Letter to the Editor: Zoning is not the Problem

Dear Editor:

Most people have heard about “urban myths” like alligators in the sewer but few realize we have our fair share of rural myths as well. In Schoharie County the number one myth is that the reason the economy is depressed, the reason we don’t attract big box stores and the reason few businesses move here is because we have overly restrictive zoning laws. It is an easy gripe to repeat, fun to say but it is also untrue. The oft repeated refrain that we “chased away Lowes” is a perfect example. Lowes did not reject Cobleskill as a site for one of its stores because of zoning, lack or water or the other familiar claims. It chose not to build because of very carefully conducted demographic studies that demonstrated to Lowes’ executives that Cobleskill could not support a large home center, given many factors including the proximity to similar stores to the east and west.  The population wasn’t here, the median income level wasn’t here and a Lowes in Cobleskill would not be profitable. The latest claim that the proposed zoning law in the Town of Schoharie would prevent economic growth is equally unfounded and not born out by the facts.

Consider for a moment the Towns of Colonie and Latham. There is no shortage of development in either. In fact they are up to their ears in commercial development. If you compare the zoning law in Schoharie to zoning regulations in Colonie or Latham, it quickly becomes apparent that the laws in Latham and Colonie are far more extensive, granular and restrictive. So why do they not look like ghost towns? The answer is simple. Viable businesses adjust their plans to zoning regulations if they believe there is a profit to be made. Zoning didn’t keep business out of Latham, Colonie, Saratoga or dozens of other communities, any more than it would keep business out of Schoharie County. In fact, half of the Towns in Schoharie County don’t even have comprehensive zoning laws!

What keeps business out of Schoharie County is laundry list of problems – relatively low population (small market for goods and services), low median income levels (consumers with little discretionary spending), uneven access to broadband technology (makingInternet transactions difficult), relatively low rates of college and post-graduate education (shortage of senior-level managers and administrators), unprofessional leadership (unfortunate history of political wrangling and scandal) and an absolute lack of progressive planning strategies (reliance on passive, outdated economic development strategies that ignore quality of life issues, non-traditional markets and alternative marketing strategies).

A related rural myth is that things would be better if we could only get another Stewarts or Dollar General. The fact of the matter is that the only way that rural communities stand a chance at thriving is to aim higher than embracing an suburban strip mall mentality. We need to distinguish ourselves from other run of the mill places by making our communities more livable, more walkable, more sustainable, more interesting and more vibrant. We need to start by revitalizing our downtowns into unique destinations that attract families who will stay and invest in the community. We need to encourage unique/one-off small businesses, non-traditional agriculture markets, scenic/eco-tourism, and develop our towns to be more than a drive thru on the way to Albany or Cooperstown. The use of carefully constructed comprehensive plans and progressive performance zoning is not the impediment to that kind of future it is the roadmap to that future; We should let go of the myths and work to our strengths and not make excuses for our weaknesses. Zoning is not the problem, a lack of vision and a lack of leadership is.

Bob Nied

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Sheriffs Arrest Mburgh Man on Bench Warrant

Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Andrew F. Graves, 31, of the Town of Middleburgh on a bench warrant issued out of the Altamont Village Police Department on Wednesday, April 15th at 6:06 p.m.

Mr. Graves was taken in to custody before the Town of Middleburgh Court on the warrant and was then turned over to Altamont PD for further action.

The 1780 Beer Challenge and Revolutionary War Festival Coming to Middleburgh in May

On Saturday May 16th, The Middleburgh Library, The Albany Ale Project, and Green Wolf Brewing Company are hosting a day long (1 pm to 5 pm), family-friendly event celebrating beer, brewing, and Middleburgh's Revolutionary War history. 

The event will be held on Baker Avenue around Green Wolf Brewing Company and behind the Middleburgh Library. Partial proceeds will go to benefit the Library.

Activities include a Revolutionary War encampment, colonial brewing and cooking demonstrations, 18th century toys and games for kids, talks on the history of beer and hopes in upstate New York and the Schoharie Valley, a Schoharie Valley hops display at the library, beer samples from Green Wolf and MacKinnon Brothers, and Green Wolf brewery tours.

