Vote in Our New Poll: What is Your Opinion of Supervisor McAllister?

No one man has more influence on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors than Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister and his coveted 16% weighted votes, which have proved pivotal in recent months on votes concerning the casino, stream bank work, and tax abatements. 

However, due to his significant role in county politics and his, oftentimes, decisive vote on policy matters, we are posing the question to Schoharie News readers in our latest poll of whether they view Cobleskill's Town Supervisor favorably or unfavorably in regards to his role as county legislator. 

Mr. McAllister is a successful businessman who has brought his financial know-how and private sector wherewithal with him to the county board. He was elected to the position last November after handily defeating then-Supervisor Tom Murray in the paradigm shifting elections. 

The poll will remain open until next Wednesday is located on the right-hand sidebar of the website. 

Sharon's Dollar General Takes Form

The purchase, and subsequent felling, of the shuttered St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church by Dollar General has paved the way for Sharon Springs thriving community to host its own small grocery and general goods store in town, and most importantly, at relative convenience on Route 20. 

Construction began on the national low-price chain's newest store this spring and has continued into the early part of summer, with healthy progress visible. Cranesville Block Co., Inc. poured the structure's concrete base on June 10th, and just this week, the store is beginning to take its form. 

In addition to the Sharon site, when completed, Dollar General has two other stores located in Schoharie County - one on Route 7 in the Village of Cobleskill and other on Route 30 in the Town of Middleburgh - both locations employ several employees and offer a wide variety of goods. 

Town officials vary in their timeline of when the location will be open to local shoppers, but best estimates pin the potential date at or before the upcoming 2014-15 school year begins; most likely mid to late August. Residents currently have to drive twenty minutes to Cobleskill or thirty to Esperance for groceries and goods. 

Old Stone Fort Set for Independence Day Celebration

Attacked by a myriad of hostile forces during the Revolutionary War - British, Native American, and Tory- Schoharie's Old Stone Fort withstood them all, and today the museum serves as a vessel to modern Americans on the amazing history of America's "Breadbasket of the American Revolution."

This Friday will be no different. 

The Old Stone Fort Museum will be holding its annual Independence Day celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Readings of the Declaration of Independence and other documents of the period will take place at 11:00 and 2:00.

Members of the Tryon County Militia and other re-enactors will engage in "living history,' and visitor interactive debates on the issues of taxation, self government, and armed militias rebelling against the government," according to the Old Stone Fort's events webpage. 

All outdoor activities will be admission free to guests, while regular museum admission rates apply to indoor exhibits. The event is co-produced by the Schoharie County Historical Society and the Burning of the Valleys Military Association. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (July 1, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill

Monday, June 23, 2014

At 12:54 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested William A. Harvey, 52, of Cobleskill, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Harassment in the Second Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

At 11:55 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested William A. Harvey, 52, Homeless, for Petit Larceny. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $500 Bail/$1,000 Bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on June 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

At 1:25 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Marissa S. Hadsell, 20, Homeless, for Petit Larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

At 10:41 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Thomas Robert Sullivan, III, 23, of Jefferson, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

At 4:50 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Peter Noone, 49, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny. He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 15th at 5:00 p.m. 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

At 5:15 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Zachary Foland, 22, of Cobleskill, NY, for Harassment and Criminal Contempt. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 1st at 5:00 p.m.

June 2014 Fourth Friday Pictures

While graduates of Middleburgh Central School received their diplomas Friday evening, hundreds of residents and visitors packed Main Street to enjoy the community's June Fourth Friday, where building upon May's success, there was plenty to do and see the entire beautiful summer night. 

Middleburgh resident Sheila Donegan was enjoying the festivities Friday and forwarded several pictures of the event for our viewing pleasure. Fourth Fridays is the brainchild of the Middleburgh Area Business Association, and it has thrived under the direction of Jamie Casterlin. 

Without further ado, Ms. Donegan's selected photographs from June's Fourth Friday:

Charles Peterson showing off snakes outside
the reopened Fish Tales & Fur pet store

The Middleburgh Library had chalk and
bubbles ready for younger passersby.  

