Fair is:

• Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM,
• Sunday, October 2, from Noon to 5. 
• Admission is $10 for adults and anyone 17 and under is admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  On-site parking is also free.  The Old Stone Fort Museum Complex is located at 145 Fort Road, Schoharie, NY 12157, about halfway between Albany and Cooperstown, just off Interstate 88.  There are many other museums, antique shops and farm stands along the way.  For information, contact the museum at (518) 295-7192 or on the internet atwww.theOldStoneFort.org orFacebook.com/oldstonefort.

RVES Ambulance Corps Closing in October

The membership of RVES regretfully announces after months of hard work and discussion with Town and Village officials that RVES will cease operations on 31 October 2016 at 23.59 after 38 years of service to the community due to financial reasons.

The Town worked diligently to find funds to sustain the ambulance service.  Sadly the $12,800 is less than one half of what is needed when other fund raising and insurance reimbursements are added in.

Some of the larger items in our budget include:  Worker's Compensation Insurance:  $15,000, mortgage $14,000, building, vehicle and malpractice insurance $7,000.  Added on to those costs are: utilities, diesel fuel,  medical supplies, uniforms, equipment plus a thirteen year old ambulance and you can see how expensive running an ambulance service is.  In a small town losing population survival without without government help and support is not possible.

The membership felt it would be irresponsible to accept tax dollars and still have to close our doors in a few months time due to the help being "too little, too late".

At this point in time the membership, while still committed and dedicated to helping people in need, see no route forward without a substantial commitment of public funds.

The Schoharie News will follow up on this story as it develops.

Schoharie News Offering Automatic Subscription Service

The Schoharie News is offering our readers a chance to subscribe to our upcoming print version by paying on the site. On the right hand of this article is a button that allows our readers to pay for their subscription via PayPal or credit card. Our subscription rate is on sale right now for just $40 a year. For $75 a year readers also receive a free monthly insider newsletter.

Cobleskill Woman Arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs

Troopers in Mayfield arrested 41 y.o. Julie Lais for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs. Lais, who is from Cobleskill, NY was stopped by Troopers on West Main Street, in the Village of Broadalbin for an inadequate plate lamp. Upon interviewing Lais, she admitted she consumes multiple medications and was then administered SFST's and failed. She was also given a screening for alcohol which came up negative and as a result she was transported to a Gloversville Hospital where she consented to a blood draw. Lais was transported to SP Mayfield and processed without incident and was additionally charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration and Inadequate Plate Lamp. She is to appear in the Village of Broadalbin Court at a later date.

Middleburgh Library Presents Musician Tom Prasada-Rao October 6th

The Middleburgh Library is presenting musician Tom Prasada-Rao on October 6th at 7pm as part of its "Not so Quiet Concert Series."

Tom Prasada-Rao is a musician's musician - an unassuming presence on the folk scene since the early nineties. His voice belies his musicianship and his extraordinary songs. From Rishi’s Garden with its homage to Ravi Shankar to the groove of Sleeping Beauty , Tom’s music is melodic, ambitious, and reverent. He's starting to tour again after being featured last year on the nationally syndicated TV show Troubadour Texas.

In the fall of 2007 Tom quit the road to produce records, raise two stepdaughters, and walk a rather large Golden Doodle named Thurman twice a day. In addition to producing, he took a job teaching music at White Rock Montessori in Dallas - TPR was formerly the songwriting teacher at The University of Virginia’s Young Writer's Workshops - where he created the songwriting curriculum and taught for eight years.

From headlining major festivals 15 years ago, to the relative obscurity of a recording studio - Tom continued to mature as an artist. That work blossomed into an impressive resume of producing credits as well as cuts (his songs covered by other artists). The year (2014) marks Tom’s departure from his adopted life and his return to the road. His new release "ADAGIO" - features bass guitar legend  Chuck Rainey, and piano virtuoso Julie Bonk who was Norah Jones teacher - all masterfully produced by Jagoda...

This event is made possible (in part) with public funds from the Decentralization Program and the New York State Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Program by the Greene County Council on the Arts.  Tickets are available at the door.   A $10.00 donation is suggested.  Please use back entrance.

State Police Were Large Presence at the Patriot Highlander

The annual Patriot Highlander was held on Saturday September, 17, 2016, in Cobleskill New York. This annual event held at the Sunny Knolls Farm, encompasses a running course with numerous obstacles including; rope climbs, walls and a swim. There are a number of classes including multiple classes for children. The proceeds of this event support local wounded veterans through the Wounded Warriors Fund. The Patriot Highland Challenge is an independent non-profit organization.

Off Duty State Police Members pose with attending wounded veterans at the Patriot Highlander. Photo credit NYSP

State Police Members after competing in the Patriot Highlander. Photo credit NYSP

This year’s event once again had a large State Police presence as they served to escort wounded veterans to the event, provided traffic control and even had teams of members that entered and raced competitively. Each year State Police Members from Troop G show up in force to support this wonderful event, whether as competitors, volunteers or in their official work capacity. As this event continues to grow in size and popularity each year, the State Police will assuredly continue their support of this wonderful event as they have since its inception.