Middleburgers BBQ and Under the Nose gift shop and bakery will be offering barbeque and baked goods for sale, while Craig Gravina and Alan McLeod will be selling and signing copies of their book Upper Hudson Valley Beer. The day will culminate with The 1780 Beer Challenge, cask tapping and tasting.

The result of a challenge between the Albany Ale Project, Green Wolf Brewing Co., and MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co., the beer-infused re-enactment of the 1780 stand off in Middleburgh between New York's Loyalist raiders and the Albany County Militia will be fought this time with hops, grain, and yeast, instead of muskets and cannons. 

Combining forces to create two Revolutionary War-era inspired beers made from locally-sourced, traditional late 18th-century ingredients and historical brewing techniques, the beers will be blind judged against each other by WNYT NewsChannel 13's morning anchor Phil Payly, food and drinks writer Deanna Fox, and Middleburgh Library Director Teresa Pavoldi. 

The winner receives bragging rights and the official "1780 Beer Challenge Champion" barrel head. The loser must hoist their opponent's flag in their respective brewery or taproom. There will also be a People's Choice vote for best beer.

Admission for the 1780 Beer Challenge and Revolutionary War Festival is $15 (for adults 21 years of age and older) and includes beer sampling tickets and a Green Wolf sampler glass, or $35 for sampling tickets, a Green Wolf sampler glass, and a signed copy of Gravina and McLeod’s book Upper Hudson Valley Beer. Admission for non-drinkers, or those 20 years of age or younger is $10. Children and teenagers under 15 are free.

All ages are welcome but you must be 21 to drink.

Opinion: Chamber Takes Step Toward Revitalizing Tourism

Schoharie County is a prime tourist destination with our beautiful mountains, exceptional farmlands, pristine creeks, and an abundance of attractions that appeal to people of all ages from all regions of not only New York, but the entire world. 

We may be biased, as we are a collection of lifelong residents, but Schoharie County sure does look like an easy sell to the outside world. The problem is: it wasn't when the job of promoting all we have to offer rested on county government's shoulders.

Somehow making an easy sell into a bureaucratic mess, county tourism suffered under the direction of former Planning Director Alicia Terry, who was tasked with overseeing promotional efforts in addition to her existing department head duties. 

It was an abject failure from day one that lacked the determination to get the job done and the direction to achieve its intended goals. As such, the ball had been dropped on one of our single most important economic assets, and it was obvious.

There is a bright side, however.

Receiving authorization to once again manage county tourism by the county board last summer, the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce has given the wounded industry a breath of new life and is setting it upon a path of revitalization. 

Revitalization that has not only been spurred by the appointment of Becky Stark as Tourism Coordinator and the formation of an all encompassing Tourism Committee, but in recent efforts to bring the focus back to Schoharie County. 

Launching a $30,000 television advertising matching program last month, Schoharie County Tourism is offering local businesses and municipalities up to $1,000 in matching funds to shoot, edit, and place destination themed ads on regional stations. 

Pitched as part of a renewed Picture Perfect Schoharie County promotional campaign, the program is a major step in the right direction for county tourism. Not only because it is proactive, but because it is innovative and seeks to put a spotlight on us. 

And that is something worth supporting. 

Gibson Introduces Family Farm Relief Act of 2015

Washington, DC – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the introduction this week of the Family Farm Relief Act of 2015, legislation he authored to move the H-2A Agricultural Visa program from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture to better meet the unique labor needs of farmers and agricultural businesses.

“This is common-sense, constituent-driven reform,” said Congressman Gibson. “I deeply appreciate the guidance of the hard-working men and women who grow our food and protect the rural landscape of Upstate New York. Too many of these farmers face labor shortages—and lost income—due to needless bureaucratic delays. Our bill puts this program in the hands of officials who fully appreciate the demands of running a family farm, simplifying the application process to ensure timely planting and harvests.”