Sheryl Adams watches as youngsters
compete in a hula hoop contest

Wellington's to Host Garden Stroll & Art Opening

COBLESKILL, NY – Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project of Cornell Cooperative Extension is proud to announce its first fundraiser. Conducted in partnership with Wellington’s Herbs and Spices, it will feature the acclaimed local artist, Jason Schultz.

A Garden Stroll and Art Opening will be held from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Wellington’s Herbs and Spices on Schoharie’s Rickard Hill Road. The public will have a chance to stroll through Wellington’s herb garden and art gallery to observe the exhibit of Jason Schultz's sculptures of reclaimed metal, wood and stone, with a chance to buy the pieces for their own home or business. An opportunity to “Meet the Artist” will be afforded to everyone who attends the exhibit opening.

The Tea Room at Wellington’s will have available lunch service, and there will be music, door prizes, and light refreshments offered, without a charge for admission.  A portion of all proceeds from the sales of Jason’s art works, from the time of the opening on July 13th through the exhibit period ending in September, will benefit the Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project, coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties.

With this, Jason Schultz’s first exhibit in the Schoharie County region as well as being his first ever solo show, he acknowledges that he is extremely excited about the location, and the cause. “Wellington’s is a beautiful place with so many great features, perfect for an open air exhibit.” He adds that the cause that will benefit from his exhibit, Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project, is a positive program that he would like to help get much better recognition.  

He explains that more kids need to be educated on their nutritional needs, on where food really comes from and that, “it is hopefully coming from a local farm.”

Jason Schultz is an award-winning landscape designer and self-taught artist living in Albany, N.Y. Jason currently works at Faddegon's Nursery doing residential design, retail sales, garden consultations and lectures. He states that he views life from a perspective that allows his innate sense of creativity to influence all aspects of his work and play. 

Working with reclaimed materials, whereas others may see scrap metal or refuse, Jason envisions their potential for engaging art. He welds, grinds, chainsaws and paints to transform discarded materials into fearsome warriors, robust bird baths, impressive sculptures and whimsical pooches. Jason’s works are in demand for the residential backyard, for professional landscaping applications, and by art collectors. His hand carved flutes and figurines will also be on exhibit. 

For more information about the garden stroll, art opening and exhibit, contact Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project Coordinator, Regina Tillman, via email at rmt371@live.com, or call the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties at (518) 234-4303 / (518) 296-8310. Owners Carolyn and Frederick Wellington, of Wellington’s Herbs and Spices, may also be reached at 518-295-7366.

Howe Caverns Casino Submits Application, Announces Owner

Editor's Note: The Schoharie News was excluded from the casino's original press release blitz, but we were sent a copy of the news from another media outlet to ensure immediate, local coverage of the important announcement. Below is the original release.

Howes Cave, NY – The Howe Caverns Resort and Casino today submitted its formal application to the New York State Gaming Commission for consideration of one of the four casino gaming licenses to be awarded this fall.

The submission of the application makes it official that Howe Caverns Resort and Casino is in the running for a license in the Capital Region.

Howe Caverns Resort and Casino also announced its owner and operator of the proposed resort.

The owner and developer is Michael J. Malik.  Mr. Malik has successfully developed casinos all around the world.  He is a successful entrepreneur in the gaming, sporting and entertainment industries. He initiated his career as a consultant and developer in Indian gaming during the 1980’s.

Since 1988, Mr. Malik has been a pioneer in the casino development industry, including major projects in California, Michigan, and New York.

Outside of the gaming industry, Mr. Malik is the owner of MJM Enterprises and Development.  He is involved in a variety of development projects, including hunting and fishing preserves, financing touring entertainment acts and developing business expansion projects.

Mr. Malik has been a real estate developer and licensed broker for more than 25 years.  He has developed many commercial projects and specializes in resort development, industrial parks, retail shopping malls and urban development. 

“The first time I saw the site, I knew it was a winner,“ Malik said.  “I’ve developed many resort destinations before and this site has all the ingredients needed to be a successful destination resort,” Malik continued.

“I’ve enjoyed learning about Howe Caverns and the Schoharie Community.  I look forward to learning more as we build upon the existing successful tourist attraction, breath taking scenic views, and close proximity to major highway’s, to attract visitors for miles,” Malik concluded.

Howe Caverns Resort and Casino also announced the resort operator will be Full House Resorts, Inc.

