The Mountain Eagle

12/19/25

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 12/19/25 | 12/19/25

Christmas Comes to Schoharie

SCHOHARIE - The weather was perfect for the annual Christmas in Schoharie celebration Saturday. The air was crisp and there was snow on the ground as the day began with breakfast and a visit from Santa at the fire house.

The rest of the day was full of stories, a snowball drop, a treasure hunt, music at the Old Stone Fort, and then a parade in the evening followed by a tree-lighting on the DAR lawn. This year's tree was donated by Guernsey's Nurseries.

Photos by David Avitabile

Bob Vedder lights up the tree on the DAR lawn Saturday evening. The tree was donated by Guernsey's Nurseries.

Santa and Mrs. Claus helped announce the parade winners and the countdown to the tree lighting Saturday.

Santa had the seat of honor in the parade Saturday in Schoharie.

Just like during summer parades, there was plenty of candy tossed at Schoharie's Saturday parade.

Though Halloween is over, the Hilltown Hags still spread their joy at Saturday's parade.

The theme of the parade was classic Christmas movies and shows.

Mrs. Claus and friends walked down Main Street in the annual parade.

Children and adults scurry for the winning snowballs Saturday afternoon on the DAR lawn.

Down came the snowballs Saturday afternoon with the help of the Middleburgh Fire Department's ladder truck on the DAR lawn.

Uncle Billy’s Balladeers performed seasonal favorites on the second floor of the Old Stone Fort Saturday afternoon.

Schoharie Fire Department's Marty Pierce reads T'was the Night Before Christmas with the help of Santa in front of the County Courthouse.

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Santa Visits Schoharie FD

SCHOHARIE - Santa made his annual visit to the Schoharie fire house Saturday as part of the Christmas in Schoharie celebration.

Santa greeted children in the morning while everyone was enjoying a big breakfast. Children-and adults- also had a chance to make ornaments and other crafts and also join in some Christmas games.

Photos by David Avitabile.

Ivan and Hadley Landauer of Berne visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Schoharie fire house Saturday morning.

Heath and Colton McCloud of Gallupville paint while waiting for Santa Saturday in Schoharie.

Dan Smith and Skylar Griffin cook up some goodies for breakfast at the fire house.

Juniper Shook, Emily Shrederis, and Kendall Lavoy visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus Saturday in Schoharie.

There were plenty of fun games for kids at the fire house Saturday morning.

Scout Murray of Wright plays an antler game Saturday at the Schoharie fire house.

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A Very Special B'ball Game at MCS

MIDDLEBURGH - Parents, relatives, friends, and supporters gathered on Saturday afternoon at the Middleburgh high school gym to watch a very important basketball game.

MCS players also helped out at Hoop Dreams 2025. The third annual Hoop Dreams game gave local special needs athletes a chance to play in a real game.

Photos by David Avitabile.

There were cheerleaders on the sidelines and Gregg Johns served as emcee and announcer.

Emcee Gregg Johns introduced all participants.

Mario Diaz and his brother were thrilled Saturday afternoon.

There was lots of action in the game on both ends of the floor.

Players thoroughly enjoyed the annual game at MCS.

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Nice Win for Schoharie

With a flying Jump to save the ball from going out of bounds, Schoharie’s Emmett Gagnon passes it to Isaac Gagnon, and keeps the cheerleaders on their toes.

Johnstown’s Dylan Hulbert reaches for the ball while keeping pace with Schoharie’s Kai Dingee as he drives the ball down the court. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Johnstown’s Elijah Wagner can’t stop an Isaac Gagnon jumpshot from netting two points for the Storm.

Schoharie’s Emmett Gagnon with a two point first quarter jumpshot.

Johnstown’s 33 jumps and shoots, but his attempt is deflected by the hand of Schoharie’s Emmett Gagnon.

Johnstown’s Brady Hill and Braeden Fennessey make Schoharie’s center, Noah Florussen work to pass the ball. Florussen led the Storm in scoring, with 15 total points in Friday night’s 43-38 victory over the Sir Bills.