“The Family Farm Relief Act would seriously address a number of our labor needs in New York,” said New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. “The bill reduces onerous regulatory burdens, expands the number of farms that can access the H-2A program, and would give farms the flexibility needed to get food from the farm to the dinner table. New York Farm Bureau greatly appreciates the efforts of Rep. Chris Gibson and the other co-sponsors of this bill. They understand that we need more than enforcement to solve our urgent immigration issues.”

Congressman Gibson recently joined 60 other Members of Congress in calling on the House Judiciary Committee to first address needed agricultural immigration reform before moving forward with mandatory E-Verify legislation before the Committee. 

The Family Farm Relief Act of 2015 provides a strong starting point to address this request.  It takes practical measures such as allowing visa applicants to fill out H-2A applications on paper or online, requiring a user-friendly online system, and ending burdensome requirements on advertising and prevailing practice surveys.

“This bill ensures that unelected bureaucrats do not tell our farmers how to advertise for domestic workers,” said Congressman Gibson, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Instead of requiring farmers to advertise for help in at least three states, an arbitrary and burdensome requirement, our bill replaces that requirement with a much more workable standard of advertising within 150 miles of the farm.”

The Family Farm Relief Act of 2015 also allows farm cooperatives and other agricultural associations to apply for workers for their members, makes the program more workable for dairy and other livestock operations, and requires reporting to Congress if delays occur in the H-2A Visa application process.

The original co-sponsors of the bill are Representatives Chris Collins (NY-27), John Katko (NY-24), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Tom Reed (NY-23), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21).

Stamford Pop Up Farmers' Market Seeking Vendors

STAMFORD, NY- The Greater Stamford Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking vendors for its next Holiday Pop Up Farmers’ Market, which is a Pre-Memorial Day market.  The market is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, from 3:30pm until 6:00pm. The location will be the historic Stamford Railroad Station at 21 Railroad Avenue in the Village of Stamford.  This will be an outdoor market, with some spaces available under a covered platform.

 

This GSACC Holiday Pop-Up Farmers’ Market is timed to precede the long Memorial Day weekend.  It’s the perfect time to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer farmers’ market season.  This local market gives shoppers a direct connection to producers and an opportunity to learn more about locally produced goods and the people who make them. 

 

GSACC is especially seeking vendors who sell Catskill-made products- food items, crafts, artwork, and more.  Vendors do not need to be Chamber members, but members receive a discount on the vendor fee.  All vendors must provide proof of liability insurance which covers their participation in this event.  If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Market Manager- Solveig Comer at gsaccpopupmarket@gmail.com or visitwww.CatskillMtns.org/Events.

Mixed Reports: Lopez to Announce Run for Congress

Local news outlets are reporting mixed information concerning a potential congressional bid by New York State Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R-Schoharie), who has been rumored to have interest in the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Chris Gibson.

Writing that "Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R-Schoharie, announced Tuesday he plans to run for the upstate New York House seat in succession of incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson of Kinderhook," The Daily Mail set off a political firestorm yesterday. 

Later quoting Congressman Gibson as stating Lopez would be among a number of worthy potential successors, the Catskill based Mail ran the story in yesterday morning's edition of the Columbia-Greene subsidiary. 

Assemblyman Pete Lopez

The Mail's story was called into question, however by the Oneonta Daily Star, which quoted sources close to Lopez as stating, "the decision is still weeks away." The Assemblyman is said to be conferring with family members on the matter.

Lopez remained conspicuously silent as the conflicting media reports circulated across the 19th Congressional District, which is larger than the neighboring state of Connecticut. 

Phone calls to the Assemblyman's Schoharie office by The Schoharie News were not returned as of publication.

In addition to the Schoharie native, who has often been touted as a hometown son, State Senator Jim Seward and former Assembly Minority Leader John Faso have also been mentioned as potential GOP candidates. No prominent Democrats have signaled interest thus far. 

Working as a lobbyist for Constitution Pipeline, Mr. Faso has been characterized as being out of touch by Schoharie County residents, while Seward has received flak for supporting the 2015 budget proposed by Governor Cuomo. 

Stay tuned to The Schoharie News as we provide further updates to this evolving story. 

