Honor Rolls

SOUTH KORTRIGHT CENTRAL SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLLS

Q2 2023-2024

12th GRADE

Superintendent’s list – Hannah Collins, Norah VanBuren, Alexander Ellis, Elsa Morganstern, Kailee Huffman,  

High Honor Roll –Gracie Deysenroth, Connor Quarino, Zackary Anderson, Katherine Reinshagen, Jeffrey Palmatier, Gabriel Taylor, Darren Dengler

Honor Roll – Damon Pietrantoni, Jacob Staroba, Makenna Wright, Hunter Larsen-Wright, Aurthur Shelightner

11th GRADE

Superintendent’s list – Kylie Gregory, Elsa Marigliano, Caitlyn Deysenroth, Lauren Dengler, Madison Larsen-Wright, Chance Molina, Alex Terry

High Honor Roll – Adelynn Eckert, Finton Kennedy, Montana Specht, Zander Fortune, Pat Warren, Kiersten Hobbie, Cole Thomas, Brooke Muthig-Currie, Jesse Hungerford, Hannah Ransford

Honor Roll – Brian Warner, Lance McClure, Jack Byrne  

10th GRADE

Superintendent’s list – Carlee Dropp, Melania Escobedo, Annlyse Haynes, Daphne Vasilakis, Sally Kuhn, 

High Honor Roll – Layla Boudreau, Daniel McClure, Madysen Reeves, Nova Sazonova, Jackson Hudson, Langston Comer, Hunter Morganstern,  

Honor Roll – John Byron Trimbell, Clyde VanBuren, Parker Popp 

9th GRADE

Superintendent’s list – Lily Marigliano, Evan Smith, Emma Smith, Alexis Hendrickson, Patrick Trimbell, Neleh Brown

High Honor Roll – Emma Pelletier, Neleh Brown, Jansen Sturniolo, Jacob Tanner, Autumn Larsen-Wright, Elizabeth Oakley, Jacob Mierop,

Honor Roll – Kody Weaver, Gavin Walsh, Nora Trimbell, Boston Quarino, Jaiden Stoesser, Skylar MacIntyre, Andrew Sanders 

SOUTH KORTRIGHT CENTRAL SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR ROLLS

Q1 2023-2024

8th GRADE

Superintendent’s list – Aurelia Comer, Emma Sicari, Alyssa Tucker, Kaitlyn Brinkerhoff-Hood, Brianna Big Back

High Honor Roll – Zara Houshmand, Ellis LiCalzi, Garrett Dropp

Honor Roll – Cody Hager, Zariah Fortune, Ella Byam, Paxton Popp, Olivia Morton, Zahara Fortune, Braeden Rockefeller, Ty Komosinski, Shae Trimbell, Hans Stelmashuck,

7th GRADE – 

Superintendent’s list – Vivian Morse, Charleigh Brown

High Honor Roll – Harley Johnson, Kylie Whittaker, Elizabeth Baldi, Aydan Oakley, Suzannah Wayman, Haylee Wilcox

Honor Roll - Carter Moore, Adrianne Big Back, Rylee Dorosky

6th GRADE

Superintendent’s list - Scout Lamport, Blakley Haynes, Brooke Hitt

High Honor Roll - Adrian LiCalzi, Emmett Magnan, 

Honor Roll –Mark Silano, Gunnar Deysenroth, Kendall Howard, Monica Holcomb

5th GRADE

Superintendent’s List -Lydia Vitarius, Brooklynn Trimbell, Brayden Barnhart, Jasper Dibble, Hollyn Tucker

High Honor Roll – Brynn Moody, Gideon Knapp, Charleigh Macaluso, 

Honor Roll –Addyson Olsen, Logan Ballard, Schuyler Larsen-Wright, Viera Cambier, Brayleigh Dougherty, Jacob Olsen, Nicholas Brown, William Smith, Liam Wellington-Skog

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Canandaigua Resident Arrested for DWI

Colchester – Today, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Canandaigua resident for driving while intoxicated.

