All County Music Festival April 25, 26

SHARON SPRINGS — The Schoharie County Music Educators’ Association is sponsoring the annual All County Music Festival at Sharon Springs Central School. Exceptional student musicians have been chosen to participate based on recommendations by their music teachers. Selected students will rehearse with guest conductors on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26. The festival will culminate in a concert at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 26 given by elementary band and high school choir. Participating school districts are Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Cobleskill-Richmondville, Duanesburg, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Sharon Springs. The concert is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

 

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Utica-Rome Speedway will host all weekly divisions this evening, with the ground-pounding Modifieds on the schedule at the "Home of Heroes," plus the first of three appearances by the RUSH Late Model Series. Remember to check out the Kids Club and their giveaways.

Tonight, Albany-Saratoga Speedway will race in honor of Jason Herrington, with numerous bonus dollars being awarded to various finishing positions. The 358 Modifieds will compete in a DiCarlo's Auto Body 358 Modified Shootout; again, there will be added bonus dollars put up by generous sponsors.

Tomorrow night, Fonda Speedway will honor Wayne Winsman, a 70-year fan of the "Track of Champions," and will have a regular night scheduled with all weekly divisions competing.

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will host an open practice on Sunday in preparation for its 22nd season opener on May 4th at "The Fastest 1/4 Mile on Dirt." Pits open at 12:00 p.m., grandstands at 1:00 p.m., and on-track practice at 2:00 p.m. Pit admission is $25, and grandstand admission is free.

Here are a few more upcoming events to help fill your calendar. May 10th will feature motorcycle racing with AMA Vintage National, Rounds 5 & 6, presented by Echo Valley Riders. These are the Dirt Track Nationals at Brookfield Speedway on the Madison County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 7:00 a.m., sign-in at 8:00 a.m., and practice starts at 10:00 a.m. The annual Spring Auto Show, hosted by the Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, will also take place on May 10th, with over 1,000 cars entered for your viewing pleasure. For motorcycle fans, DiamondBack MotoCross at The Ranch at Carlisle will host an AMA Monster Energy Loretta Lynn’s Area Qualifier on the weekend of May 22-25.

The annual Bill Ag Memorial Elimination Night will take place at Fonda Speedway on Saturday, June 28th. There are countless ways to get involved with this fan-favorite competition. If you are not sure how you would like to get involved, contact Shelly Shaffer, and she will gladly help you with ideas and suggestions to sign you up as a sponsor.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway opened for its 60th season last Friday with the Super DIRTcar Series in the house. L.J. Lombardo scored the big win in the 60-lap feature ahead of Alex Yankowski and Tim Sears Jr. In the Crate 602 Sportsman division, Chris Jakubiak led from green-to-checker in the 25-lap feature; Donovan Lussier and Joey Scarborough filled the podium. In the 25-lap Pro Stock feature, Beau Ballard led flag-to-flag, beating Kim Duekll and Shane Henderson to the line.

Utica-Rome Speedway opened with Matt Janczuk winning his first 358 Modified division feature. Bobby Hackel IV and Lance Willix completed the top three in the 30-lap feature. In the Taylor's Trailers Crate 602 Sportsman division 25-lap feature, Payton Talbot scored the victory over Josh Coonradt and John DuMond. The Next Generation GraphiX Pro Stock division feature saw Shane Playford victorious over Cousin Luke Horning and George Cushman. The Fastline Performance Limited Sportsman division 20-lap feature was won by Garrett Chillot over Jayden Wust and Jeff Boblin. The JB’s Sewer and Septic 4-Cylinder division was won by Jacob Kimball over Corey Valadde.

Out west near Dundee, at Outlaw Speedway, the 35-lap Modified feature was won by Bobby Varin, with Michael Maresca and Tyler Siri completing the podium. In the C.R.S.A. 305 Winged Sprint Car 25-lap A-main, Jeff Trombley became the winningest driver in C.R.S.A. history; Jordan Hutton and Billy VanInwegen Jr. completed the top three.

NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series was at "The Rock," Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina last Friday. Local driver Stewart Friesen of Sprakers started the feature from the 20th position and slowly moved up to 17th to end stage one and 12th to finish stage two. Unfortunately, as Friesen continued to advance through the field in stage three, his Halmar-Friesen Racing number 52 Toyota Tundra was caught up in another competitor's mishap with nowhere to go. Friesen was listed as finishing 29th and is now listed as tenth in the point standings.