Schoharie County in Fire Danger Risk Today

The NWS Fire Weather has issued a Red Flag Warning, effective between 11am and 6pm today. Fire Danger Risk for Schoharie County is currently set at high. 

The combination of moderate wind gusts, very low relative humidity and dry fuels have led to this decision. A Red Flag Warning means that any brush fires that develop this afternoon could grow quickly and spread rapidly. 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation open burning ban is still in effect until May 14th.

KyMar Hosting 2015 Arts Awards Celebration

On Wednesday, April 22 at the KyMar Distillery in Charlotteville at 6:30 P.M., the Greene County Council on the Arts will be awarding state funds to arts and producers in Schoharie County as part of the New York State Council on the Arts Community Arts Grants Program.

These taxpayer monies are used to produce art and art events in Schoharie County for the benefit of all Schoharie County residents. Fiscal year 2015 recipients include: The Richmondville Historical Society for the Bunn Mill Music Series, The Theater Project of Schoharie County, The Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association for their children's summer workshops as well as Sonny Ochs for The Not So Quiet Music Series and more. 

The celebration on April 22 will include live music, tours, and tasting. This part is free and is an excellent opportunity for Schoharie County residents to meet and know their fellow artists and producers as well as sample some of Schoharie County's first "legal" distillery's products. All are invited.

For details about the Community Arts Grant Program, please contact Grant Coordinator, Renee Nied at www.schoharieartsgrants@gmail.com 

Schoharie News Launches GoFundMe Fundraiser

With just under five weeks to go until the inaugural print edition of The Schoharie News is released, we are requesting the assistance of our readers to support us as we take the final steps toward launching this endeavor. 

How can you support us? One of three ways. 

First - you can donate to our newspaper by going to our GoFundMe page and making a secure financial transaction.

Second - you can purchase a digital or print subscription to the newspaper to secure your weekly copy in advance. 

Third - you can place an advertisement or classified in The Schoharie News online or print editions by contacting us. 

Our readers have always been there for us as we have made steps forward in the past, and we believe wholeheartedly that you will be there for us as make this giant step into the future next month. If you have any questions, please email us at theschoharienews@gmail.com 

Go Blue for Child Abuse Prevention

In an effort to facilitate awareness and a continued discussion about Child Abuse Prevention, the Child at Risk Response team of Schoharie County's (CARRT) Education Sub-Committee is challenging all of Schoharie County to go blue on Friday, April 17th.

Encouraging local schools and businesses to go blue and to take up a collection to support the prevention and intervention efforts of the CARRT MDT and CARRT Center, the response team will highlight the highest collective organization on its facebook page. 

All donations can be mailed to CARRT, INC., P.O. Box 4, Schoharie, NY, 12157.

Letter to the Editor: Local Land Law Was too Restrictive

Dear Editor,

I write in response to a letter to the editor which recently appeared in the Times Journal.  The letter was signed by Jeremy Rosenthal, chairman of the Town of Schoharie Planning Board.  In his letter, the Chairman criticized the Town Board’s suggested changes to our proposed Land Use Law.  In particular, he criticized certain changes which I had suggested.

I am writing to explain why I have made those suggestions.  In the past 3 years that I have served on the town board I have listened to the residents of the Town of Schoharie- a population about 3,000.   Over the years many residents have asked me certain questions such as, why did the dollar general go to Middleburg instead of Schoharie? Why Hannaford didn’t come to Schoharie?  Why the New Holland tractor store moved out of the village of Schoharie? My short answer is, the Land Use Law, which was recently struck down by the Courts, was too restrictive on building designs.  None of those buildings would have fit our design standards.  It has been 10 years since the old law was put into place and a lot has changed.  As the Town Board is currently working to adopt a new Land Use Law, it is the perfect time to incorporate the changes that our residents desire.

Some residents have stated that they were concerned that the changes we were making are incompatible with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.  As the Town Board went over the Comprehensive Plan I voiced some concerns I had with the Plan, specifically the design guideline examples that are appended to the Plan as of Appendix A.  However, the consultants which the Town has hired to assist with the Plan’s review explained the “examples” included in Appendix A are not binding and the Comprehensive Plan acknowledged that appropriate design guidelines may be developed over time. We must remember it is just a map to guide our decisions and not the direct road that we must follow.

