The Mountain Eagle

12/14/25

David Letterman’s Relationship with Schoharie

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/14/25 | 12/14/25

By Bradley Towle

SCHOHARIE — David Letterman loomed large on late-night television for years, from his early years on NBC after The Tonight Show, to his coveted 11:35 pm slot on CBS, where he finished his career on network television, many of us hold special memories of staying up later than our parents to watch Letterman and his musical director, Paul Schafer’s specific brand of irreverent humor, the famed Top Ten lists, and more. It was unpredictable; the bands were always cool; and sitting alone in the dark at night, to the glow of the TV, laughing while the rest of the house slept, was a formative experience, with the likes of Jimmy Kimmel and Judd Apatow citing Letterman’s shows as inspiration for their own careers. I did not grow up in Schoharie (I moved here from Albany in 2007), so it was an odd thing to uncover the depth of David Letterman’s relationship with my adopted home.

As many of our readers may know or remember, Letterman filled the Ed Sullivan Theater with 475 residents of Schoharie for a special show on November 18, 2002. The Letterman show placed an ad in the Times Journal, offering a trip to the show on a chartered bus via a toll-free number in October, and one month later, the lucky group attended the taping, which included then-mayor John Borst reading the Top Ten list, with Kevin James, and Matchbox 20 as the night’s guests. Old Stone Fort site interpreter Jeffery Tew dressed as a British Revolutionary War soldier, but had to leave his musket in the car. The road leading to the village sewage plant was renamed in Letterman’s honor. Also airing on the show that night was “Biff Henderson’s America.” In the ongoing bit, Hnederson, Letterman’s stage manager since 1980, would travel to various towns across the U.S., showcasing (and poking fun at) localities. Henderson traveled to Schoharie, and thanks to a fan request by Stephan Rightmyer of Richmondville, is now available to view on YouTube on the official Letterman channel.

In “Fan Request: Biff Henderson In Schoharie, New York | Letterman”, Henderson visits some familiar sites, and some that are now long-gone. Henderson visits the Schoharie school, reading Dr. Seuss to a group of students who were likely a bit past that reading level. For anyone who did not have the chance to view Mildred Vrooman’s painted egg museum, the video offers a glimpse of the now-closed collection. Henderson hangs out in the Glass Bar and asks drunken patrons whether we should invade Iraq and what we should do about Y2K (which was by that point a non-issue if it ever even was one). Henderson chats with “the most powerful man in New York State”—then-Mayor John Borst and stops in the no-longer-existent hardware store on Main St. His visit with Hans Janke on Rickard Hill Rd. is best left unspoiled and well worth the watch, but as a teaser, Henderson jokingly introduces Janke as “nuts.”

Letterman would once again put Schoharie in the spotlight in September 2011, when the legendary host devoted roughly six minutes of his show to highlighting the damage Hurricane Irene caused to our little spot on the map to a national audience. Schoharie clearly held a special place in the host’s heart, a place he described as a “wonderful little town about 150 miles from New York City,” as he detailed the damage and presented ways people could help by donating to recovery efforts in Schoharie. Being the deft comedian that he is, Letterman wove in a few jokes into his otherwise earnest plea to help the community impacted by Irene. That entire monologue can be found on YouTube as well, entitled “David Letterman Helps Out Schoharie NY”. Letterman has stayed busy with his Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman” and recently delivered a masterful speech honoring the late-great Warren Zevon during his long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (just two weeks before Letterman hosted Schoharie, he devoted an entire episode to Zevon, his dying friend, who performed for the last time that evening).

If ever there was a man who deserved a road to a sewage plant to be named in his honor…

Remember to Subscribe!

Gilboa/Conesville News by Dorothy Pickett

The toy collection from the Gilboa Town Hall and Gilboa Highway Building. The two boxes contain more toys unable to get them all on the tables. John at the highway building and Linda town clerk have a contest every year to see who has the most toys. The one who looses has to furnish a tray of cookies to the winner

Go Bills! They did it again. I missed watching the game as I headed down to help set up our annual Sundaes with Santa event.

Flat Creek Church here on Flat Creek Road, Gilboa, will hold a Ham dinner complete with all the fixings on Saturday, December 13, 5:30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Don’t forget the Annual Bottle Auction takes place on December 13, 2-4pm at the Gilboa Museum. Bring a wrapped bottle as Supervisor Alicia Terry will be the Auctioneer. After all bottles are auctioned off you can then open yours and view what you had bid on. Refreshments will be available throughout this event. All donations go to benefit the Gilboa Museum. Following that event a short drive to Conesville’s Silent Auction Fundraiser will begin at 5:00pm. This event is held at the Conesville Firehouse and benefits the Conesville Historical Society. With well over forty-five wonderful gifts from generous doners, door prizes and free desserts you may just come out with winning lots. Special desserts prepared by the Curly Girl. Remember to support all those who have graciously donated items for this silent auction throughout the year.

