google.com, pub-2480664471547226, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

Know Your Representatives

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 3/8/24 | 3/8/24

By Mary A. Crisafulli

It is important to know who your representation is when having concerns about government proposals. State and federal representatives are elected by the people to, as the name eludes, represent those people when making decisions such as adjusting or developing legislation. Representation is dependent on where you live, hopefully, the below information will help you in determining who your representative is.

NY State Senate

The New York State Senate is the higher house of the legislative branch of government. Representatives are responsible for development of laws and the state budget. The Senate is also responsible for supporting or denying appointed officials by the governor. There are 63 senate members elected for two-year terms.

All of Delaware, Schoharie, and parts of Otsego County including Cherry Valley and Roseboom are located in New York Senate District 51 with Senator Peter Oberacker. Oberacker is a member of the Republican party.

Oberacker has a district office at 41 South Main Street in Oneonta. He can be reached at the Oneonta office at 607-432-5524. Oberacker also has an office in Albany at 188 State Street in the Legislative Office Building room 506. He can be reached at the Albany office by calling 518-4553131. Oberacker's email address is oberacker@nysenate.gov.

Oberacker's Chief of Staff Ron Wheeler can be reached at 607-432-5524 or rowheeler@nysenate.gov. Oberacker's Communications Director Jeff Bishop can be reached at 607-432-5524 or jbishop@nysenate.gov.

For more information on Oberacker's initiatives visit nysenate.gov/senators/peter-oberacker

All of Green County is located in New York Senate District 41 with Senator Michelle Hinchey. Hinchey is a member of the Democratic party.

Hinchey has an office in Albany at 198 State Street Legislative Office Building Room 902. She can be reached at the Albany office by calling 518-455-2350. Hinchey has a district office at 721 Broadway Suite 150 in Kingston. She can be reached at the Kingston office by calling 845-311-3810. Hinchey can also be reached by email at hinchey@nysenate.gov.

for more information on Hinchey's initiatives visit https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/michelle-hinchey

If you are still confused about who your NY Senate representation is, visit nysenate.gov click "find your senator" and type in your street address.

NY State Assembly

The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the legislative branch of government. Representatives work with the governor to create laws and develop the state budget. There are 150 assembly members elected for two-year terms.

The eastern half of Delaware County, all of Schoharie and Green counties, parts of Ulster County including Shandaken, and parts of Otsego County including Cherry Vally and Roseboom are located in the 102nd Assembly District with Assemblymember Chris Tague. Tague is a member of the Republican party.

Tague has an office in Albany at the Legislative Office Building 937 he can be reached here by calling 518-455-5363. He has two district offices, one at 45 Five Mile Woods Road Suite 3 in Catskill with phone number 518-943-1371. His second district office is located at 113 Park Place Suite 6 in Schoharie with phone number 518-295-7250. Tague can be reached by email at taguec@nyassembly.gov.

For more information on Tague's initiatives visit assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Chris-Tague

If you are still confused about who your State Assembly is, visit assembly.state.ny.us click "Who is my Assemblymember" and type in your street address.

Governor

The New York State governor represents the executive branch of state government. The governor of NY is currently Kathy Hochul who is a member of the Democratic Party. The governor is the head of the state government. The position is responsible for the implementation of state laws, overseeing state operations, revision of policies, and development of budgets. The governor has the power to veto legislative branch proposals and can make executive orders that surpass state legislature approval to take effect. The governor is also responsible for appointing many officials including judges. 

The governor's office can be reached at 518-474-8390 during hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or by mail at The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State, NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224. You can also email the Governor through the online system by visiting governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form.

For more information on Governor Kathy Hochul's initiatives visit governor.ny.gov

United States House of Representatives

The US House of Representatives makes up one portion of the US Congress a part of the Legislative Branch of government. The House is responsible for taking action on proposed bills, resolutions, amendments, and more through a voting process that requires a majority to pass. For legislation to pass both the House and Senate must pass a majority vote. The House holds sole power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the president in case of an electoral college tie. The House is made up of State Congress Members who are elected for a two-year term to varying districts in their home state that are developed using census data.

All of Greene County and most of Delaware County are located in the 19th Congressional District with Congressman Marcus Molinaro. This includes the towns of Delhi, Stamford, Roxbury, Andes, Harpersfield, Kortright, and Davenport. Molinaro is a member of the Republican Party.