Fonda Speedway and Lebanon Valley Speedway both pulled the plug early Saturday morning due to a steady rain that developed mid-morning. Fonda chose to reschedule its 12A tribute night to Wednesday as a non-points event, with tomorrow night planned to begin the point season. This was not a particularly popular decision with many.

Airborne Park Speedway was one of the few tracks to dodge the raindrops on Saturday. In the Crate 602 Modified division 40-lap feature, Donovan Lussier of Quebec claimed the win over Fire Swamp and Cory Castell. Dennis Gauvreau won the 25-lap Pro Stock feature over Sid Harmer Jr. and Cousin Luke Horning. The SCoNE Winged Sprint Cars were also there, with Jordan Poirier taking the 25-lap feature over Matt Tanner, Jeff Trombley, and Chase Moran of Fultonville.

Next Friday at Utica-Rome is one-dollar hot dog night, with a full schedule of weekly racing, plus the Slingshot divisions.

 

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Volunteers Sought for Annual Caring for Your Cemetery Day

By Jennifer Patterson

The New York State Department of State recently announced the second annual “Caring for Your Cemetery Day,” which will be held on Saturday, April 26.

Launched to raise awareness about the hard work and dedication that goes into cemeteries’ care, maintenance and preservation, the Department of State’s campaign is working with local cemeteries to recruit volunteers to help prepare for the spring season and Mother’s Day visits.

“New York’s cemeteries are home to so much of our state’s history and culture, and it’s critical that we collectively work to preserve and care for these treasured, but often overlooked, community assets,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. 

Through the program, the department and participating cemeteries hope to generate interest in local burial places (especially among younger people), recruit future volunteers, and identify local residents with skills that can help cemeteries in need. 

Last year, some two dozen cemeteries participated in the inaugural event. This year, more than 75 cemeteries are scheduled to participate, and the department is hoping to see more in the future. 

Locally, the Greenville Cemetery Association is seeking volunteers. But even if your hometown cemetery isn’t participating, volunteers are still encouraged to reach out, roll up their sleeves and help with clean up efforts.

“I encourage all New Yorkers to take this opportunity to volunteer at your local cemetery and help future generations learn to appreciate the history, culture and unique stories our cemeteries have to offer,” Mosley said.

Clean-up day tasks may include cleaning up small debris and trash, planting flowers, scattering grass seed, and removing downed branches, weeds, overgrowth and old seasonal decorations.

The Department of State’s Division of Cemeteries works to ensure that regulated cemeteries do not become a burden on their communities by continuing to operate on a nonprofit basis. The division regulates nearly 1,700 nonprofit cemeteries in New York State by providing technical assistance in cemetery operations and financial accounting. In addition, it offers training workshops to educate cemetery operators and volunteers on how to maintain cemeteries, keep financial records, and ensure long-term viability.

For information, go to https://dos.ny.gov/cemeteries.

 

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5th Season for SSCS Clay Target Team

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Central School Clay Target Team is getting ready to start their Spring season this April 26th after an excellent Fall! With quite the accomplishments behind them already, this team is ready to go for their fifth season! 

The SSCS Clay Target Team will hold competitions for their season starting April 26th through May 24th.  Any and all are welcome to come on down to Sprout Brook Rod and Gun Club (1364 State Highway 163 Canajoharie NY) to support this local team!

Competition Schedule: April 23rd at 6 PM, April 25th at 6 PM, May 3 at 9 AM, May 10 at 9 AM, May 17 at 9 AM, May 24 at 9 AM.

Did you know the SSCS Clay Target Team is the first team in Schoharie County and that there are 174 High School Clay Target Teams in New York State, with 3,058 students that make up those 174 teams. There are 1,815 High School Clay Target Teams across the USA and 53,250 Registered Athletes (students) across the USA!

This season the SSCS Clay Target Team is in Class 2A Conference 6 competing against some ‘big’ schools like: Caledonia-Mumford High School, General Brown High School, Pavilion Central High School, Voorheesville High School, Watkins Glen High School, and Wayland-Cohocton Central School.

Good luck this season SSCS Clay Target Team!

Interested in finding out more about the team? Check them out on Facebook at SSCS Clay Target Team or even on Youtube at www.youtube.com/@SSCSclaytaget.

 

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Cobleskill-Richmondville Sweeps Tri-Meet Against Schoharie, Mekeel

COBLESKILL —  Cobleskill-Richmondville High School's track and field teams secured victories against both Schoharie and Mekeel Christian Academy in a tri-meet Tuesday.