Before our annual Sundaes with Santa began, Linda, Cindy, Alicia, Cody, Hailey and I got very busy setting everything up at the Town Hall on Sunday afternoon. Adults and Children began arriving at 2:00pm. Holly Jolly Santa Clause arrived around 2:30pm. Eighty adults and children in attendance received a jolly Merry Christmas from him. The kids ran up to him, and he visited with them as he headed for his chair next to the Christmas Tree. The children were so excited with his visit. Adults and the children alike played games, did crafts, and enjoyed making their own Ice Cream Sundaes. from Stewarts, Cookies from Curly Girl, Mary Wyckoff and Linda Wyckoff, and Brickhouse Bakery. We cannot thank you enough for your delicious goodies. Linda sure kept the place hopping with raffles, games and so much more. The photo booth kept Michele (Mattice-Hull) from M&I Photo Frenzy very busy. While Supervisor Alicia Terry and Mary Wyckoff helped with the crafts, I held several Christmas Bingo games with the winners each receiving a prize. Cindy Buel and served delicious ice cream, hot chocolate and coffee. She quickly got it down to science! After a bit, the children lined up to wait until their turn to sit on Santa's lap and whisper to him what they wanted for Christmas. To their surprise he gave each one a gift. All in all, it was a very successful event. Thank you, Santa, for stopping by. We know you and your reindeer pulling your sleigh will soon be very busy delivering all those presents the children asked for on Christmas Eve. When the event was over cleanup began to get set up for our Monday night monthly board meeting. It may be a little repetitive, however, Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff who heads up this event every year, wanted this added to the column. “Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed Sundaes with Santa here in Gilboa, donated toys for tots, along with many items for the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley. Special thoughtful thanks go to, M& I Photo, along with the following business who donated giveaways. Stewarts Shop, Wild Desire, A Frugal Homestead, Oso good Amy, Honey Mountain Farm (Nathan Potter), Sweet Creations by the Curly Girl from Gilboa, Brickhouse Bakery, Horseshoe Café, Pizza Plus, Middleburgh Mercantile, Lindsay Renz Pottery, and Tonya Jo. Thank you to the Gilboa Town Board for giving Linda the go ahead for this event. A huge shout out to Cindy Buel for scooping ice cream, Alicia Terry for heading up the craft table, Dottie Pickett for doing the Bingo table and all who jumped in to help. To Hailey Ackerley, Kody Wyckoff and Logan Mattice for helping with the set up and breakdown. A reminder. The coloring contest is still ongoing. Stop in at the Town hall and grab a coloring page to complete and return by December 20th for a chance to win a final giveaway. (ages 1-12) Happy Holidays from the town of Gilboa. Not only did we have a huge crowd at the Sundaes with Santa event. Both Superintendent John Wyckoff and Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff had a contest going as to who could have the most toys in the Toys for Tots” boxes. The winner receives a tray of cookies from the loser. The Highway Department lost. Linda said the highway department did a great job and equally they will both enjoy some cookies. What a joy these two events were along with a several filled boxes for the Animal Shelter.

Candi Mattice over at Lansing Manor Visitors Center tells me they will hold their Holly Jolly Party on December 13, from 12:00noon -4:00pm. There, they have the best-looking Santa for everyone to get free photos with. Many craft giveaways, cookies, and so much more at this event. Candi wants to thank each of those who took the time, finances and effort to decorate a tree for their Festival of Trees. The trees are amazing and open for all to view between 10am-5:00pm. Tear down takes place no later than 5:00pm on Monday January 5. You need to take the time, head to the visitor’s center and view these lovely decorated trees.

With one more container of Christmas decorations to go, I decided to stay home this Monday morning and get it all completed. Seventy-nine Possible Dreams are all out of their boxes and scattered about the inside of the house. All the lights are up outside with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus sitting in chairs on the front porch next to the lighted trees. As I drive about it it is such a pleasure to see the wonderful decorations on so many homes. With the snow on the ground the reflection from the lights is a beautiful sight to behold.

The Town of Gilboa held their monthly meeting beginning at 6:30pm on Monday, December 8. Supervisor Terry updated everyone about the work that is going on with regard to Broadband in Schoharie County. The minutes of each meeting can be found on the County website. The year end meeting will be held on December 29 with the Organizational meeting in January.