Johnstown Sir Bills all over him, Schoharie’s Isaac Gagnon looks for a free teammate to pass the ball.

Isaac Gagnon and Noah Florussen jump above Johnstown’s Dylan Hulbert for a rebound.

Schoharie’s Luke Stevens drives the ball down court, a step ahead of Johnstown’s Brady Hill.

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"Blue Christmas" Vigil on Dec. 21 in M'burgh

MIDDLEBURGH - There will be a vigil for all the world's children at a non-denominational Blue Christmas advent service of hope on Sunday, December 21 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Main Street in Middleburgh starting at 6:30 PM.

Christmas time is the season of great joy and light, but for many of us can feel heavy, almost like a season of darkness and shadows. The joy around us can accentuate the pain and loss we have carried. The purpose of this year‘s blue service vigil is the focus on all the world's children suffering from the effects of poverty including limited healthcare, hunger, homelessness, trafficking, sexual violence, sexual abuse, and death. The purpose is not to take the darkness away or minimize any pain, but to help reveal God’s presence in the midst of it.

This time set apart as a reminder that we do not journey alone. In this place tonight our tears and our pain are not just accepted, they are welcome.

This is an ecumenical service, and since focusing on the world children, there will be prayers and music representative of many cultures and religions. It will begin at 6:30 and the service, although not timed out, is expected to last an hour, followed by a refreshment period.

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HVAC Tip of the Week - Minisplits

Minisplit heat pumps deserve a larger place in the conversation about energy, comfort, and climate responsibility. For decades, homeowners have accepted bulky furnaces and inefficient window units as the default. Minisplits challenge that mindset by offering a smarter, quieter, and far more adaptable alternative.

At their core, minisplit heat pumps deliver heating and cooling with remarkable efficiency. By moving heat rather than generating it, they use significantly less energy than traditional systems. This translates directly into lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions—benefits that matter both to household budgets and to the planet. Their ability to operate efficiently even in cold climates further undercuts the argument that fossil-fuel systems are still necessary.

Just as important is flexibility. Minisplits allow for zoned comfort, meaning rooms are heated or cooled only when needed. This eliminates the waste of conditioning empty spaces and gives occupants precise control over their environment. Installation is also less invasive, making minisplits ideal for older homes, apartments, and additions where ductwork is impractical.

Critics often focus on upfront costs, but that view ignores long-term savings and available incentives. When evaluated over their lifespan, minisplit heat pumps are not a luxury—they are a practical, forward-looking investment in comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.

Brought to you by Schoharie Mechanical Services. 845-701-6185. Local and Insured

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A ‘Sweet’ Future Thanks to BOCES

ALBANY -- Aspiring pastry chef Shianne Calitri is planning a sweet future thanks to Capital Region BOCES.

The Middleburgh senior is building on her goals of being a bakery owner at the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus where she is in the second year of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program.

“I am going to either SUNY Cobleskill or Delhi to further my education in culinary,” she said. “I want to own my own bakery one day.”

Calitri said she enjoys the program and credits it with giving a good recipe for future success.

“I like the dynamics of BOCES and how it allows us to be active and use our hands and not just sit at a desk all day,” she said. “I feel we learn a lot of useful skills and information.”

The Culinary Arts program serves approximately 100 students on the Albany and Schoharie campuses, preparing them to enter the workforce or pursue additional training in college. Graduates work in restaurants and resorts around the region and beyond, own their establishment and even prepare food for professional sporting events.

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Auction for a Good Cause in Gilboa

Supervisor Santa, aka Alicia Terry of Gilboa, and Holiday Elf Connie Bates paired up to keep bids rising and auction-goers laughing and guessing at Saturday's Annual Bottle Auction at the Gilboa Museum.

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Decorating Contest in Schoharie

SCHOHARIE - As part of Christmas in Schoharie, for the whole month of December, the Schoharie Promotional Association will be having their annual House and Business Decoration Contest. So, if you have a house and/or a business in the Village, please join in.

The lights in the park will also be lit down at the Fox Creek Park starting the day after Thanksgiving and they have a walk through the area called Candy Cane Lane.