Molinaro has several office locations throughout the state and one in Washington DC. The Greene County office is located at 49 Gilfeather Park Road Unit 1 in Leeds the office number is 518-625-2100. Molinaro's Delaware County office is located at 661 West Main Street in Hancock with no phone number listed. To email or request a meeting with Molinaro visit molinaro.house.gov/contact. For more information on Molinaro's initiatives visit molinaro.house.gov

All of Schoharie County and parts of Otsego County including Cherry Valley and Roseboom are located in the 21st Congressional District with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik is a member of the Republican Party.

Stefanik has four office locations in Plattsburgh, East Greenbush, Herkimer, and Ogdensburg. The East Greenbush office is located at 99 Troy Road with phone number 518-242-4707. The Herkimer does not have a listed address but the phone number is 315-219-8005.

To email or request a meeting with Stefanik visit stefanik.house.gov/email-me. For more information on Stefanik's initiatives visit stefanik.house.gov.

If you are still unsure of who your Congress representative is visit house.gov and enter your zip code in the upper right corner.

United States Senate

The United States Senate makes up the second portion of the US Congress as a part of the Legislative Branch of government. There are two United States senators for each state that are elected for a six-year term. The Senate is responsible for taking action on proposed bills, resolutions, amendments, and more through a voting process that requires a two-thirds majority. For legislation to pass both the House and Senate must pass a majority vote. The Senate also holds the power to confirm presidential appointments. The Senate tries impeachment cases for federal officials.

New York Senators are Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand both of the Democratic Party with offices in Washington DC.

Gillibrand, whose hometown is Albany, can be reached at 202-224-4451. To email Gillibrand visit gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me. For more information on Gillibrand's initiatives visit gillibrand.senate.gov.

Schumer, whose hometown is Brooklyn, can be reached at 202-224-6542. To email Schumer visit schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck. For more on Schumer's initiatives visit schumer.senate.gov.



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Pistol League Scores



Individual High Scores and Team Match Scores Week XVIII; 03/01/2024 Matches

Rockdale defeated Delhi: 1039-8X to 984-9X

Stamford defeats Walton: 1102-24X to 1099-17X

High Shooters for Stamford were : John Wyckoff 287-5X; Gus Mueller 280-10X; Larry VanDeusen 272-7X; and Brian Righi 263-2X

Others Shooting for Stamford were: Jim Hitt, Pat Mattice, Javin Traver, Mark Gifford, and Jim Moore

High Scores for Walton were: Glenn Bowker 280-4X; Dennis Bennett 276-4X; Justin McAdams 274-3X; and Bill McAdams 269-6X

Other Walton Shooters were: James Noviello, Ryan Boice, Carl Banker, Jeff Yambor, Brian MacRabie, Michael Noviello, Kris Bowker, Steve Dutcher, and John Noviello

Oneonta defeats Sidney: 1051-16X to 1050-17X


Win/Loss Record:

Stamford                                 17-1

Walton:                                  15-3

Oneonta:                                 10-8

Sidney:                                    6-12 

Rockdale:                                4-14

Delhi:                                       2-16



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Local Oscar Buzz

A small group of people locally will be watching the Academy Awards this Sunday with a certain sense of ownership. They’ll be rooting for American Fiction in the five categories in which it’s been nominated: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Score, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It’s this last category that provides a direct, if extremely slender, thread of connection to the movie.
Over twenty years ago the group—Gerry Stoner, Ellen Thorn, Linda Stratigos,, and myself, Terry Bradshaw—worked together at Generic Compositors in Gilboa, typesetting books for university presses. One project at the time was the novel Erasure by Percival Everett. My part in the process was to input the manuscript corrections. Some sections of the text were so funny, I’d read them aloud and we’d practically all fall off our chairs laughing. That book is the basis for the movie American Fiction.
We all found Erasure a remarkable tale then; we thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and we’ll be watching on Sunday, popcorn in hand, hoping the Academy agrees with us.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Arrest of Inmate


Delhi - Today, Sheriff Craig S. Dumond announced the arrest of a Delaware County Correctional Facility Inmate.
On Friday, March 1, 2024, members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 54-year-old Thomas H. Burrows Jr. of Manhattan NY on a Bench Warrant issued by the Town of Stamford Court. Investigators say that Burrows was being held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility on an unrelated charge at the time of his arrest. This warrant was issued due to Burrows’s failure to appear in court in connection with a charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree.
Burrows was arraigned at the Delaware County CAP Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000.00 cash bail, or $4,000.00 secured bond.  