In the girls' competition, Cobleskill-Richmondville defeated Schoharie 105-27 and Mekeel 89-11. Schoharie earned a win against Mekeel, 53-32.

The Cobleskill-Richmondville boys also dominated, beating Schoharie 110-27 and Mekeel 119-14. Schoharie topped Mekeel 68-41.

Several athletes turned in strong performances for the victorious Bulldogs.

For the C-R girls, Higley captured wins in the 1500-meter run (5:40) and the 800-meter run (2:52). Teammate Mentiply won the 3000-meter run (13:30), while Bohringer swept the throwing events, winning the shot put (31 feet, 1 inch) and the discus (96 feet, 5 inches). Miller added a win in the pole vault (6 feet), and McCann took the high jump (5 feet). The 4x800 relay team also placed first.   

Schoharie highlights included Dietz winning the 100-meter hurdles (19.2 seconds), Spencer taking the 100-meter dash (13.5 seconds), and Kenny winning the 400-meter dash (1:11.0).   

On the boys' side for Cobleskill-Richmondville, A. Hughes won the 1500 meters (5:06.2) and Paliwoda 800 meters (2:24). Hantho swept the hurdles, winning the 110-meter hurdles (17.2 seconds) and the. Hantho was a double winner in the 100 meters (11.5 seconds) and the 3000 meters (10:52). Other C-R winners included Esposito in the 400 meters (58.2 seconds), Walrath in the discus (142 feet, 6 inches), Roennpagel in the pole vault (9 feet), Kenny in the triple jump (41 feet, 6 inches), Wade in the shot put (46 feet), and Maillard in the high jump (5 feet, 4 inches). The C-R 4x800 and 4x400 relay teams also finished first.   

Schoharie’s Esposito notched the 400-meter hurdles (1:09.7).

 

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4th Annual Dance Festival - Free Classes & Performance

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Dance Festival is back for their 4th year, inviting you to join a fun full day of “rhythm, culture, and creativity” next Saturday, May 3, 2025. This free event hosted at the Sharon Springs Central School is presented by Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, with the support of grants for the arts. This exciting day of activity features a wide range of free dance & drum classes—plus “an electrifying evening performance by Gballoi Drumming and Dance, a world-renowned ensemble from Accra, Ghana”.

In an exclusive interview with Betty Gavin-Singer, Chairperson of the Programming Committee and Second Vice President of Klinkhart Hall, I was able to learn more about how the Dance Festival started and what makes it all so special. 

“I was approached by Klinkhart to join their Board as the ‘dance liaison’ back in 2016” said Gavin-Singer, “and dancers are always looking for places to perform” giving a good reason to get involved in reviving an age-old theater. “Sharon Springs Shakespeare in The Park Festival in 2017 was the first event that spurred the festivals we have today,” referencing the Dance Festival and the wonderful Summer Concert Series in the Park along with the Sharon Springs Poetry Festival.

“The first year of the Dance Festival we offered a more modern style and theme, then the following year we had hip hop with Ephrat Asherie Dance, which was so well received we had them back a second year.” For this fourth year, the full Saturday of classes and evening performance are not the only things offered Gavin-Singer mentioned, “the Friday before, Gballoi Drumming and Dance will have a school assembly program for SSCS in two groups, K-5 and 6-12, allowing students to experience this genre first hand!”  

There is no admission for any of the classes or performances, being made possible by grants for the arts. “Come for one or two classes, or attend the whole day, but don’t forget the big performance at 7 PM!” wrapped up Gavin-Singer.

Schedule: The Sharon Springs Dance Festival starts at 10:00 AM on 5/3 with movement experiences for all ages and abilities. “Adults can tap into musicality with Jazz Dance, explore expressive motion in Belly Dance, or unwind during an end-of-day Stretch Class. Kids will love the chance to groove in Hip Hop or experience rhythm and tradition in a West African Dance class led by Master Drummer Zorkie Nelson himself. Community drum and dance classes in the afternoon invite participants of all ages to learn the basics of Ghanaian rhythm and movement—no experience required, just an open heart and willingness to try something new.”

At 7:00 PM, the full day wraps up with an evening performance by Gballoi Drumming and Dance. Founded and led by Master Drummer Zorkie Nelson, this group is “a powerful expression of West African culture, combining intricate rhythms, dynamic movement, call-and-response vocals, and storytelling through traditional and ceremonial dances of the Ga, Ewe, and other Ghanaian peoples.” Using traditional hand-carved instruments like the kpanlogo and djembe, Gballoi brings a sound “that’s impossible to ignore”. With decades of international experience—including tours with Yacub Addy and collaborations with the Wynton Marsalis Orchestra—”this ensemble doesn’t just perform; they connect, reminding us of the shared rhythms that bind people across generations and cultures.”