Full House Resorts and its management team have a track record of success with gaming projects in Nevada, Michigan, Indiana, Delaware, Oregon, South Dakota, Atlantic City, Louisiana, New South Wales, and Australia.

Full House specializes in regional resorts and has enjoyed much success in developing casino projects similar to the proposed Howe Caverns Resort and Casino.

Full House Resorts is headquartered in Nevada.  One of their original founders is former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iacocca.

“We are pleased to join the team at Howe Caverns Resort and Casino to produce a top-notch resort and casino,” said Andre M. Hilliou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Full House Resorts Inc.

“We look forward to working with Michael Malik, the team at Howe Caverns and the State Gaming Commission to develop a complex that has the potential to become one of New York’s premiere tourist destinations,” Hilliou continued.

Emil Galasso, owner of Howe Caverns said, “I am not only pleased that we were able to attract two of the best partners in the industry, but these are good people who will be a benefit to the entire Schoharie Community.”

“All along, I have held that we have the best site with the most potential to develop a successful resort and casino in the entire region, today, our chances got even better,” Galasso concluded.

The proposed resort includes a world class gaming facility with a 10-floor luxury hotel along with a contemporary waterpark and a second hotel.  The resort will include a number of dining opportunities including a fine dining restaurant.

The proposed project also includes the addition of a dinosaur theater as an added attraction at Howe Caverns.  The resort is anchored by the existing adventure attractions at the historic Howe Caverns.

The next phase will be to demonstrate to the New York State Casino Location Board that the Howe Caverns Resort and Casino is deserving of one of the four potential licenses.

With 330 acres of REAL shovel ready land that has a fully completed SEQRA study and on-site water and sewer capacity, the Howe Caverns Resort and Casino is well positioned to quickly develop from initial approval to grand opening.  

It is also the only site to include an existing tourist attraction.  Howe Caverns, the second oldest natural attraction in New York State, welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year.

Gaming, a waterpark, fine dining, and luxury accommodations will compliment the existing Howe Caverns adventure attractions drawing visitors from all across the U.S.

Most importantly, the proposed development also has the potential for the greatest positive impact on a community.  Suffering from a struggling economy, one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and continued recovery from devastating floods, Schoharie County stands to see a greater economic impact than any other potential location.

Built on a modern business model that relies on bringing new money into the region and state and not just recirculating existing dollars, the resort will grow Schoharie County tourism to the level of the Cooperstown/Otsego County area creating a regional tourism powerhouse that will benefit the entire State. 

July is National Park and Recreation Month

Cobleskill, NY – [June 27, 2014] – If you’re feeling cramped and like you don’t get to spend enough time outside, you’re not the only one. Nearly three in 10 U.S. adults do not spend time outside on a daily basis and of those who do, almost half spend less than 30 minutes in the fresh air according to a new survey released by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. That’s why this July, Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play and NRPA are challenging everyone to get out and visit their community parks and recreation during national Park and Recreation Month. 

This year’s theme, “OUT is IN,” encourages individuals, families, friends and coworkers to do something outside everyday that they would normally do inside. From picnicking in the park instead of sitting inside at a table to sending an email or even holding a meeting outside, there are small ways you can make going OUT part of your daily routine. The parks and facilities in Schoharie County offer ample opportunities to go OUTside, get INspired, change your OUTlook and get INvolved. 

Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play has been working with local communities to improve the recreational facilities around Schoharie County. Improvements have been made in Esperance, Schoharie, Middleburgh, Sharon Springs, Conesville, Blenheim and Cobleskill. Many improvements will be getting installed this month so look for grand opening celebrations around the County. Hopefully this will encourage residents to get OUT and explore IN Schoharie County, says Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator for Creating Healthy Places. Check the website and Facebook page for updates on installation and grand opening festivities. 

In addition to getting involved in Park and Recreation Month locally, people are encouraged to take the OUT is IN 31-day social media challenge on Twitter and Instagram by posting photos of themselves doing typical inside activities outside with the hashtag #JulyOUTisIN. 

To learn more about getting OUTside and INvolved during Park and Recreation Month, visit www.schohariecreatinghealthyplaces.com and www.nrpa.org/July. 

Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play is a grant initiative through New York State Department of Health to increase access to places to be active and to fresh fruits and vegetables around Schoharie County. The grant was awarded to SUNY Cobleskill in 2010 for 5 years. The focus of the grant was to make changes to policies, systems or the environment to help promote a healthier lifestyle. Current funding expires in 2015. 