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Michael Peters’ Art Opening and Performance at Bushel, March 23


 


DELHI — Bushel invites the public to an art opening celebrating O Kind Vel’d Sparrow, Michael Peters’ immersive sound-imaging installation at Bushel on Saturday, March 23, 4 to 7 pm. At 5 pm, Michael Peters and guest musician Al Margolis (composer and performer under the name If, Bwana) will construct a live performance using words and sounds as material in correlation with the installation. This event is free and open to all. Bushel is located at 106 Main Street, Delhi.

On view March 23–31, Peters’ installation O Kind Vel’d Sparrow features poetry, sound, art (visual poetry), films (kinetic visual poetry), and weird symbolic objects to create an immersive environment, a kind of flight simulator where discovery, mind travel, and even transcendence become possible.

Among the objects in the installation: a period cut in half with exposed gestating text, a black horse on a field of stars rearing above an orb-like door knob, cereal boxes from a dream the artist had, a “comet” tape measure, scientific meters, a big bang clock, and more—all of which rests upon a low-end drone offset by higher registers of AM radio static. Taken together, these strange elements gently congeal into a complex, ambient environment with meditative effects. The juxtapositions and congruencies of sound, image, text, objects, and ideas allow new ideas to appear, but with an improvisational logic open to the future. And what is the function of all that? Ask the artist, and you’ll get this: “Like an ecological topologist or a f’d up interior designer and/or some kind of celestial DJ, we can remix and remake life itself, ethically reshaping it within the vast bin of this very real cosmos. Earth art? Sort of, in part. Space art? In part, but only kind of. I shake my fist at The Council of Bots overseeing the Center for Genre Clarification, cursing under my breath. The Linnaean apps are glitching, and you’re missing the point.This is more of an incomplete LP—a long player, of sorts—with ethical aims of reanimating our relations to the immediate environment, the earth at large, and the vast air space about us. Maybe it’s more of a flight simulator, something akin to a flight manual with injunctive guidance systems for departures and arrivals. Or maybe even a prototype for something akin to an ethical flight school where pilots are trained to undo the perils of social and planetary distress.”

Michael Peters is the author of Vaast Bin (Calamari Press, 2007) and an array of sound, image, and text-based works. In addition to print and online journals, his work appears in poetry and visual-poetry anthologies like The Last Vispo Anthology (Fantagraphics, 2012) and Resist Much/Obey Little (Spuyten Duyvil, 2017). His visual poetry has appeared in nearly 20 group shows, and is scattered in special collections such as the Sackner Archive and avant-garde libraries at Ohio State and University at Buffalo, as well as in private collections. Peters is also a member of the musical group Poem Rocket, and a label-mate of Sun Ra on Atavistic Records, the Chicago-based avant jazz and rock label. Peters has performed at NYC’s The Bowery Poetry Club, St. Marks Poetry Project, Issue Project Room, and Zinc Bar, as well as the Boston Poetry Marathon, SUNY Albany’s Art Museum, Round Lake Auditorium, and Chicago’s MCA. www.michael-peters.com.

BUSHEL is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, volunteer-led, mixed-use space dedicated to art, agriculture, ecology, and action. It is located at 106 Main Street in Delhi. For more information, go to www.bushelcollective.org.



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Springing Ahead, Spring Fever and Making Maple Syrup

By Liz Page

CATSKILL REGION   – The time jumps ahead one hour this Sunday, one of  the signs of spring  and local maple producers have been in the sap house boiling, another sign of spring. Milder temperatures and rain have some in full blown spring fever.

I watched the deer yesterday morning, tearing through the woods. I wondered what was chasing them, but then I I realized they were having a moment of frivolity and were playing with each other, zooming and bucking. They were feeling light hearted. Perhaps at the prospect they have already been able to eat grass and are not digging through snow to find a meal. Or, could it be those longer daylight hours.

Maybe they had spring fever.

Local maple producers are taking advantage of an early run of sap. Traditionally President's week is a time to tap, but many have already been boiling. The worry now, is if the warm weather continues without freezing cold nights. The trees will bud and maple season will be over early,

Maple producers in the state, including several local producers, will be welcoming the public into their sap houses over the weekends of March 15 and 16 and Mar 23 and 24.