For more information on this exciting upcoming event, please visit KlinkhartHall.com/Dance or follow Klinkhart Hall Arts Center on social media @klinkharthall. All dance classes and the evening performance are free and open to the public. 

Klinkhart Hall is a nonprofit performing arts center located in Sharon Springs, NY. Klinkhart Hall hosts and produces high quality programs in the performing, visual and other arts and offers cultural, civic and educational programming to promote its philosophy of inclusion and diversity; it will serve as an example of how historic preservation efforts can contribute to the revitalization of communities. If you are looking to get involved in supporting your local arts, Klinkhart Hall is always looking for volunteers and new Board Members.

 

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Earth Day Marks Signing of New - SUNY Oneonta-SUNY Cobleskill Lake Management Partnership

COOPERSTOWN – On Earth Day, SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cobleskill announced a collaborative agreement providing qualified SUNY Cobleskill students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in fisheries science while simultaneously taking classes during their senior year at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station to complete their master’s degree in lake management – accelerating dual degree completion in five years, rather than six.

The Biological Field Station is a facility of SUNY Oneonta consisting of 2,600 acres with 12 major buildings that house laboratories, classrooms, conference spaces, offices and equipment for research support. The Biological Field Station supports a variety of SUNY Oneonta programs including the Biology Department Lake Management graduate program, which trains students to become effective water resource management professionals. This innovative program blends scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative skills with professional training in project design, management, and reporting in a real-life setting, working with lake stakeholders directly or with established lake management professionals.

“Earth Day is an apropos time to celebrate the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station – it is unique point of pride for our campus.  The station and its scientists are an amazing resource for our students and the broader community.  The lessons we learn from Otsego Lake impact the health of lakes across New York and beyond,” said Dr. Alberto Cardelle, President of SUNY Oneonta. “We are excited about how this partnership will give access to SUNY Cobleskill undergraduates as they advance their studies with SUNY Oneonta’s lake management program.”

"This partnership between SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Oneonta represents the convergence of student aspiration and societal need. In creating pathways from undergraduate research to graduate specialization, we're preparing the next generation of environmental stewards who will protect our vital water resources,” said Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill. “Our students will move between campuses with purpose, carrying forward our shared commitment to environmental science and management at a time when our natural resources face growing challenges. This Earth Day, we celebrate what higher education can accomplish when we combine our strengths in service of both student mobility and ecological sustainability."

“The agreement we are celebrating today is a product of a partnership at the field station between SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cobleskill that has been in place for decades, said Dr. Florian Reyda, Director, SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station and Rufus J. Thayer Otsego Lake Research Chair. “Faculty and students from both institutions have collaborated on a variety of projects over the years. The complementary strengths of biologists from both institutions have enabled us to offer opportunities that have opened many doors for our students. These students have gone on to serve the region and the country by working in the fields of conservation biology, resource management, and a variety of other fields in the sciences.”

"This partnership exemplifies what makes our two schools exceptional, that's our ability to collaborate in ways that benefit students while addressing critical environmental challenges," said Mark Cornwell, Associate Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture at SUNY Cobleskill. "Our hands-on, experiential approach to education aligns perfectly with SUNY Oneonta's field-based training model, creating pathways for students to seamlessly transition from undergraduate studies to master's programs and then to the job field."

 

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IMLS Terminates Federal Grant for Conservation of Iroquois Museum Artifacts

HOWES CAVE — The Iroquois Museum has been notified that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has terminated a previously awarded federal grant, citing that the project “no longer serves the interest of the United States.” The grant was part of a Save America’s Treasures collection award totaling $269,038, administered by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), with matching nonfederal funds bringing the total project cost to $538,398.

The competitive grant was intended to conserve 35 historically significant objects from 10 small and mid-size museums across New York State. The Iroquois Museum had been selected to receive a portion of the funds to restore two important works from its collection of contemporary Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) art.

“The Museum is deeply disappointed by the grant’s revocation and the rationale provided. The conservation of these artworks is critical to making them accessible for public exhibition and education. Thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world would have benefited from experiencing these works firsthand,” said Museum Director Steph Shultes. 

The two pieces slated for conservation are ceramic sculptures by the late Tammy Tarbell (1950–2021), a distinguished Mohawk artist of the Turtle Clan. Tarbell’s career spanned decades, and her work powerfully reflects the stories, traditions, and enduring spirit of the Haudenosaunee people. Her art has played a crucial role in redefining Mohawk artistic traditions and affirming cultural identity.