On Sunday afternoon, February 11th, 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies were patrolling on State Highway 17 Westbound in the Town of Colchester and observed a vehicle without a front license plate being displayed and the vehicle inspection to be expired. Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver of the vehicle as 45- year-old James Simmons of Canandaigua, NY. 

Upon completion of the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged Simmons with Driving while Intoxicated, a Felony, Driving with a .08% or more of Alcohol, a Felony, Aggravated Driving while Intoxicated with a 0.18% or more of Alcohol, a Felony, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator in the Second Degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, as well as No Front Plate, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator, and Open Container, all violations in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Upon completion of arrest processing, Simmons was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date to answer the charges.

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The Rams Take League Championship in Final Seconds

By Liz Page

Coming off a buzzer-beating win by the South Kortright Lady Rams, the boys varsity knew they had their work cut out for them, going up against Charlotte Valley, which had given them a close game at the end of the season. The boys produced their own buzzer-beating win, 59-58. 

Connor Quarino, as he has all season, led scoring for the Rams, with 27 points and was the man who sank the clinching basket. Teammate Jacob Staroba contributed another 10 points in double figures.

For Charlotte Valley, Ezra Ontl scored 17 points and teammate Trevor Waid chipped in another 15 points.

The Charlotte Valley fans had to stand for a while, a routine until the first Charlotte Valley basket was scored. It took more than two minutes before any baskets were scored. Eventually Charlotte Valley did score and led by two points after the opening quarter. SK then went on a streak to lead by 9 points in the second quarter, before Charlotte Valley battled back with a pair of three-pointers from Ontl to close the gap to a three-point SK lead by halftime. 

Charlotte Valley returned from the break to lead by one point at the end of three quarters and was up by two points before a foul placed Quarino on the free-throw line where he bucketed both baskets to give SK the game with less than 25 seconds to go. They were able to hold Charlotte Valley from scoring to take home the title.

As the Rams bench helped the cheerleaders, cheering loudly, never giving up.

There may have been a few hoarse players and definitely a few hoarse fans.

Action now moves on to Section IV, Class D playoffs where the SK Rams are the top seed . They now own a 7-0 and 16-2 record. They received the first place Delaware League trophy and the Delaware League championship trophy.

SK Athletic Director Bob VanValkenburgh now has to make room for at least four more trophies in the case and the season isn't over yet.

SK, which is the top seed, had a bye from the opening round on Wednesday and will play the winner of the Cherry Valley-Springfield vs. Worcester game on their home court Feb. 24. The time has not been determined, so check ahead.

Charlotte Valley also had a bye from the opening round and will host fifth-seeded Morris in a Feb. 24 quarterfinal on their home court.

Margaretville will be at Edmeston and if Roxbury advances from the opening round against Schenevus, would travel to Milford.

Semifinal action will be played on Feb. 28 at SUNY Delhi and the championships are set for March 2 at SUNY Delhi.

SectionIV, Class D Seedings

1. South Kortright/Ands (17-2)

2. Milford (15-3)

3. Edmeston (15-4)

4. Charlotte Valley (15-4_

5. Morris (14-5)

6. Margaretville (12-7)

7. Schenevus (10-9)

8. Worcester (11-8)

9. Cherry Valley-Springfield (10-8)

10. Roxbury (9-11)

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Charlotte Valley and Stamford/Jefferson Advance to Sectional Quarterfinals

By Liz Page

DELAWARE LEAGUE - Three Delaware League teams remain in the running for the Section 4, Class D title as girls sectional playoff action got underway Tuesday.

Stamford/Jefferson defeated Odessa-Montour 50-43 on the road in their opening. They received a fire department escort from the school up state Route 23 to boost their moral.

Tierney Turner led S/J with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while teammates Dezaraye Hillis and McKenna Hoyt chipped in another 15 points and 10 pointe respectively for the win. 

