Schoharie, Middleburgh Skating Rinks Ready

While the lower temperatures may be putting a strain on local heating sources and energy bills, there is one upside for local residents.

Both the Schoharie and Middleburgh skating rinks have been filled and are open for use. Schoharie's is in the Fox Creek Park near the little league field and Middleburgh's is in Badgely Park near the fire house.

Photo credit: Schoharie Promotional Association

Schoharie Community Meeting January 12th

The Annual Schoharie Community Meeting will be held on Monday, January 12th at 7 PM at the Town Hall. This meeting is an informal gathering to share information with village and town residents, businesses, organizations, and local officials -- get the facts and updates, ask questions, make announcements and introductions, meet your neighbors -- get involved — it’s your community (Refreshments will be served). Sponsored by the Schoharie Promotional Association

Info from the Schoharie Promo Association.

Schoharie School Establishes Cooperation with Local Homeschoolers

From the Schoharie Central School website.

One of the goals of the SCS Board of Education is to "increase the authentic engagement of ALL parents in the education of their children and reach out to ensure all students are advocated for and provided an opportunity to learn and thrive. We will establish an atmosphere of trust and teamwork and provide our families, faculty and staff with an increased 'voice' through open, honest two-way communication."

Consistent with that goal, Board of Education Member Maureen Bernhardt is now serving as a liaison between the district and parents of homeschooled children. In the voluntary, service-oriented role, Bernhardt seeks to be "a bridge for homeschoolers who want to become more involved in the district" or who are seeking information on various topics.

Bernhardt, who holds an associate's degree in early childhood education, is herself a parent of children who are both homeschooled and attend SCS schools. She hopes to tap her own experience and desire to become more involved in the district by helping other homeschooling parents.

"I have homeschooled my own children in the Schoharie School District for 15 years, and also have children who attend SCS," Bernhardt said. "The district has a very inclusive policy for homeschooled students, offering them many opportunities such as afterschool clubs, activities and intramural athletics.

"While State Education Law prevents homeschoolers from participating in interscholastic sports and credit-bearing activities, there are many extracurricular offerings open to all children in our district,” she noted. “This is just one area where homeschooling parents have had questions in the past."

Bernhardt may be reached via email at MBernhardt@schoharie.k12.ny.us, and homeschooling parents may contact district administration for assistance at any time.

Schoharie Mourns Unexpected Death of Beloved Educator

From the Schoharie CSD website:

he Schoharie Central School District community is mourning the loss of dedicated educator and friend Steven Hoard, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014.

Mr. Hoard, who taught 7th and 8th-grade Social Studies at Schoharie Jr./Sr. High School for 13 years, was beloved by staff, students and their families for his caring, enthusiasm and sense of humor. In addition to teaching, Mr. Hoard coached varsity track and wrestling at Schoharie, where he also had served as advisor to the High School Student Government Association and Key Club. He was also known for being an avid Star Wars fan.

The district’s crisis team met Monday night to plan how to best support students and staff, and steps are being taken to provide assistance and support during this difficult time. Grief counselors are available on campus to help the school community cope with the unexpected loss.

SCS is thankful for the support and assistance offered by the Board of Education, former staff, neighboring school districts, the Capital Region BOCES and the community.

Final arrangements for Mr. Hoard are pending.

Mr. Hoard was a resident of Berne who graduated from Mohonasen High School. He is survived by his wife, Nikki and son, Benjamin, and his mother and sister.

Schoharie Las Vegas Night This Saturday

The Schoharie Fire Department is holding their annual Vegas Night fundraiser at the Fire House this Saturday, October 25th. The event, from 7pm until midnight features food and drink as well as blackjack, craps, and a money wheel. RSVP on the invite page on Facebook here.

Successful Pumpkin Festival in Schoharie

The weather was right for the Pumpkin Festival in Schoharie. The event, which attracted wellwishers from across the County, showed off the agricultural plenty of the area.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook Page.

Schoharie Pumpkin Festival Tomorrow

All are invited to Schoharie tomorrow for a pumpkin festival from 10am to 2pm. The event, put on by the Schoharie Promotional Association, will be full of activities. The event will be followed by the Schoharie Sloughter Auction.

Student Escorted Off Schoharie Campus After Unidentified Threat

From the Schoharie Central School webpage:

A Schoharie High School student was escorted from school this morning, September 17, by the New York State Police regarding a threat made outside of school. At no time were students or staff at risk, and the school remains calm and safe. The safety of students and staff is paramount to Schoharie Central Schools and the New York State Police, and all threats are taken very seriously. The matter is being handled by the New York State Police and the student is not in school at this time. Questions or concerns may be directed to SCS Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathryn Gerbino or High School Principal Dr. Stacey DeLaney.

Flurry of Business Openings in Schoharie

Schoharie is continuing is ascent out of the dark days after the flood. In the past several months, the community has seen a sharp increase in the number of businesses on Main Street. Just this past week the village has opened its second hair salon in recent months.

The Top Knot Hair Salon and Makeup Lounge and the Amy Rockwell Photography studio both opened its doors at 289 Main Street, in different parts of the building.

Photo credit: Schoharie Promo Association

Schoharie also saw the opening of Rehab Support Services on Main Street.

Top Knot's facebook page can be found here. Amy Rockwell Photography's site can be found here.