I listened to the majority of our Town residents before I made my decision to suggest the changes in the Land Use Law, not just one person or one opinion

Sincerely,

James  Schultz

Town Councilamn     

Town of Schoharie

Gibson Meets with Constituents in Work Week Period

While Congress was in recess for Easter and Passover, Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) met with constituents and participated in public events in each of the 19^th Congressional District’s 11 counties.

“Visiting each of the 11 counties in my Congressional district and meeting with hundreds of constituents allowed me the firsthand opportunity to hear how we can be helpful,” said Congressman Gibson. “These conversations help shape our legislative priorities in Washington and give me a clear picture of how things are going for our farms, small businesses, and the scores of local organizations that support and celebrate community life in Upstate New York.”

Congressman Gibson’s schedule included meetings with the Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s associations, students and teachers in Hudson, the director of the New York State Broadband Program, former Navy Seabees, Lyme disease advocates, and members of the Catskill Association for Tourism Services, among other groups.

Families and teachers continued to speak out about standardized testing.

“Constituents oppose Common Core and this week as standardized testing begins in New York, many parents across my district are opting students out of these tests.  They are also looking to Washington and Albany for leadership that brings about change and empowers local parents, teachers, and administrators,” said Congressman Gibson. “We are listening and taking action. We continue to push our bill rolling back federal testing requirements while working with state leaders to roll back Common Core.

“Similarly, we continue to lead on the constituent-driven issue of Lyme disease,” said Congressman Gibson. “We’re working to include our Lyme bill HR 789 in a broader legislative package, if possible, and we’re making progress on companion legislation in the Senate. Our goals also include a robust infrastructure bill, more funding for rural broadband, lowering energy costs, making our small businesses more competitive, and helping veterans through our Agent Orange bill, which now has over 200 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and a companion bill in the Senate.

“Finally, my chief commitment is to keeping us safe and protecting our cherished way of life,” said Congressman Gibson. “Later this month, I will join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee as we mark up the annual defense authorization bill, setting military policy for the year.”

       

The 19^th District is larger than the state of Connecticut, encompassing all or parts of the following counties: Rensselaer, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Broome, Otsego, Schoharie, and Montgomery.

Maple Festival Ready for 50th Anniversary

COBLESKILL, N.Y. -- The sap is gathered. The boiling is done.

Now it’s time to taste and experience the tradition of Schoharie County’s first and sweetest crop, maple syrup.

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the county’s Maple Festival that takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

This year’s 50th anniversary has invited all the Maple Royalty -- individuals who have represented the Schoharie County Maple producers as the Maple Queen or King or Princess or Prince -- to be part of the festivities when new royalty is crowned at 2 p.m. Many are expected to be in attendance.

Another highlight is the Maple Festival Parade. Everyone is invited to participate and the lineup starts at 11 a.m. on Cobleskill’s Legion Drive and goes through the town on its way to the fairgrounds. At the Fairgrounds, the characters from Disney’s “Frozen” will meet and greet guests after they march in the parade.

Throughout the day, the festival features entertainment including the Irish dance of the Iona Dance Troupe, Studio North Dance Company of Sharon Springs, the music of Matt Evans and the acting of the Theater Project of Schoharie County that will present Cirque de Silly.

At Schoharie County’s Maple Festival visitors can eat jackwax -- a chewy confection that results when boiled maple syrup is poured over crushed ice. There’s an all day maple breakfast, along with maple candies, maple demonstrations, crafts and lots of food including a chicken barbecue.

Earlier in the day -- from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. -- baked goods are accepted at the fairgrounds for the annual baking contest. There are two divisions -- Adult (ages 14 and up) and Junior (ages 13 years and younger). And there are three categories:  cupcakes, cakes and muffins; cookies bars and scones; and pies and cheesecakes. Of course, all entries must be made with real maple syrup.