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 40,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org. 

Sharon to Host Summer Concert Series

The Sharon Springs Citizens' Council for the Arts will be hosting its inaugural concert of the 2014 Summer Concert Series this coming Wednesday, July 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the first of seven such musical treats at Chalybeate Park located on Main Street in the bustling community. 

Performances will change with each week, and will include a myriad of uniquely themed events such as Children's Night with magician Joey D and a Community Open Mike night, while featuring traditional artists and area bands the remainder of the time. The series concludes on August 13th. 

Poll: Readers Vote Down Full-Time Chair

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly voted down our latest poll question that asked "Should the position of County Board Chair be made full time?" The proposal had been made several times over the years, but was reintroduced into discussion by Esperance Supervisor Earl VanWormer this legislative session. 

Should the position of County Board Chair be made full time?

Yes         - 20% (37 votes)
No          - 75% (142 votes)
Undecided - 5% (10 votes)

Many respondents left comments favoring the creation of a county executive or implementation of an public administrator/manager position. The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors recently established an Administrator Committee to study what effectiveness, if any, would result from implementing said changes in government. 

The poll was open for one week and was located on the right-hand sidebar of the website.

Inside Look: Administrator Committee Formed

Following the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors unanimous vote to study the prospects of creating an county administrator to oversee local government at the June county board meeting, Chairman Tony VanGlad announced the formulation of the study committee's membership early last week.

Among those serving include Mr. Barbic of Seward, Ms. Bleau of Wright, Mr. Jordan of Jefferson and Mr. VanWormer of Esperance. Also selected was Mr. Federice of Conesville, who has been tasked with chairing the pivotal committee. 

Mr. Barbic and Mr. VanWormer have a combined forty plus years of service on the county board, while the committee's remaining three members have less than eighteen months put together. 

Additionally, Mr. Barbic and Mr. Jordan are outspoken proponents of additional oversight by means of an administrator or county executive, while Mr. VanWormer has voiced skepticism toward the proposals and Ms. Bleau has offered few comments on either measure but voted against the administrator concept in May. 

Observers see Mr. Federice as key in committee, because although he voted alongside eleven other town supervisors to squash the concept just two board meetings ago, he has since made statements that he did so due to the fact there wasn't enough information at the time and that he remains undecided on the proposal. 

It is not known whether the Administrator Committee will ultimately have an impact on the county board's final decision, but it can be safely assumed that the committee's approval in conjunction with Mr. Smith of Blenheim's proposed local law authorizing an county administrator indicates momentum for reformists. 

Seward Delivers $2 Million for SUNY Cobleskill Energy Savings Project

ONEONTA, 06/27/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that $2 million in capital funding he secured will be used for SUNY Cobleskill’s energy savings project. 

“SUNY Cobleskill offers innovative student programs on a campus that is continually evolving to meet changing needs,” said Senator Seward.  “This funding will help the school go even further by backing new green energy improvements that will lead to a more efficient, environmentally friendly campus – saving money and our natural resources.”

More than 26-percent of the support New York State currently provides to SUNY Cobleskill annually is consumed in utility costs.  Both Executive Order 88 and Build Smart NY require the campus to reduce energy consumption and, create an energy master plan and operate more efficiently.

“Renewable energy, clean technology, and green jobs are our future.  However, there are costs to start down the path and it is important that the State of New York help institutions like SUNY Cobleskill make this transition,” Seward added.   

The capital funding obtained by Senator Seward, included in a 2014 senate resolution, will help the college meet the ‘green goals’ by supporting SUNY Cobleskill’s Energy Savings Project which will include:

• Campus Wide Metering – Metering will quickly alert campus personnel to systemic problems that drive up utility costs by providing diagnostic ability to find where energy is being wasted. ($525,000);

• Energy Master Plan – The plan will include comprehensive energy audits of campus facilities the will be used to establish baseline energy use, propose, measures for decreasing energy use, and serve as the basis to develop an energy master plan. ($125,000);

• Priority Energy Projects – To include alternative energy/natural gas solutions for existing buildings that operate with a mix of fuel oil and electricity, plus priority projects as indentified in the Energy Master Plan. ($1,340,000).