Charlotte Valley defeated Laurens/Milford 36-32 on Tuesday. Ella Gerster led the way with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Brinlee Wright added 12 points and six rebounds. Natalie Amadon added eight points and five steals.

 SK  had a bye from Tuesday's opening round, while Charlotte Valley defeated Laurens/Milford and Stamford/Jefferson defeated Odessa-Montour to advance to the quarterfinals set for Friday, Feb. 23 at the higher seed.

SK will host Worcester on their home court at 6 p.m., Charlotte Valley will travel to Edmeston/Morris and Stamford/Jefferson will be on the road to Cherry Valley-Springfield.

Semifinals will be back at SUNY Delhi on Feb. 27 with the sectional championships set for March 2 at SUNY Delhi.

Section IV, Class D seedings

1. Edmeston/Morris (17-2)

2. Cherry Valley-Springfield (11-7)

3. South Kortright/Andes (15-4)

4. Schenevus (14-5)

5. Richfield Springs/ODY (11-6)

6.Worcester (13-6)

7. Odessa-Montour (7-13)

8. Charlotte Valley (11-7)

9 Laurens/Milford (11-8)

10. Stamford/Jefferson (11-9)

11. Franklin (7-10)

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Lady Rams Take 14th Straight Delaware League Championship at the Buzzer

By Liz Page

DELHI – The South Kortright girls claimed their 14th straight Delaware League championship last Thursday at the Clark Field House on the SUNY Delhi campus. The SK Lady Rams defeated Charlotte Valley 43-42 for the title. Lexi Hendrickson, who had just been moved up from the junior varsity squad,, which is tradition,  sank a three-point basket to clinch it by a single point with less than five seconds remaining on the clock. 

Addie Eckert scored 21 points under heavy pressure from Charlotte Valley to lead all scorers. 

Charlotte Valley was led by Brinlee Wright's 18 points with Ella Gerster chiming in another nine points.

The game went back and forth, changing lead numerous times, with Charlotte Valley up by nine points at one time. However, SK fought its way back and a big third quarter for Eckert got them back on top by a single point heading into the final quarter where Charlotte Valley went ahead by as much as six points before SK tied it again. Charlotte Valley then went on top by two points as Wright hit a layup with about 15 seconds to go. With SK's possession, the ball found its way into the hands of Hendrickson, after a missed attempt by another teammate. She's known for hitting three-pointers. She put the ball up and in it went with five seconds on the clock.

It stunned the fans on both sides. 

Now it is on to sectional action this week, with South Kortright, Charlotte Valley and Stamford/Jefferson girls all entering from the Delaware League. SK  had a bye from Tuesday's opening round, while Charlotte Valley defeated Laurens/Milford and Stamford/Jefferson defeated Odessa-Montour to advance to the quarterfinals set for Friday, Feb. 23 at the higher seed.

SK will host Worcester on their home court at 6 p.m., Charlotte Valley will travel to Edmeston/Morris and Stamford/Jefferson will be on the road to Cherry Valley-Springfield.

Semifinals will be back at SUNY Delhi on Feb. 27 with the sectional championships set for March 2 at SUNY Delhi.

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SK Rams Sweep Delaware League Championships At The Buzzer

By Liz Page

DELHI – The fans for the South Kortright Rams and the Charlotte Valley Wildcats were kept at the edge of their seats last Thursday as both the boys and girls varsity championship games came down to the final seconds of play. Both championships ended with SK sinking the clincher at the buzzer inside the Clark Complex gymnasium at the SUNY Delhi campus. They could all return to the field house in a couple of weeks, but it is one game at a time now as local teams enter sectional play.

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Stamford Asked to Turn Public Road Private

By Liz Page

HOBART – The town has been asked to take over private roads but has never faced the dilemma of taking a public road and making it private. Craig Grace posed that situation to them at their meeting on Feb. 14.