Former Alley Cat Diner Changes Hands

The site of the former Alley Cat diner has new owners. Devastated by the flooding of 2011, the popular Alley Cat never returned and was rebuilt and reopened as the Blue Star Cafe.

Recently, the store was bought and reopened as Schoharie County's Diner. The diner is open Tuesday through Sunday and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Photo and information credit the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page.

Schoharie Packed for Rock the Valley

Schoharie was mobbed with visitors on Saturday visiting the annual Rock the Valley concert and festivities. It was the fourth Rock the Valley since Hurricane Irene in 2014. The event was very well attended and money raised went to the Schoharie Fire Department.

The Valley Beverage Guy team won the bed races:

Photo credit the Schoharie Promotional Association and the Schoharie Fire Department.

Schoharie Introduces New Logo

The Village of Schoharie is looking to continue its flood recovery with a new publicity push. The community has unveiled a stylish new logo to promote its strengths. This also coincides with the Rock the Valley event tomorrow and a series of business openings in town. The logo's inclusion of water is a nod to the community's original name, Fountaintown.

Photo credit the Schoharie Promotional Association.

Fourth Annual Rock the Valley in Schoharie August 23rd

This Saturday will see the third iteration of the Rock the Valley concert in Schoharie. Started in late 2011 as a response to the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene, the project has brought together first responders, flood victims, volunteers, and other community members for a day of fun and remembrance.

This year's Rock the Valley will take place this Saturday, August 23rd from noon to midnight in Schoharie. The night before will have a Vegas-themed gaming night. There will be bed races at 10am and over thirty vendors. All donations go to the Schoharie Fire Department. The current roundup calls for music all day and fun for the whole family.

More information can be found on the event's Facebook page.

Construction Begins at Schoharie Senior Housing Project

Construction has begun at the site of the future Schoharie senior housing project. The construction, being done near the former Great American site has attracted significant attention and is part of the flood recovery program endorsed by local agencies.

 Photo credit Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page.

August in Schoharie Filled with Events

From the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook Page, there are multiple events happening in the County Seat this month. August 15th-17th: Schoharie Free Library's second annual “Concert on the Lawn” series August 16th: Family Farm Day with three participating Schoharie farms -- Schoharie Valley Farms, Wellington's Herbs and Spices, Hessian Hill Farm August 16th - 31st: Art Opening at hive – Celebrate the Bowl- pasta, yarn, soup August 22nd: Las Vegas Night by the Schoharie Fire Dept. August 23rd: Bed Race, Firematics, and Country Rock the Valley concert to benefit the Schoharie Fire Department

Old Stone Fort to Host Founders Day Picnic

The Schoharie County Historical Society is continuing to celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a Founders Day Picnic and outdoor concert scheduled on Wednesday, July 2, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Music will be provided by Patty and the Mygrains performing an eclectic mix of folk, county, jazz, blues, and salsa.

Additionally, the museum's recently introduced Founders Exhibit will be open with guest exhibit curator Peter Lindemann on hand to discuss his own research into the men responsible for making the Old Stone Fort into what it is today.

The general public is invited to attend this fund-raising event with their own picnic food for $7.00 admission, but a special Picnic Dinner Box prepared by Chef Ralph Buess, owner of the George Mann Tory Tavern, is available for $25 per person which includes admission.

For more information on the Old Stone Fort's upcoming Founders Day Picnic, please visit the events page of the museum's website here. 

Video of Schoharie School Board Meeting

Schoharie Central School held its Board meeting last week, attracting dozens. Watch the video below.

Rainy but Fun Car Show in Schoharie Saturday

The rain gods did not favor the car show in Schoharie this Saturday, but it was still a successful event attracting 50 cars.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page.

Despite Stormy Weather, Schoharie's Parade a Hit

Despite the threat of severe storms, hundreds of Schoharie and area residents turned out Thursday evening to watch the valley community's annual American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Day Parade that featured both of Schoharie's school bands, several antique cars and dozens of local firemen and emergency responders marching to honor our nation's veterans. 

The Schoharie News was at the scene and captured some interesting photographs of the festivities, which are posted below:

Former Town Supervisor Martin Shrederis (far left) served as
master of ceremonies, while the parade's three judges looked on

Members of the American Legion

The next farmers of Schoharie enjoyed the ride
Thursday, tossing candy to unsuspecting children

Schoharie's Elementary-Junior Marching Band
was well received by paradegoers 

Village of Schoharie Mayor John Borst
greeted residents up and down Main Street

Schoharie's Fire Department led a procession
of local fire companies and trucks in the parade

Air Force Veteran and current Schoharie County
Sheriff Tony Desmond waves to the crowd

The Schoharie High School Marching Band wowed
the crowd with their Star Spangled Banner performance

Schoharie Set to Host Memorial Day Parade Tonight

The Valley community of Schoharie is set for its annual Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Day Parade that will take place this evening starting at 6:30 pm and will last until 8:00 pm with the parade route making its way through the local village.

Graphic credit - WNYT

Mother nature, however, is threatening to rain on Schoharie's parade, as local forecasts are calling for thunderstorms with a 60% chance of precipitation this evening. Paradegoers are advised to bring an umbrella to this evening's festivities.

The show, nevertheless, must go on and will conclude with a ceremony at the Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets, followed by Grand Marshall presentations and the announcement of parade prize winners as determined by judges.