SUNY Cobleskill Acting President Dr. Debra H. Thatcher said, “SUNY Cobleskill is grateful to Senator Seward for his advocacy on behalf of the campus. These energy projects will allow SUNY Cobleskill to install cutting edge technologies and be better stewards of state funds by shifting expenditures from utility costs to academics and student support.”

“New York is a leader when it comes to green projects which is good news for our future sustainability.  SUNY Cobleskill’s core academic programs are built on environmental excellence and this state funding will help advance the principles that are already part of the college’s foundation,”  Seward concluded.

Letter to the Editor: Officials Allowing Pipeline Endangers Residents

Dear Editor:

Constitution Pipeline is proposing to build a “contractor yard” along Route 7 in Richmondville on the former Sabta Farm, near Shirley’s Restaurant. Lancaster Development has signed a three year deal to lease the land to Constitution. The site would be the hub for heavy construction activity, the transportation of multi-ton steel pipe and the staging of equipment and construction activity. Constitution has announced that because of extensive shallow bedrock, large stretches of the pipeline route through Schoharie County will require blasting. The proposed contractor yard would likely serve as the storage and staging area for explosives and blasting materials. Constitution has identified the type of storage that will be used for those explosives but has not identified any security measures beyond warning signs.

The contractor yard and its associated heavy equipment activity will intersect the primary school bus route for the Cobleskill-Richmondville school district. The contractor yard will be less than a half mile from the high school and a little more than a mile from the elementary school.  Heavy trucks carry equipment and explosives will travel on the same roads and at the same time as our kids. That traffic will be just feet way from students who walk to school or run along the road for the track team. The danger to our kids is real and significant. Our organization notified the Cobleskill-Richmondville Board of Education on multiple occasions and they chose to do nothing to address these dangers.

Unlike Cobleskill-Richmondville School Board, the Schenevus School Board faced with a similar contractor yard less than a half mile from their school, took swift and immediate action. They wrote a formal comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to Constitution Pipeline strongly opposing the location of the yard. Constitution, presumably at the urging of FERC, cancelled plans for the contractor yard in Schenevus.  Constitution also proposed to run the pipeline through the BOCES campus in Schoharie. BOCES also took swift and immediate action and submitted formal comments to FERC and sent representatives to a FERC public hearing to vocally and assertively oppose the route. Constitution, presumably at the urging of FERC, moved the route off of the BOCES campus.

Both the Schenevus School Board and BOCES acted decisively to protect the safety of the students for whom they have responsibility, the Cobleskill-Richmondville School Board, on the other hand, failed their students miserably.

The Town of Richmondville has zoning authority to approve the location and condition of the proposed contractor yard. Our organization submitted a 60 page document to the Town detailing a blatant conflict of interest on the part of a town official with voting authority on the contractor yard and other pipeline infrastructure. The family of that official received nearly $60,000 in payments from the pipeline company yet refuses to recuse himself and has advocated for fast track approval of a permit the company is not eligible to receive.  The New York State Attorney General’s Office called the situation “an absolute conflict of Interest” yet the Town of Richmondville has done nothing to address the situation.

If families of Schoharie County are placed in danger by the pipeline contractor yard and other pipeline related activity it won’t be because a dedicated, hardworking group of citizens didn’t do everything they could to stop it. It will be because many elected and appointed officials in Schoharie County from Town Boards to Planning Boards to School Boards are disengaged, timid, inept, corrupt or all of the above. That is the shameful reality of our County for which we constantly pay the price.

Bob Nied

Smithy Center to Host Blues Musician Mike Herman

June 24, 2014-- Cooperstown, NY. Smithy Center for the Arts (SCA) is proud to present Mike Herman, a solo blues musician, on July 17th, 7:30-9:30pm. Concert will run rain or shine-- weather permitting, to be held outside in the SCA courtyard. 

 

Self-described genre as “fingerpickin’ acoustic blues,” Mike has been engrossed in music since getting his first guitar at age ten. He has travelled the midwest meeting old-timers such as country blues guitarists Jack Owens, Eugene Powell and R.L. Burnside, and spent years teaching guitar and playing in the acoustic blues duo, “The Hell Hounds.” Now a solo performer, Mike allows his blues to say “as much as [they] can with few words and letting the images do the work.” Herman has played at concerts, festivals, clubs and colleges up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest, his voice blending the influences of acoustic blues, bluegrass, ragtime, and most recently old-timey music into a style all his own. 