People have been doing burnouts along the stretch where there are no houses or buildings and he owns the property all along the portion of Rich Road in question. He said since the Turquoise Barn, there have been strangers going up and down the road and walking across the lawn on Rich Road.  For a time it was a high school hang-out. He said he wondered what the procedure would be to make it private. 

John Kosier said he would ask the county Department of Public Works.

There was concern it would remove a one-mile portion of roadway from the town's inventory, which is used to calculate Comprehensive Highway Improvement  Program funds.

An answer is expected at the March meeting. 

Board members also reviewed the LVDV proposal to replace relief valves along the main. Mike Cairns said he would order two new valves and five valve rebuilding kits. He said the valves have exceeded their life expectancy. Board members approved the purchase. 

He also said there is inflow and infiltration coming into the system and he said a camera should be used to find where the groundwater is making its way into the system. 

It was also agreed to replace the valves with automated valves at a cost if$14,418, to prevent the continued need to enter confined space.

The board adjourned with a very light agenda, after briefly discussing that another vehicle had gone off Roxbury Mountain Road.

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Village Trustees Approve Eagle Scout Project, Adopt Burn Law

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – Village trustees had a full agenda on Tuesday, hearing a proposal to return Stamford and other communities to the heydays circa late 60's early 70's, in an eco-tourism proposal, approved a picnic table for the public at Rexmere Park as part of an Eagle Scout project, adopted a law on open burning in the village, set a public hearing for April 16 at 6:45 p.m. to override the state tax levy limit, approved application for a culvert replacement and approved a new position with the village crew.

Gus Miller is proposing to build a picnic table and engrave it for public use in the village-owned Rexmere Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. He presented his proposal to the trustees.  To obtain the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, you must develop and complete a community service project. He plans to plant the wood at his grandfather's sawmill, then inscribe it and get help to install it from his fellow scouts. Miller said he will be working with his grandfather as his mentor in sourcing the materials. He will use the family sawmill to cut the pieces and have them ready for assembly. Fellow troop members will help stain and assemble. He also proposes to laser engrave the Scout law onto the table.

"I think it's a great idea," said Trustee Jim Kopp, who made the motion for approval.

No one was present to speak at the public hearing on a proposed local law for regular open burning in the village. The law was developed according to state codes by Code Enforcement Officer Rich Irwin who added a section about permitting special celebrations. It was adopted unanimously.

The deteriorating culvert on River St. needs repair and the village approved an engineer for the project last month. They hired an approved engineer last month to provide the preliminary engineering plans, the cost borne by the village along with any right of ways and easements. The village would then be reimbursed for all of the eligible costs once they are approved under the Bridge New York Project through the state Department of Transportation.

The stone culvert, similar to the one on South Street, needs repair. 

They also approved expending $2,600 to survey the property at 3 Harper St., the site of a former gas station, to update the figures, in keeping with those used by the county, for senior citizen tax exemptions in order to schedule a public hearing to increase the eligibility income.

They also reviewed a pair of quotes to repair the boiler at  Churchill Gym and will seek an application from the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation to help fund those repairs.

Lucas Flatus presented the budget for the village wastewater treatment plant. Much of the budget is covered by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Agency. However, he said the village does need to develop a plan to track down the infiltration and inflow (I and I) that still flows into the system. He said the state is starting to make a push on tracking down groundwater now. "We need to spend some money on the collection system, which is not paid for by the city, " he said. Overall the proposed budget is up 8 percent and it has no local impact.

Trustees discussed listing a pair of properties for sale, including the old Jacob's property on Lake Street and the gray barn off Railroad Ave. The Jacob's property will list as an empty lot with the rubble remaining on the site, for $35,000 and the barn off Railroad Ave. will be listed at $49,000.

Board members approved a new mechanic's position with the village crew, trading the new position for a laborer's position. 