Schoharie County’s Maple Festival has its roots in the county’s Village of Jefferson where it began on the village green. The green was established in 1817 and had 120 maple trees around it. Jefferson is home to The Maple Museum, a classic Greek Revival building completed in 1837, that was renamed in the 1960s in recognition of the town’s maple sugaring industry and its Maple Festival.

The 2015 Schoharie County Maple Festival is sponsored by Cobleskill Stone Products, Kintz Plastics Inc., Stewart's Shops, Sterling Insurance Co. and many other local sponsors.

Constitution Pipeline Seeks Permits in Mburgh

The Middleburgh Town Council has no interest in entertaining representatives of the proposed Kinder-Morgan pipeline, but at the same time it has no choice but to deal with Constitution Pipeline as they move forward in their project. 

Town Highway Superintendent Dale Nunamann informed Town Councilpersons on Thursday evening that Constitution Pipeline is seeking two driveway permits to access acquired easements off of Keyser Road in the municipality.  

Originally slated to cut through Keyser Road to place the pipe, Mr. Nunamann reported that the natural gas company is going to instead bore underneath the road so that the pipe can just be slid in without disturbing the surface. 

Having received the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's blessing in December, Constitution Pipeline has been busy obtaining the necessary easements and permits to move forward with its controversial 124-mile pipeline.

On a related note, representatives of Kinder-Morgan reached out to Town of Middleburgh officials about potentially meeting to discuss town projects the energy giant may be able to assist the municipality with in the future. 

Uninterested in their assistance, Middleburgh council-members voted unanimously to not meet with any representatives of Kinder-Morgan. The motion was made by Councilman Frank Herodes and approved 4-0.

In other business, town council members:

• Voted unanimously to move up the monthly May town board meeting from Thursday, May 14th to Thursday, May 7th in order to avoid conflict with the 2015 Lincoln Day Dinner.
• Referred three potential Joint Town and Village Planning Board appointees to Planning Board Chairman Steve Coonradt for the board's recommendation in filling a vacancy. The three interested applicants are Joe Conneely, John Diaz, and Betty Wayman. 
• Heard from Town Highway Superintendent Dale Nunamann that the highway department is planning to "go over top of what we got" and resurface town roads this summer to stay ahead of road deterioration. 

Letter to the Editor: We Must Resist Additional Pipelines

Dear Editor,

Once again the residents of Schoharie County are facing the possibility of another pipeline (Tennessee Gas) while the struggle continues to stop Constitution.  It is certainly time to recognize that not only are we being exploited, we are being abused as well.  If big energy was to have its way Schoharie County will become a corridor for pipelines and compressor stations.  While there has been some resistance to any more pipelines running through our county by some of the members of the County Board of Supervisors, it is time for a united front by all members to send a clear message to our representatives at the next levels of government as well as big energy. That we will resist all scheduled plans currently drafted to construct additional pipelines through our county.

The residents of Schoharie County are and will continue to be victimized by devaluation of properties, detrimental set back standards, scars on our landscape and eminent domain procedures placed against landowners not willing to sign easement agreements.  Our residents will continue to suffer the environmental impacts as well, caused by the very presence of any given pipeline and compressor station emissions all for the purpose of exporting natural gas.

While portions of our county continue to recover from flood devastation, the county continues to lose populace, creating hardships not only for business but an increase tax burden for those of us who remain.  We must recognize that the loss of populace is caused by the lack of economic development, flooding events, taxation and even the lack of additional skilled nursing facilities.  All made much worse by one pipeline after another eating away at the beauty and safety of our rural environment and at the ability of landowners to truly own and control what’s on their property.  While major specific issues are causing exodus, those same issues are serving as a deterrent for an influx of new residents.  While many of our upstate communities are suffering lack of growth, Schoharie County has a unique set of circumstances that must be dealt with.

I believe that collectively we must resist any additional pipelines.  Elected officials must stand up and be counted on this issue for we are duty bound to protect the health and safety of those we represent as well as stopping the long arm of government that is all too willing to reach out and take what individual homeowners have worked for their entire lives.