 

Tickets are on sale via email, telephone, or can be purchased via the Smithy website. Adult admission is $12, Student and Senior (65+) tickets are $10, and children 6 years and younger may attend for free. The Smithy Center for the Arts is located on 55 Pioneer Street, just past Cooley's tavern. For more information call (607) 547-8671, email Information@smithyarts.org, or visit our website at www.smithyarts.org. 

Firemen Rescue Gilboa Couple after Flash Flooding

Update: County officials have put the cost of flood related repairs on South Gilboa Road at over one hundred and twenty thousand dollars if private contractors are utilized before public crews have the ability to do the work themselves. 

Wednesday night's torrential downpours resulted in the flash flooding of South Gilboa Road just off of State Route 30, where rising waters trapped a couple inside of their home. 

The call came into Schoharie County 911 Dispatch at approximately 7:38 P.M. and emergency rescue operations commenced shortly thereafter by the Grand Gorge Fire Department, which covers the Town of Gilboa by contract. 

Grand Gorge Fire Chief DJ Speenburgh was the incident commander, and upon arriving on scene, requested the assistance of several other area fire departments to aid Grand Gorge's rescue operations, which were bogged down by significant standing water. 

However, while crews were en-route from Rensselaer County with air boats, waters receded enough for firemen to reach the residence and safely extract the couple, who were both unhurt and okay.

SALT's Bounty of the County set for Saturday

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (June 26, 2014) --- Printz & Patternz (P&P), as part of the company’s ongoing community engagement efforts across the Capital Region, has provided signage and marketing materials for the annual Bounty of the County fundraiser on June 28.

Bounty of the County, now in its second year and founded by Noel Kaminski, raises funds to support the recovery and mitigation of the Schoharie Creek Basin. In its inaugural year, the fundraiser raised $19,000 for flood relief efforts. This year’s fundraiser aims on raising $30,000 and will feature Nicole Brisson, a Middleburgh, N.Y. native who is the executive chef of the Mario Batali-owned steakhouse Carnevivo in Las Vegas.

“The recovery that Schoharie County and the region as a whole have made so far since Hurricane Irene is nothing than amazing and only possible due to the hard work and determination of volunteers, donors, and so many individuals who chipped in. There is still work to be done and P&P remains committed to providing whatever support needed to continue to help Schoharie County families,” said Dan Crowley, president and founder of P&P.

The fundraiser will be on Saturday, June 28, starting with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. at the Tory Tavern (hosted by the Fabulous Beekman Boys), followed by dinner at the Carrot Barn at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit saltrecovery.org/BOC.

For more information about P&P, visit printzandpatternz.com.

Schoharie Fresh Participates in I Love My Farmers' Market Celebration

Cobleskill (June 26, 2014) - Schoharie Fresh, the online farmers’ market is again participating in the I Love My Farmers’ Market Celebration through American Farmland Trust. The idea of the celebration is to encourage people to shop at their local farmers’ market by asking them to pledge to spend money at the farmers market through this online portal; you are not actually sending money to American Farmland Trust.

Schoharie Fresh participated in the celebration last year and placed third in New York State in pledges received. Markets who participated last year included The Rochester Public Market, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, The Schenectady Green Market ; Schoharie Fresh customers pledged to spend more than customers at these markets. Schoharie Fresh would like to again place in the top three markets in New York State and maybe move up from the #64 spot nationally. 

Money spent locally at farmers’ markets helps support our local farmers, but also the local economy. According to information from American Farmland Trust, farmers selling at a local farmers market receive $8-9 from a $10 purchase and $7.80 is re-spent in the local economy. In addition, customers are getting the freshest food possible, which means that it tastes better and has more nutrients. 

Schoharie Fresh was started in 2011 under the Creating Healthy Places Grant as an alternative way for producers to sell their products and customers to purchase from a wide variety of local producers. The market has grown, with new producers joining each year; with the growth, most of the original producers are still involved as well. This year we have had the SUNY Cobleskill greenhouses selling hydroponic tomatoes on the site throughout the winter and spring and we have added several beef producers including Reeds Beef and At Ease Acres. Also new this year was Mos Delicious which sold prepared meals to heat and serve using local products in her meals. Everything sold on Schoharie Fresh was grown, raised or produced here in Schoharie County. 