Raising the amount charged to conduct tax search fees was discussed and it was approved to charge $100 for the first property search and an additional $50 per property for each property thereafter. The searches can be done online by anyone at no cost, and the cost by the village is to discourage people from tying up the village clerk and treasurer to make those searches, which can be time-consuming.

Trustees also approved additions to the permit fee schedule for inspections necessary when the inspector must return, after a failed inspection. That fee will be $35.

Using vending machines in the snack shack at the pool was briefly mentioned, but will be discussed at another time. 

The budget, with village elections coming up and the fiscal year closing, is also part of the discussion. Trustees reviewed some of the budgeted expenditures that are cutting into the village's general fund balance. Litigation at 3 Harper St. is at $58,170; uncovered monthly expenses at Churchill Gym are $1,676, and TAP overage of $35,000. Another concern is the pending court decision on the former Westholm building, which is all but down and a hazard. Once there is a judge's ruling, it could at some point become the village's responsibility, with just over $200,000 remaining in the Blighted Building fund.

A presentation by Gary Knapp at the beginning of the meeting ended with Knapp being invited back for a workshop session. His proposal encompasses the Delaware Inn and the two recently burned-out buildings on Main St. He pointed to the revitalized Hidden Inn in South Kortright and his eco-tourism hub extended from Stamford to Andes and Lake Delaware.

He would like to see the area prosper as it did in the days of the Chateau and before when Fred P. Murphy and R. Avery Robinson collaborated to build Scotch Valley. He said Dr. Churchill had a strategy and marketed his hotels. He said there are 50 properties that are viable and significant to the community, but most have collapsed and are gone. He envisions resurrecting and preserving by building a business model to do that.

He talked of revitalizing BobCat and the Broad lands at Lake Delaware. He sees a hotel in the form of the former Hamilton House replacing the two burned-out buildings on Main St., which in turn would allow the Delaware Inn to be used as it was intended as a prominent destination hotel and conference center. The Hamilton House is now an apartment complex at the east end of the village.

He said it would involve forming a local development corporation. 

While trustees were interested, they said it was not the venue to present it and they invited him to return for a workshop on his proposal.

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Pistol League Scores

Individual Team High Scores and Team Match Scores Week XVI; 02/16/2024 Matches

Walton defeated Sidney: 11114-13X to 1050-14X

Stamford defeats Delhi: 1115-26X to 925-6X

High Shooters for Stamford were : Gus Mueller 284-7X; John Wyckoff 283-5X; Brian Righi 276-5X; and Cliff Christman 272-5X

Others Shooting for Stamford were: Bruce Martindale, Jim Hitt, Larry VanDeusen, Pat Mattice, Javin Traver, and Mark Gifford

High Scores for Delhi were: Kevin Gutliph 266-2X; Mabel Gutliph 258-2X; Bret Sage 214-2X; and Dennis Klimowski 187-0X

Other Delhi Shooters were: 

Oneonta defeats Rockdale: 1068-17X to 1022-13X

Win/Loss Record:

Stamford                                15-1

Walton:                                   14-2

Oneonta:                                 9-7

Sidney:                                    5-11

Rockdale:                                3-13

Delhi:                                       2-14

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Indictment Unsealed in Delaware County Court

DELHI – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Ryan J. Wood, 36, of Sidney, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on February 14, 2024, and was arraigned on a sealed indictment.    

Wood appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and a One Count Indictment was unsealed.  Count One of the indictment charged the defendant with the Class B felony of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. It is alleged that Wood sold fentanyl in the Village of Sidney on September 18, 2023.  

After being arraigned, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the indictment. Due to New York State’s Bail reform law, charges relating to the sale of drugs do not qualify for bail.  As such, the defendant was released from custody.  

If the defendant is convicted of this crime, he faces a maximum sentence of 9 years in state prison and up to 2 years of post-release supervision. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Village of Sidney Police Sergeant Christopher Dionne for his thorough investigation of this case. 

Smith stated, “This indictment is part of an ongoing effort to combat the sale of drugs in Delaware County.  My office will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to remove illegal drugs from our communities.” 