The sculptures, “Moon Phase” (1999) and “Untitled -91:68” (1990), exemplify Tarbell’s distinctive use of clay, a medium long embraced by Haudenosaunee artists for more than 3,000 years. “Moon Phase” draws on oral tradition where the moon holds cultural significance, while “Untitled -91:68” incorporates deerskin thongs and a pit-fired finish. In Kanien’kéha (Mohawk language), the word for clay pot evokes the image of a woman’s body—graceful and life-giving—mirroring the shapes captured in Tarbell’s work.

“Despite this setback, the Iroquois Museum remains steadfast in its mission to foster greater understanding of Iroquois culture through the lens of Iroquois art. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, donors, and community for their continued support,” Shultes said.

 

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Landis Signature Plant Sale May 16

ESPERANCE — The Landis Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake sale will soon be here. Join us from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, May 16 for the members-only Pick of the Pots Sale (POPS). The sale continues from 10 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 on Lape Road in Esperance.

Be on the lookout for more information in another email, on our website, and on Facebook.

We hope to see you there!

 

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Process For Bridge Replacement In Sharon Slowed Down

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The process for replacing the Engleville Road Bridge over West Creek in the Town of Sharon has stalled a little because of logistics involved in Schoharie County acquiring property needed for the replacement.

A public hearing scheduled for the Friday, April 18 meeting of the county Board of Supervisors was tabled until the next BOS meeting on May 16. The hearing was to consider the need for acquiring a fee title/easement for land at 263 Engleville Road "owned now or formerly by the Estate of Ray Aker Jr."

"There is no proposed alternate location for the project," a resolution related to the matter stated.

At the April 18 meeting, a county official indicated at least one person with a present ownership interest in the property was not being cooperative with the county's effort to acquire the land for the bridge replacement.

"There needs to be conversation with parties so we're better prepared for a public hearing on this next month," Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Federice of Conesville said.

Residents Terry Bradt and Barry Bartlett, who live fairly close to the property and often cross the present Engleville Road Bridge, attended the April 18 meeting to express some concerns with the bridge replacement project. One of the concerns was with the much longer time it would take them to get crops to various places once the present bridge is taken out and the replacement is being constructed.

"Let us get through at least part of this growing season and then take out the bridge," Bradt urged the Board of Supervisors.

In other actions from the April 18 meeting, Supervisor Earlin Rosa of Seward, Chair of the county's Homelessness Committee, gave an update on the county's effort to convert the old and unused county jail on Depot Lane in the Village of Schoharie into roughly 55 to 60 affordable apartment units.

The BOS approved a purchase agreement for the old jail with CSD Housing in October. It had been severely damaged by flooding from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and unused ever since. The redevelopment will not end up costing the county anything, Rosa has stated.

Reading from an email he got from Mike Newman of CSD on current happenings with the redevelopment _ copies of which Rosa provided to the media _ Rosa stated: "We are currently working through some HCR environmental unit comments. We submitted a Phase 1 and related documents to HCR several weeks ago. While there were no comments regarding the 100-year flood plain, since we are taking the project out of the flood plain as part of our project, we are addressing comments related to the site being in a historical district and adjacent to farmland. While it will take some extra time to secure letters from authorities having jurisdiction, i.e. NYS DEC and SHPO, we expect no issues.

"While we would typically wait for HCR environmental clearance before ordering a new survey to depict the general location of the new building as well as outline the limits of flood plain remediation, we have decided to work on the survey concurrently. We have directed our surveyor to begin work and expect the surveyor to be on-site within the next week or two. Based on the survey results, our floodplain civil engineer consultant can then begin working on preliminary design documents, retaining wall design and fill, etc. and engage FEMA to review. Upon receipt of FEMA preliminary approval, we can then begin work on our overall site plan that will be needed for the Village of Schoharie Planning Board submission. It is premature to give you a timeframe for Planning Board submission as it is dependent on several items outlined above."

 

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Celebration of Service for SSFD

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — On the evening of Saturday, April 19th, 2025 the Sharon Springs Fire Department, Sharon Springs Rescue Squad, Lady’s Auxiliary, friends, family, and more gathered to celebrate and recognize its members for their years of service and dedication.

During this awards ceremony, there were “mixed emotions”, with a moment of silence for “those members no longer with us”, notably Tony Desmond and Connie Vrooman. 