Birthdays: December 13 Merrill & Teddi Cline, 15 Ed Chatfield and Barbara DeWitt, 25 Karen Karlsen, 26 Connie Ruehle, 28 JoAnne Haskin, 30 Jake Laban, 31 Frank Dewello.

Happy Anniversary: December 15 Gary and Janette Reynolds. Everyone, enjoy your special day Blessed in the Lord.

Prayer Concerns: Continue to keep in prayer Pastor Paul, Patti Haight, Joe Cooper, along with all those who may be ill at this writing

Upcoming Events:

Gilboa/Conesville Central School:

December 13,7:00pm in the Auditorium “Freaky Tiki” Fall Drama Production

December 14, 2:00pm in the Auditorium “Freaky Tiki” Fall Drama Production will be held once again.

December 18, Board of Education meeting 7:00pm in the auditorium.

December 18, 8:45am Wildcat Wonders/UPK Grade 6 Sing Along.

December 22-31 No School

Sunken City Cidery events: Friday, December 12 extended hours Think & Sip Trivia 3:00pm - 9:30pm with The Reservoir Food Truck. 9pm Yoga 11am-12noon, Saturday, December 13, Yoga 11am-12noon, Lex Gray Trio 3-6pm along with some craft venders too! The Reservoir Food Truck is available from 1-6pm. Sunday, December 14 1-4pm live music from F.A.R Trio and the Reservoir Food Truck on site.

Sunday, December 14, 2:00pm a Holiday concert will take place at the Jefferson Methodist Church with the Upper Catskill String Quartet.

December 16 3:00 there will be a Carol Sing at the Senior Living in Stamford

December 20, 3:00pm. Susan Harwood at the piano will present a program of holiday music performed as a festive community sing-along at Judd Hall 163 Main Street Jefferson. This event is free and open to everyone.

December 24th Christmas Eve Service at Gilboa Methodist Church will be 5:30opm.

Sunday Worship Services:

Gilboa Methodist: 9:00am located on 990V Gilboa

Flat Creek Baptist: Flat Creek Road, 9:30am Sunday School, 10:30am worship service with coffee and fellowship following the service. Ladies Bible study every Monday 10:00am.

Conesville United Methodist Chapel: First and Third Sunday of the month 4:00pm Route 990V.

Got News? E-mail pickee@midtel.net

Remember to Subscribe!

Nice Win for Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury

Worcester’s Ciara Kaltenbach reaches out to block Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Gabby Miraglio from passing the ball. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Lillian Mosley lets one fly from just inside the 3-point line.

Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Calleigh Porter with a break away layup.

A jump shot by Savannah Petterson nets two points for Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury.

Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Gabby Miraglio and Adreannah Cruz on defense, blocking the pass attempt by Worcester’s Ciara Decker.

Gilboa-Conesville Roxbury’s Jacey O’Donnell about to sink a fourth quarter free throw. O’Donnell led GCR in scoring with a total eleven points in Monday’s 41-22 victory over the Worcester Wolverines.

A layup by GCR’s Addy Hynes nets two of her six fourth quarter points.

Remember to Subscribe!

Nativity Play at Bates Hollow

Dorothea Cotter explains the tradition of the annual Bates Hollow Church program. This year was its 45th

Durham Town Historian Mary Lou Nahas explains the history of the church.

Carol Clement from Heather Ridge Farm honored those who made the event possible, including Linda Mormile and Dorothea Cotter.

It was a great time signing and reciting Christmas traditions and songs during Saturday's Bates Hollow Church Christmas event at Bates Hollow Church near Potter Hollow Saturday. Doug Forstoff leads the crowd. Photos by Matthew Avitabile

The Nativity play was a hit

Remember to Subscribe!

Schoharie Falls to Mayfield

Mayfield Panther Brianna Iannuzzi on defense as Schoharie’s Carley Waters moves the ball.

Schoharie’s Julianna Slater picks a teammate to pass the ball to, as she, Ahniyah Dudley and Carley Waters head down court. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Allie Smith looks for an open teammate as Mayfield’s Madison Case blocks her from passing.

With the Storm down 36-0 a couple minutes from halftime, Lucy Masa grabs the ball at midcourt and with a breakaway layup puts the Storm on the scoreboard.

JuJu for two — Mayfield’s Dana Taggart is unable to block a third quarter two-pointer by Schoharie’s Julianna Slater.

Schoharie’s Alaina Martin drives the ball past Mayfield’s Abigal Powers.