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.  

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County

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Obituary - Dennis N. Marsh

Dennis N. Marsh, 84, of Stamford, passed away at his home on Friday morning, February 9. 2024 surrounded by his family. 

Born on August 14, 1939 in Buffalo, Dennis was the son of the late Jack and Nellie (Newton) Marsh. 

Dennis had over a 28 year career as a Banker, serving from 1976 until his retirement in 2004 as Senior Vice-President of the National Bank of Stamford. 

He was a member of Kiwanis and served on the boards of the O’Connor Hospital, Friends of Bassett and DCMO BOCES. Dennis was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford where he served as Trustee and Elder for many years. 

Dennis enjoyed golfing and had musical talent, he was a proficient piano player and sang Barbershop with the Oneonta Mid Statesmen. 

Besides his parents, Dennis was predeceased by a brother: Jim Marsh; and a sister-in-law: Betsy. 

He is survived by his wife: Ruth W. Marsh of Stamford; children: Ami (Jeff) Lambert of Clay, NY and Tom Marsh of Stamford; grandchildren: Tim (Sarah) Lambert of Liverpool, NY and Kaitlyn (Nick) Slaney of Hopkinton, NH; great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Maya and Evelyn; brother: John Marsh of Chaffee, NY; sister: Sharyn (Craig) Wiese of Alexander, NY; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at 1PM on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main Street, Stamford, NY. 

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Dennis can be made to Helios Care (www.helioscare.org) or to Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org) 

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Marsh family. 

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Obituary - Linda Rae Decker Palm

Linda Rae Decker Palm spent a lifetime caring for and educating others with compassion and good cheer. She died Feb. 20 at age 79, two and a half years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an illness she handled with her customary grace and courage.  

Born in Stamford on Nov. 16, 1944, to Chauncey and Winifred Decker, Linda graduated from South Kortright Central School in 1962. She received a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oswego, and then earned a master's degree in education from Penn State.  

She married Daniel J. Palm, of South Kortright, at Sacred Heart Church in Stamford on July 29, 1967, a 56-year union that lasted until her death.  They had two sons, born in Pennsylvania: Matthew J., now a journalist in Orlando, Fla., and Jacob A., a clinical psychologist in Long Beach, Calif.

In her youth, she attended Township United Methodist Church and was later confirmed a Catholic with her son, Jacob. 

A teacher by vocation, Linda educated students at schools in Schenectady; Mesquite, N.M.; Watertown, N.Y.; General Brown High School in Dexter, N.Y.; and West Genesee High School in Camillus. Her specialty was remedial reading.  

After living in Las Cruces, N.M., and State College, Penn., the family resided in Sackets Harbor, N.Y.  for close to two decades before moving to Camillus. Linda and Dan retired to Stamford in 2001, back to the Township valley of their youth. 

In Sackets Harbor, Linda was a member of the St. Andrew Catholic Church's Altar-Rosary Society and the Wanderlust women's group. 

More recently, Linda served as board president of the Locust Hill Cemetery in Hobart. She also was involved for many years with the Inner Wheel service club and the Sacred Heart Parish Women's Guild. She was a longtime volunteer at C.O.R.E. Values Thrift Shop in Stamford, where she took special pride in refreshing used dolls for resale, and enjoyed reading as part of book club and playing mahjong.

At home, she gardened and played with Pepper, the latest in a long succession of Black Labs serving as family companions.   

Linda loved music and enjoyed singing in church choirs. With an artistic eye and myriad stamp pads, she was an avid maker of greeting cards, sold at area stores and craft fairs and sent to friends and family with love. 

She had a lifelong love of the outdoors and with her family visited more than 400 national parks, monuments, historic sites and other places of interest.  

On family vacations, with an adventurous spirit she hiked and explored cities and natural landscapes on all seven continents, from the icy ridges of Antarctica to the grassy savannahs of Kenya, from the jungles of India to the wilds of Alaska.  