Sales have grown steadily over the years and this year is no different. We have seen an increase in the amount of repeat sales of our customer and also a continuation of new customers purchasing from Schoharie Fresh. Sales information is tracked to be able to see how the market is doing. In 2014, weekly sales have exceeded sales in 2013 in both the total sale as well as the number of orders each week. Sales have increased so much in 2014 that many producers are having a difficult time keeping stock listed. ”Meat producers need to raise their animals to a certain size before they are butchered and this year we have sold a lot of meat to our customers and this took many of producers by surprise,” says Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator for Creating Healthy Places. “We are starting to see similar sales with the fresh produce, much of it selling out quickly when it is posted on the site.” 

As we move into the growing season we will add more producers and hopefully continue with strong sales. First time customers need to register using their email address and can then place their first order. If you place your order by Wednesday at 11:59 PM, it will be available for pick up on Friday afternoon at the Red Barn on Route 7 by the fountain on the SUNY Campus. Customers shop in the comfort of their homes and can order from about 30 producers and pick up and pay in one location, making this a time saving option. Ordering is done through www.schohariefresh.com and questions or comments can be emailed to schohariefresh@gmail.com. 

Schoharie Fresh is a joint initiative between Creating Healthy Places and SUNY Cobleskill. Initial funding was provided from the Creating Healthy Places grant and SUNY Cobleskill students are responsible for much of the operation. Creating Healthy Places is a grant from NYS Department of Health to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables and places to be active around Schoharie County. For more information on Creating Healthy Places please contact Maureen Blanchard, Project Coordinator at blanchma@cobleskill.edu or 518 255-5294. 

Vote in Our New Poll: Should County Board Chair be made Full-Time Position?

Many suggestions have been made for adding an additional layer of oversight to Schoharie County government, from the implementation of a county executive to simply appointing an administrator to oversee the daily tasks of county bureaucracy. However, one proposal has been largely ignored.

Therefore, we are asking in our current poll what Schoharie News readers think of making the position of County Board Chairman a full-time job, as Esperance Town Supervisor Earl Van Wormer has proposed in the past. The survey already has over one hundred votes and will remain open until Sunday. 

The poll is located on the right-hand sidebar of the website. 

Middleburgh Pet Store Asks for Emergency Donations to Move

Yesterday's tragic partial collapse left upstairs apartment renters and the newly opened pet store in Middleburgh thrown out. The property at 330 Main suffered a partial collapse after a torrent of rain on June 25th. The event's direct cause and the stability of the building is being checked by an architect and engineer, but regardless of the result one thing is clear: the pet store is closed for the time being.

The owners are considering a move to a nearby structure-- a necessity. The owners were open for just ten days-- and are now facing a catastrophic loss of revenue, inventory, and time. The store opened after owners Mark and Tina Cyzszczon reached their dream. Tina is a recovering cancer victim and the couple is raising several young children.

Donations are now being asked to stave off the store closing for good. A donation link can be seen below:

The owners are trying to raise $10,000 to cover some of the costs related to the disaster. Even several dollars can make a substantial difference.

Building Partially Collapses in Middleburgh

UPDATE: Pet store owners looking for donations for an emergency relocation.

Middleburgh firemen and local officials were on scene Wednesday night to monitor damage caused by a partial building collapse on Main Street where, thankfully, no one was injured nor caught in the unexpected structure fail. 

The building, which is home to several apartments and Middleburgh's new pet store - Fish Tales and Fur - is surrounded by yellow caution tape this morning after a fine layer of brick gave way into a empty yard behind the structure. The official cause is unknown as of publication.

Mayor Matthew Avitabile told the Schoharie News that "everyone is safe," and that they are consulting an architect and engineer moving forward. He would later add a personal thank you to the fire department for their wonderful work.

Fish Tales & Fur owner Mark Czyszczon wrote on the pet store's facebook page that, "the structure has extensive damage and most likely more than can be seen." While adding the business is unlikely to open again in that location, he further wrote, "we will find a new home as soon as we can."

All tenants were reportedly able to find shelter for the evening.