It is a great spring outing for the family, with many producers hosting special events, sampling and tours. You can see how maple syrup is produced, drink in the sweet smell of boiling sap and enjoy some sap house samples. Some will be serving breakfast.

Thompson's Sugar Shack, located at 245 North Harpersfield Road, will host its open house and breakfast on March 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. You can enjoy the smell of boiling sap as you eat your breakfast, and sample some of the many products.

Roxbury Mountain Maple, which will provide tours, samples, free maple chili for lunch along with maple cookies, cinnamon rolls and other items. They will be open March 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. They have a large gift shop as well.

Buck Hill Farm, 185 Fuller Road, Jefferson, is serving a farm to table breakfast on both weekends. They will also have samples and demonstrations. They also have a large gift shop.

Shaver-Hill Maple at 450 Shaver Road, Harpersfield, will have an all you can eat pancake breakfast on both weekends from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. each day. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, samples and demonstrations. The pancake breakfast on March 23 benefits the Stamford/Jefferson Booster Club and on March 24, the Gilboa Varsity Baseball team. They have a fully stocked showroom of equipment and a large gift shop.

A full listing of participating producers can be found at mapleweekend.com.

As the amount of daylight lengthens, we spring ahead to add daylight onto the end of our days. While some lament the loss of an hour of sleep, many are anxious to add daylight onto the day, so that you can get out and enjoy those extra hours of daylight.

So invite Spring Fever to take effect and provide some frivolity, like the frolicking deer, and enjoy the unseasonable weather. It may be a good time to make a trip to the sap house.



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Learn How to Make Your Own Candles!

DELHI — The Delaware County Historical Association is offering an afternoon candle dipping workshop on Saturday, March 30 from 2pm to 3pm

Adults and children over 12 are invited to attend this workshop at DCHA. Participants will learn the historical art of making candles. Please wear older clothes, or bring an apron. You will be working with hot wax!

Registration required by March 23. Cost: $10 per person. Call 607-746-3849 or e-mail dchadelhi@gmail.com to register. DCHA is located at 46549 State Hwy. 10, Delhi, NY 13753.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

SENTENCE IN FELONY WELFARE FRAUD CASE

A close up of a person

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

DELHI- Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Kellie Sanderson, 46, of Walton, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on March 4, 2024, to be sentenced on her conviction of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony.

Sanderson previously pleaded guilty to Felony Welfare Fraud on January 2, 2024, after admitting that she falsely reported her income to obtain public assistance benefits she was not entitled to.  

The defendant appeared in County Court for sentencing on March 4, 2024.  The Honorable John L. Hubbard sentenced the defendant to 5 years of felony probation supervision, with a specific condition of probation being that she must pay restitution to the Delaware County Department of Social Services.  The defendant was also ordered to provide a sample of her DNA for inclusion in the New York State DNA data bank and pay the $50.00 DNA fee.  

As a result of her felony welfare fraud conviction, the defendant is disqualified from applying for or receiving temporary assistance for 18 months.  She is further disqualified from SNAP (food stamps) for 24 months.  This is the defendant’s second conviction for welfare fraud- she was previously convicted of misdemeanor welfare fraud in 2014. 

District Attorney Smith commended the work of the Department of Social Services. “I want to thank Investigator Richard Gerace for his thorough investigation into this case. My office will continue to zealously prosecute individuals that steal from public assistance programs.” 

If you suspect someone of committing welfare fraud, please call the fraud hotline at 607-832-5404. 

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County 



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Harpersfield Looking Into Community Block Grant

HARPERSFIELD – Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council, Inc. (WCCRC) is pleased to announce that the Town of Harpersfield is considering applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Grant funds from the Office of Community Renewal. The grant will be for owner occupied housing rehabilitation for health and safety repairs on home including but not limited to foundations, roofs, windows, plumbing, and electrical. This grant application will be written by and, if awarded, administered by WCCRC.

A large part of this application is based on community interest. Therefore, it is important that people interested in the program contact WCCRC to get on the waitlist. A robust waitlist of qualified households is required for the application. Interested parties must own and reside full time in a “stick built” home within the town of Harpersfield.    

To be eligible for these grants, applicants must have an income at or below 80% of county median income for family size. A household of 1 person cannot gross more than $45,500.  For a household of two the maximum income is $52,000, for a family of four it is $64,950. 