In addition to her husband and sons, Linda is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Carol and Alan Levy of Monroe Township, N.J., Dean and Donna Decker of Hudson, Mass., Edward and Erica Decker of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kent Many of Chapel Hill, N.C., husband of her late sister, Donna. Another sister, Brenda, died in infancy.  

Linda was close with her in-laws and is also survived by Charles and Cora Palm of Stamford, Eric and Beverly Lawson of Saratoga Springs and Emma Taylor of Hoover, Ala., as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their spouses and children.

Calling hours will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at MacArthur Funeral Home, Stamford. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at Sacred Heart Church in Stamford, with private burial at Saratoga National Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Linda's memory to the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative via the Friends of Bassett Health Care Network website at friendsofbassett.org/ways-to-give.  

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Linda’s family. 

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Obituary - Pamela Farucci

Pamela Farucci, 70, of Stamford, passed away on Wednesday evening, February 7, 2024 at Robinson Terrace after a short battle with cancer.

Born on November 11, 1953 in White Plains, NY, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Miller) Farucci.

Pamela lived in Harrison, Westchester Co., until relocating over twenty years ago to Stamford. 

She was a Dental Hygienist for several dental offices over the years until her retirement.

Pamela loved her feline companions, and enjoyed searching for deals and adding to her antique collection by browsing tag sales. 

She is survived by her brother: Joseph Farucci of Ft. Myers, FL; niece: Christine (John David) Metzger of Norman, OK; grandniece and grandnephew: Madison and Bodhi; along with several close friends. 

Memorial services and burial will take place in the spring at Locust Hill Cemetery, Hobart.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Pamela’s family.

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A Winter Adventure to Hunter Mountain's Fire Tower

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — The Saturday before last, my snowboarding escapade at Hunter Mountain took an unexpected turn, leading me on a captivating journey to the summit's historic fire tower. Standing proudly as the second-largest peak in the Catskills at 4040 feet, the mountain offered more than just thrilling slopes; it unveiled a piece of history and panoramic views that left me awe-inspired.

Eager to escape the bustling lines that come with weekend snowboarding, I embarked on a 2+ mile hike (4+ miles total) over the ridge from the top of the lifts to reach the fire tower. This tower, the first of 23 built in the Catskills and the second-highest standing in the entire Northeast, has a rich history. Initially serving as a fire lookout tower and later facing abandonment, local enthusiasts, fortunately, preserved and restored it after falling into disrepair in the 1990s.

The trail was adorned with a recent snowfall, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland reminiscent of Narnia mixed with the whimsy of Dr. Seuss. The trees stood under the weight of fresh, white snow, creating a picturesque scene with treetops curled in different directions. As I ascended, the morning clouds gave way to a brilliant blue sky, making the entire experience feel almost magical.

Reaching the summit of the fire tower took a lot of work, especially since I was in snowboard boots. The climb through the icy tower was not for the faint of heart as the wind intensified and the temperature dropped. I questioned my decision to leave my gloves behind but, upon reaching the top, was rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the mountains, the Hudson Valley, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and sometimes even southwestern Vermont.

The sun bathed the landscape in its warm, icy glow, and I marveled at the vastness visible from this vantage point. It reminded me of how fortunate I was to witness such a breathtaking winter landscape. However, this joy was tempered by an unfortunate incident on my way back. I had left my helmet and goggles on the trail by a tree about a quarter mile into the journey, only to discover that my helmet, goggles, and Bluetooth speaker system had been stolen as I made my way back. Despite filling out a form with guest services, the chances of being reunited with my gear seem slim.

My overall experience on Hunter Mountain was extraordinary, and I highly recommend venturing into the woods, especially during winter. The snow-covered forest adds a mystical touch, and the historic fire tower offers a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of nature from an unparalleled vantage point. So, if you find yourself near Hunter Mountain, take a detour to the fire tower – it's a trek worth making.

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