There was special thanks to many within the Sharon Springs community, especially to all new members and especially those much appreciated current members. SSFD Chief David Cunningham presented the awards throughout the evening. 

There was a special thank you and honor to Ray Parsons for his 50 years of service and dedication to the Sharon Springs Fire Department. Parsons joined the department in April of 1975! He was also honored with Fire Fighter of the Year!

Other members that were honored and recognized for their dedication and service were: Pauline Brown for her 67 years of service, joining April of 1958. Joan Baxter for her 74 years of service, joining May 1954. Tom Jozifek for his 35 years of service, joining in 1984. Tom Schilde for his 40 years of service, joining in 1984.

Despite the loss experienced this past year, the evening was full of joy and celebration from a resilient and strong community. It is always significant to recognize those that have provided service for so many years. These outstanding individuals set a high standard for those following in their footsteps.

Interested in getting involved in serving your community? Check out the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Sharon Springs Rescue Squad! They are always looking for new volunteers to fill Driver, First Responder, and EMT positions. SSFD will fund any training that is needed, they meet the first Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. Stop by and learn how you can help support your community!

 

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Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board Hears About Solar Facility

By Chris English

SHARON — Another solar energy facility is up for consideration in the Town of Sharon.

At its Wednesday, April 16 meeting, the Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board did a sketch plan review for a project called Sharon Solar Vista. The 5 MW/AC facility is proposed to take up about 20 acres of a 93-acre parcel owned by Sharon Springs School Board President Helen Roberts on Slate Hill Road near Route 20.

Under the arrangement under consideration, Roberts would lease the 20 acres to a company called Freestate Solar. Attending the April 16 meeting, presenting plans and answering questions was Project Manager Jutta Middel of Renua Energy, a contractor working with Freestate Solar on the project.

At the Feb. 19 joint planning board meeting, Freestate Solar owner Chad Dixon and Middel presented plans for another 5 MW solar project to be located on 7.5 acres of another parcel owned by Roberts on Slate Hill Road. A much larger 50 MW solar facility just off Route 20 has been up and running for awhile in Sharon.

Middel said at the April 16 meeting that Dixon was unable to attend because of a family commitment. At that meeting, Middel distributed various plans and documents to JPB members, including visual and noise assessment reports. Joint Planning Board Secretary Ron Ketelsen said the board would likely be using Lamont Engineers of Cobleskill to conduct the board's review of the plans.

"I think the next step is to get the engineers (Lamont) involved," Ketelsen said. "We will have to have a public hearing at some point."

Town of Sharon residents Todd and Patti Countryman, who live very close to the proposed project, were the only members of the general public to attend the April 16 meeting. The couple voiced a number of concerns.

"You're going to be right in my yard," Patti Countryman told told Middel, referring to the proposed solar facility. "I will see it and hear it. You don't even want to know how much our home will depreciate in value, and we will still have to pay full taxes. It's tough."

Middel talked extensively with the Countrymans both during and after the meeting about how Renua and Freestate Solar could make the project more palatable for the couple, including possibly locating the solar array a little farther away from the Countryman's property.

"We will work with you on it," Middel said. "We will do everything we can to mitigate it."

In other news from the April 16 JPB meeting, Ketelsen announced the resignations of members Nancy Blencoe and Oliver Kindling and said replacements will be searched for.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Happy Belated Earth Day this past April 22nd! The weather has evened out a bit since last week with consistencies in day time temperatures around 60s and lows in the 40s. Look out for a warm up on Friday with the potential for nearly 80 degrees! There is some precipitation expected on Saturday with lows dipping down into the 30s the following days. More heat and then rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

Village of Sharon Springs is hosting their 3rd Annual Tree Giveaway this weekend on Saturday April 26th from 10 PM until 3 PM, in recognition of New York State Arbor Day on April 25th. The Village of Sharon Springs will be giving away Silky Dogwood shrubs to residents. There will also be educational sessions by local resident and Arborist Elliot Adams. Contact the Village Office for more information.

Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors than ever! Visit for yourself to see what all the excitement is about! They have affordable groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and much more! The nursery is now open selling seedlings, hanging baskets, plants, and more! They are adding to their departments with the new deli and are opening the buffet soon! With new extended hours, they are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow @SunnycrestMarkets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider and have cider donuts, cider slushies, and more for purchase too! Hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has limited seasonal items available with seedlings coming soon!! Check out their social media for more info! The Outrageous Snack Snack is closed for the season but should be opening with fresh donuts soon! 

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

 

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