WCCRC is a Rural Preservation Company that serves Harpersfield, Kortright, Middletown, Roxbury, and Stamford in Delaware County; Ashland, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, and Prattsville in Greene County and Blenheim, Broome, Conesville, Fulton, Gilboa, Jefferson, and Summit in Schoharie County. 

Executive Director Antonia Besculides states “The Community Development Housing Rehab Grant program benefits not only the eligible homeowners but the entire community by increasing job opportunities, beautifying towns, and stabilizing local housing. The CDBG programs have been incredibly successful in our service area, and we urge interested homeowners to get on the waitlist for a possible grant in Harpersfield. Community members should reach out to learn about this specific application and the other programs that are offered through the Office of Community Renewal.” 

Anyone interested in getting on the waitlist for rehabilitation grant funds should call Western Catskills 607-652-2823 ex. 107 or info@westerncatskills.org

Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Michele Frazier to Run for State Senate


Former Oneonta Councilmember Announces Run for 51st District

Delhi - Michele Frazier announced she is running for the 51st State Senate District, which includes all of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Sullivan Counties, and parts of Broome, Chenango and Ulster counties. Frazier, who currently lives in Delhi, is a former Oneonta City Councilmember, and grew up in Oneonta where her family owned and operated a greenhouse company for over 35 years. 

“My roots in the area are deep, and my family has experienced first-hand many of the opportunities and challenges we face in rural New York,” Frazier said. “I am running because we desperately need a representative who will get to work fixing problems and bringing new opportunities so that everyone in our rural counties has access to the services, education, and support they need to flourish and grow.”

Frazier is a local realtor and teaches Criminal Justice at SUNY Delhi. She is also the parent of two neurodivergent children. Her legislative priorities include addressing the housing crisis so rural New York can be a place where people can afford to live, work and raise a family; bringing reliable internet to rural communities; increasing access to affordable quality childcare so parents who want to work can work, and expanding crisis services to better address mental health needs, freeing up our police and first responders and making our communities safer.

Frazier lives in Delhi, New York, with her husband and three kids. She has received endorsements from the Chenango, Sullivan, Delaware, Otsego County Democrats, the Town of Middlefield Democrats, and the Delhi Democrats. www.michelefrazierfor51.com

Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Handmade Broom Workshop with Poliana Danila

The Roxbury Arts Group is excited to welcome fiber artist Poliana Danila for a unique workshop exploring the art and craft of broom making. Utilizing ancient techniques and materials, participants will create their own exquisite handmade broom. This captivating workshop will take place at the Headwaters Arts Center at 66 Main St. in Stamford, NY on Saturday March 23 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The fee for this 3-hour workshop is $40 and includes all materials. 

During this hands-on workshop, participants will use a variety of tools and techniques to make a 16-inch sorghum broom. They will leave with a finished broom that Is extraordinarily effective at sweeping, but is also beautiful enough to be displayed on the wall or showcased as an altar piece.

Poliana Danila is an educator, fiber artist and broom maker who loves working with whatever the plants give/gift us. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Landscape Design / Horticulture and she has had the privilege to take weaving, knotting, plant dyeing, handcrafted broom classes with different well-known artists and makers at fiber studios including the Textile Art Center in Brooklyn/ Manhattan and the Fiber Craft Studio in Spring Valley, NY. 

Space is limited! Register now to embrace this unique creative experience with Poliana Danila at Headwaters Arts Center for a 3-hour broom making workshop. Registration and additional information is available at roxburyartsgroup.org or by calling 607-214-6040. 



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

$13 Million For CWC Stormwater Retrofit Program

Stormwater retention ponds and rain gardens help manage stormwater runoff.



By Mary A. Crisafulli

ARKVILLE - The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) received an additional $13 million for the stormwater retrofit program, the third contract since 1997. Stormwater retrofit is the best management practice for addressing existing stormwater runoff in concentrated areas of water-resistant surfaces. Such practices correct or reduce existing erosion or pollutant loading.

Eligible undertakings are awarded based on severity of water quality issues concerning stormwater runoff, extent of existing erosion issues due to stormwater runoff, amount of pollutant loading, and the predicted effectiveness of pollutant removal or anticipated pollutant loading reductions. Approval could also be based on topography, water quality, land area, land use, land ownership, contributing drainage areas, soil, imperviousness, and agreement by the municipality in which the project is located.

Eligible projects include feasibility studies, project design, construction and implementation, retrofit operation and maintenance costs, and community-wide planning and assessment. A community-wide assessment project would provide a guide for implementation of future stormwater retrofit projects.