Skylar Giffin is fouled by Mayfield’s Kendyl Conyne while letting a two-pointer fly for Schoharie. Griffin led the Storm in scoring with seven points in Friday’s game, but Schoharie suffered a 68-20 defeat by the Mayfield Panthers.

Remember to Subscribe!

Adult Grief Support Groups Offered in December

STAMFORD — Helios Care will host free, monthly drop-in grief support groups for adults this December in Stamford, Walton, and Cobleskill.

The sessions are open to all community members aged 18 and older. Facilitated by staff trained in grief and loss, the groups provide a safe and confidential environment for attendees to understand the grief process, process emotions, and learn from others.

The schedule for December is as follows:

Cobleskill: Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Chapel St.

Stamford: Thursday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 96 Main St.

Walton: Thursday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Ave.

No registration is required. For more information, visit helioscare.org.

Remember to Subscribe!

Bovina: Long-Time Board Members Honored - Lighting Issues Resolved

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - Two long-time Bovina Town Board members attended their final meeting on Dec. 9 after not seeking re-election in 2026. Supervisor Tina Molé honored Marni Greenberg and Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart with a plaque acknowledging their service.

“Thought that you both really brought unique and different experiences to the board that contributed to the success of running the town,” said Molé.

After 13 years of service, Greenberg noted, “I love our district.” She added that the board makes good decisions for the town.

“Marni, you have been a huge help with any questions I have had,” said Councilmember Jillienne LaFever, “You both have been a tremendous help.”

“I will certainly miss you,” Stewart-Barnhart, who served for 18 years, said of the council.

Molé welcomed incoming board members Mark Rossley and John Ciccone. The two will be sworn in at the organizational meeting scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 6th at 6 p.m.

In another discussion, Greenberg noted that the complaint regarding street lights pointing into a resident's home has been resolved. After believing a light shield might be needed, Greenberg, with some help, found the lights could be tilted down. NYSEG staff came to fix the issue. Greenberg then examined whether any other lights could be an issue and contacted two homeowners, both of whom reported that the light shone into their homes. With Greenberg set to retire from her position, Molé will contact NYSEG to arrange repairs to those lights.

There are some remaining funds in the O’Connor grant for the playground. The council has until 2027 to utilize those funds.

Greenberg reported that Brian Mountford asked questions about the purchase of the cremery building in Bovina Center. Mountford was asked about certain plans for the property, and, if he were to purchase the land, whether they would likely be permitted, she explained.

Molé reported that Mountford also met with Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin to ask similar questions.

Remember to Subscribe!

Bushel Turns Ten: An Opening Party and Fundraiser Dec. 14

DELHI — Bushel invites the community to attend a 10th-anniversary party and fundraiser on Sunday, December 14, 2–6 pm to help celebrate a decade of Bushel and its multitude of programming. The event takes place at Bushel, 106 Main Street, Delhi. All are welcome; free to attend.

The party will be an opening reception for “Bushel Turns Ten!,” a sprawling exhibition of collage art made by 75+ artists, poets, and friends who have presented their work at Bushel over the past ten years. Come to view and buy collages, make your own in the collage corner, and mingle, with refreshments throughout, live music at 4 pm, and a raffle drawing at 5 pm.

Since its founding in 2015, Bushel has held over 60 exhibitions and hosted more than 2,000 events. “That’s a lot to celebrate!” says Bushel collective member Mina Takahashi. “We are so grateful to all 75+ artists and members of the Bushel community for participating in the collage extravaganza, which will serve as a fundraiser to support some much-needed improvements to our space and tech. We love that we’ve managed to keep things going as a volunteer-run, small-by-design collective, and we hope to do that for the next however many years.”

The collage exhibition will fill the entire space and feature 2D and 3D collage works by Bushel collective members and artists such as Holly Anderson, Richard Barlow, Alina Bliumis, kelli cain, Frank Chang, Brian Crabtree, Alexandra Egan, Elana Herzog, Mala Iqbal, Emily Joyce, Saira McLaren, Alan Powell, Kamilla Talbot, Mercedes Teixido, and Trevor Wilson, to name just a fraction of the participants. Inspired attendees are welcome to make a collage of their own at the Bushel Collage Corner.

The event will feature live music at 4pm with sets by Shane Perry (singer/guitar), Amy Melson (singer/banjo), Marcus A DJ (turntables), and special guest musicians. At 5 pm, there will be a raffle drawing with prizes donated by so many Bushel friends and neighbors including Tay Tea, Good Cheap Food, Steady Slope Fields & Forest, Round Top Paper, Best Made Co., Mutsi Café, The Stonehouse, This & That, luck dragon, and others. Raffle tickets, available during open hours and on the day of the event, are $5 for one; $20 for five.