Gene Milone

Town of Schoharie Supervisor

SUNY Cobleskill Welcomes Newborn Colt

SUNY Cobleskill's Equestrian program welcomed its third and final addition on Wednesday evening with the birth of a colt named Tadpole. 

Following the births of Epona, a filly named for a Zelda character, and Flash, another colt who was born in record time, Tadpole is the last of the expected newborn horses this foal season. 

Sleeping quietly with his proud broodmare standing nearby, Tadpole was in a particularly non-photogenic mood, but considering his recent ordeal, we'll let him slide. 

NYPA Textile Day & Quilt Show Seeking Vendors

Joining forces to coordinate with the New York Power Authority's Lansing Manor Annual Quilt Show on Saturday, June 6th, the Jefferson Historical Society is seeking vendors to display their products at the event.

Featuring speakers Rabbit Goody and Dr. Jacquie Atkins, who will give presentations and appraise textiles brought in by the public, fiber and textile artisans are welcome to sell their products and demonstrate their craft.

Tent, tables and chairs, electricity, bathroom facilities will all be provided by the New York Power Authority.  The Jefferson Historical Society will have food to purchase.  Vendor fee is $10, payable to The Jefferson Historical Society. 

 For more information contact Barb Palmer (607) 652-2156 or Carol Bodnar (607) 652-2107.

Flood Warning Issued for Schoharie Creek

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Flood Warning for the Schoharie Creek at the Gilboa Dam from this evening until late Sunday night. 

Creek levels are scheduled to reach the temporary flood stage of approximately 1,130.5 feet by 9:00 p.m. this evening, with no decrease expected in stage until after 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening.

Although the Schoharie Reservoir is forecast to slightly exceed the temporary flood stage, outflows are only expected to reach approximately 2,500 cfs due to current reservoir operations. 

As a result of the outflows, there will be a significant within bank rise on the Schoharie Creek downstream of the Gilboa Dam, but not enough to cause any creek-side flooding.

WNYT-Channel 13 Albany is calling for a bright and sunny forecast this weekend, with no additional precipitation expected to enter the Capital District while the Flood Warning is in effect. 

Stay tuned to local news updates for further updates.

Opinion: Schoharie's Albatross

Our view from the third floor of The Schoharie News office in Schoharie is unmatched, for we possess a commanding vantage point to observe all the historic village has to offer. 

To our right we can see the Daughters of the American Revolution Hall, the Heritage House, and the beginning of the municipality's residencies. In front of us resides the county building, courthouse, and the daily coming and going of hundreds of people. 

Looking left, we encounter both Schoharie's finest and most disappointing displays. On the finest spectrum rests the village's business district, which has grown at a impressive rate since the floods of Irene subsided in August 2011. It's truly inspiring to see as storefront after storefront has become occupied.

However, also looking to the left, we can't help but see what stands as the albatross of Schoharie: the Parrot House, which for one reason or another, has remained vacant for years and as such has stood out like a sore thumb in a beauty contest on Main Street. 

We understand the reasons behind its current closure: expensive repairs, health violations, and a series of less than savory operators. The Parrot House is old and it requires more than just a little tender loving care to bring it back to glory. (probably to the tune of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars). 

But bring it back to glory, we must. 

More than just a bar and restaurant, the Parrot House offered curious visitors to the Schoharie Valley a historic lodging to rest their spurs at, fine food to wet their appetites with, and a starting point for which they could experience all we have to offer. 

Much like Guilford Mills did in Cobleskill, the Parrot House poses daunting challenges to the future of Schoharie, because in its current state the building is a neutral object that, although unused, isn't causing a net loss to the village, but fully operational it would be nothing short of beneficial to its revitalization.

The first step to solving any problem is to admit that a problem exists in the first place, which I hope we all know by this point. Our question is: how do we get to step two and start addressing Schoharie's albatross in a productive and successful manner? 

That - we are not pleased to admit - but we don't even know where to begin. What we do know is going back to our commanding view of the village, that we reside somewhere special with a lot of potential, which when put together, will restore Schoharie back to being the jewel of the Valley.