Stormwater practices vary from rain gardens with moisture-tolerant native vegetation and stormwater retention ponds to stone-lined channels leading runoff to storm drains or addition of porous pavement that allows water to penetrate through into the native soil.

Retrofit programs are used at a higher rate in urban areas where water-resistant materials are more plentiful, said CWC Director Jason Merwin. In the watershed, he explained areas of concern include schools, bus garages, municipal facilities, grocery stores, and more. "Other eligible projects could be main street areas of certain communities where green infrastructure practices could be utilized to prevent dirty stormwater runoff from entering the waterways," said Merwin. In the past, applicants have been mostly schools and municipalities, but any property owner in the watershed can apply, Merwin added.

For more information on the program call 845-586-1400 or visit cwconline.org.



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Obituary - Louis Anthony Desimone

Louis Anthony Desimone- the man, the myth, the legend (and the unofficial mayor of Jefferson, New York) passed away at the young age of 96, on March 2, 2024. As stubborn in life as he was in death, Louis began his fight with aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma at 94 and would not resign himself until he had put another two good years under his belt. In the end, Louis had beat cancer and went into remission, ultimately succumbing to complications associated with heart failure. 

A true Bronx man to the core, Louis was born on January 16, 1928 as the best thing to happen until sliced bread was invented six months after he was born. He lived with parents Anthony and Ann Desimone, as well as siblings Crescent (Sonny), Cecelia (Sis), Anthony (Jake), Ann, Thomas, and James. He attended the Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and Cardinal Hayes High School before moving on to join the United States Marine Corps. While serving with the Marines, he worked within the US Pentagon building as well as Marines Corps Base Quantico before being honorably discharged.

A man of many talents, he could not consign himself to one job after his time in the Marines Corps was done. He worked with the US Parks department, the US Post Office for twelve years, and part-time for the Bellmore Taxi company before becoming an owner in the business himself. His favorite job of all of these, however, was being a husband to his wife Catherine, and father to his three children - Robert, Kathleen, and Laura. Out of all his adventures in life there was nothing he took more pride in than being a father. He built his children a sparkling pool-oasis for their entertainment in the backyard of their Levittown split-level house and stuffed the kids in the back of his Bellmore taxi cab (or one of his many Cadillacs) to take them wherever they wanted to go with their friends. He drove them on family vacations down to Florida, and never raised his voice when the children fought in the back seat—but always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye when their mother scolded them.

In 1979 he married his second wife, Eileen, who brought with her six children of her own, whom Louis cherished as much as his own. It was on a vacation with Eileen that they both fell in love with the town and community of Jefferson, New York, and subsequently bought a house and moved there full-time in 1982. Louis continued his career with the post-office now at their location in Schenectady until he retired after 37 years at the age of 74.

Still a vibrant young man at heart, Louis would not be deterred from a very active social life. He became a member of the Senior Citizens Club, the Heritage Day Society, the Historical Society, the American Legion, the Disabled War Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association. He and Eileen would dress up as Mr and Mrs Claus for Christmas, and the Easter Bunny in spring (all in handmade costumes, of course) and go to visit nursing homes. They were dedicated residents of Jefferson, and devoted members of the Sacred Heart Church in Stamford, New York.

As if that was not enough to keep him busy, he owned a driving range next to his home- Just For Fun! He loved to see parents coming to play golf with their children, only for those children to bring their own family golfing years later. As time went by, Louis became an unwavering and beloved figure in the town he adored. He was always visiting one of his friends or driving to one of his meetings- long after he was told he should not be driving. When he was not sneaking into his car to visit his buddies- they would gather around his kitchen table at his house to solve the world's problems.

Louis is preceded in death by his son Robert, stepson Robert, stepdaughter Karen and wife Eileen. He leaves behind his daughters Kathleen and Laura, as well as stepchildren Richard, Raymond, Ronald, and Russell. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks is particularly noted to Louis’ nephew Tony Desimone and his wife Harriet- who never failed to look after him before and during his battle with cancer. Not many would drive for hours taking someone to appointments, meals, down to visit family for holidays and visit him every day at the hospital to make sure the nurses were kept on their toes. For your dedication and commitment to the life and memory of Louis Desimone we thank you.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 3-7PM on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 15 Buntline Drive, Stamford.  A Mass will be celebrated at 11AM on Saturday, March 9 at Sacred Heart Church, Stamford, followed by burial with military honors at Jefferson Evergreen Cemetery, Stamford. 