BUSHEL is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, volunteer-led, mixed-use space dedicated to art, agriculture, ecology, and action. For more information, go to www.bushelcollective.org.

Remember to Subscribe!

Christkindlmarkt Canceled Due to Weather

DELHI — We are sad to announce that we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Christkindlmarkt with Saint James Church Lake Delaware. It was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13.

The forecast predicts temperatures in the low 20s/high teens, and while we had planned for bonfires and heating stations, they can only do so much.

The safety of our vendors, volunteers, and guests is our foremost priority.

We are sorry for the inconvenience and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a warm and happy holiday season.

Remember to Subscribe!

SENTENCING IN BURGLARY 3RD CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Russell Clement, 36 of Oneonta, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on December 9, in front of the Honorable John L. Hubbard and was sentenced to one to three years of imprisonment for his conviction of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony. A picture containing person, wall, person, indoor

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

In July of 2024, a trustee of a house on Charlotte Creek Road in the Town of Davenport was notified by a neighbor of a possible break-in to the house. When entering the house, the trustee noticed specific items missing in the house and a cigarette in the kitchen. The trustee stated that no one had smoked in the house for over 20 years.

Gloves were left behind at the scene by the suspect. DNA results came back with a positive match to Russell Clement. Clement was arrested and admitted to being at that residence and taking items from that residence.

District Attorney Shawn Smith thanked Troopers Kristen Sullivan and Michael Anderson and Investigator Michael Little of the New York State Police for their investigation into this case. “This case may not have been solved if it weren’t for the diligent work of the New York State Police. I commend them for their hard work.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

Remember to Subscribe!

Community Christmas Celebration

STAMFORD — The Mountain Beacon Parish is sponsoring a Community Christmas Celebration on December 20th at 2pm at the Stamford Presbyterian/Methodist Church. This Celebration has a variety of music and short stories which will be offered. Everything from classical piano, to carols, to an original piece to short stories of Christmas memories will be shared by local musicians and authors. A reception with Christmas "goodies" will be held immediately after the service. Everyone is welcome to come and join us for this celebration!

Remember to Subscribe!

Delaware League Varsity Boys Basketball (12 league games)

Jefferson/Stamford 1-0 1-0

HTC 0-0 1-1

Margaretville 0-0 0-1

Windham 0-0 0-1

Charlotte Valley 0-0 0-2

SKCS/Andes 0-0 0-2

Gilboa Conesville/Roxbury 0-1 1-1

Delaware League Varsity Girls Basketball (8 league games)

Stamford/Jefferson 2-0 2-1

HTC 1-0 2-1

Margaretville 0-0 1-1

SKCS/Andes 0-1 0-3

Gilboa Conesville/Roxbury 0-2 0-4

Delaware League JV Boys Basketball (10 league games)

Gilboa Conesville/Roxbury 1-0 2-1

Charlotte Valley 0-0 1-1

SKCS/Andes 0-0 0-0

Margaretville 0-0 0-1

HTC 0-0 0-2

Jefferson/Stamford 0-1 0-1

Delaware League JV Girls Basketball (8 league games)

Stamford/Jefferson 2-0 3-0

Gilboa Conesville/Roxbury 1-1 3-1

Margaretville 0-0 0-2

HTC 0-1 1-2

SKCS/Andes 0-1 1-2

Remember to Subscribe!

Advertising and Subscription Information

Recent Articles

David Letterman’s Relationship with Schoharie

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/14/25 | 12/14/25

Gilboa/Conesville News by Dorothy Pickett

Nice Win for Gilboa-Conesville/Roxbury

Nativity Play at Bates Hollow

Schoharie Falls to Mayfield

Adult Grief Support Groups Offered in December

Bovina: Long-Time Board Members Honored - Lighting Issues Resolved

Bushel Turns Ten: An Opening Party and Fundraiser Dec. 14

Christkindlmarkt Canceled Due to Weather

SENTENCING IN BURGLARY 3RD CASE

Community Christmas Celebration

Delaware League Varsity Boys Basketball (12 league games)

Check Out Local Theatre!

Donate to Support Local Journalism

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Subscribe!

Loomacres

National Bank of Coxsackie

Popular Posts

Advertising and Subscription Information

Recent Articles

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/14/25 | 12/14/25

Check Out Local Theatre!

Donate to Support Local Journalism

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Subscribe!

Loomacres

National Bank of Coxsackie

Popular Posts

Subscribe To