In lieu of flowers contribution in memory of Louis may be made to Jefferson Senior Center, PO Box 256, Jefferson, NY 12093

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



Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Obituary - Robert William Sheppard

Robert William Sheppard, long time resident of Stamford NY, passed away on February 17, 2024.
Bob was born on May 30, 1940, in Somerville, NJ to his late parents, Dorothy Pohemus and William Schomp Sheppard.  He grew up in New Jersey, the eldest of three, with his late sister, Margery Connett, and his late brother, Richard Sheppard.
After graduating from Somerville High School, Bob attended SUNY Cobleskill receiving his degree in horticulture.  There he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Hyatt Sheppard.  They married in 1962 and moved to Stamford where they worked together for 41 years, proprietors of Stamford Greenhouses and Florist before retiring in 2003.
Bob, a talented floral designer, horticulturist, landscaper, and businessman, was above all a loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Stamford Kiwanis, Stamford Golf Club and Florist Transworld Delivery Assoc.  He enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, woodworking, cooking, skiing, biking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, motorcycling, snowplowing, animal husbandry and mowing his beautiful lawns and tending to his and Mary’s house on the hill.
Bob loved his family and friends; his old maple syrup sap house was a frequent gathering place for fellowship, friendly card games and laughter.  Bob harvested many gardens and tapped many maple trees, sharing his produce with family, friends, and neighbors.  Always willing to help and offer an alternative opinion, he enjoyed a good debate.  He will be missed by many but especially his family. 
Bob is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Kimberly Jo Sheppard (Steven Tancer), son Robert Samuel Sheppard, grandchildren Georgia Frances McKay, Samuel Jake McKay (Mary lou Giery). 
A Private celebration of life and memorial service will be held at the discretion of the family. 
Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Crafters Wanted For Two Popular Events

Written By Editor on 3/6/24 | 3/6/24


Applications continue to be accepted for two popular craft events in Richfield  Springs--the 43rd Annual Friendship Craft Festival to be held on Saturday, June 8 in  Spring Park and the 4th Annual Fall Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at  the Cullen Pumpkin, 587 Cullen Road. Both events are sponsored by the Church Of  Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs.  
For information and an application for both events go to  
www.rschurchofchristuniting.com and click on the “Events” tab or call Geri at 315- 858-2103.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

The Arc Lexington celebrates National Developmental Disabilities Month with ‘Rock for Abilities’ Concert, art contest

Written By Editor on 3/4/24 | 3/4/24


Events designed to raise awareness about inclusivity and equality for people of all abilities

 

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – In honor of National Developmental Disabilities Month, The Arc Lexington is holding an art contest for local students throughout Fulton County in addition to a concert by internationally-renowned band Flame. The events celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of men and women with varying abilities while also raising awareness about the importance of equality in society throughout the month.

 

National Developmental Disabilities Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), advocate for their rights and promote understanding and inclusivity within society. Students at Fulton County elementary, middle and high schools are encouraged to celebrate with The Arc Lexington by submitting artwork or an essay that celebrates equality and differing abilities with a focus on this year’s contest theme, “Developmental Disabilities Awareness: Building a Community for All!”

 

Submission entries are due by Friday, March 15 and should be sent to the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville, NY 12078.  Top winners chosen from each age group will receive two free tickets to the Rock for Abilities Concert on March 28, where they will be publicly recognized and get the opportunity to meet the members of Flame. In addition, the school with the most entries will win a free Flame concert.

 

Flame will perform its Rock for Abilities Concert at Lexington’s Gloversville facility, 127 East State Street, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each.  Audience members are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to exchange for the chance to win a door prize. All food donations will benefit local food pantries.

 

For information about Flame, or for questions about the art contest, contact Maria Nestle, at (518) 661-9932 or nestlem@thearclexington.org.


Remember to Subscribe!
Subscription Options

Donate to Support Local Journalism

CONTACT US:


By phone: 518-763-6854 or 607-652-5252
Email: mountaineaglenews@gmail.com
Fax: 607-652-5253
Mail: The Mountain Eagle / PO Box 162 / Schoharie NY 12157

https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=M6592A5TZYUCQ

Subscribe!

Site Archive

Submit your information below:

Name

Email *

Message *