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The Prattsville Scoop

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 3/16/24 | 3/16/24

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE - Family and friends gathered at the Reform Church on Saturday to pay their respects to the late Hank Oliver. Many spoke of his lopsided grin, bringing smiles to all. Hank left a legacy of a loving family and friends’ memories.

Best wishes for successful cataract surgery for Anita Creazzo. Cathy Brainerd Martino had successful wrist surgery to remove some extraneous tissue. Quite painful for Cathy. Both these ladies are not giving in and continue to be very active.

In speaking with Tom Lynch, he said his mom Eileen Rossiter is now in Greene Meadows Nursing Home, Jefferson Heights, Catskill NY. Eileen is well remembered for Eileen’s Cafe on Route 23A, Mosquito Point, many years ago. Eileen hired local girls to wait on tables and they all have tales to tell of their enjoyable time there. Eileen has a wicked sense of humor and it surfaces at unexpected times and it is truly on the edge of wickedness. Good health Eileen.

Our Oregon girls, Janet and Judy Chatfield and GiGi, have been having strange weather out there.  For over a week and a half they had rain every day.  Sound familiar? Their crocus and daffodils are blooming.  Also their forsythia has started to bud.  Janet mowed the lawn two weeks ago!  Once in a while the sun will peek out, but not for long.  Judy has made a total of 4,880 hearts, both red for Christmas and green for St. Patrick’s, and thinks the recipients in her area are worthy of short stories – go for it Judy. They have also been sent to Florida, New York, and Washington State.  She enjoys giving the kindness hearts out to people she meets.  Judy recently played Bingo at the Tualatin Senior Center and won 4 times. Pay back for being such a giving person. GiGi is not enjoying all of their rain.  She has been wearing her rain gear, a purple raincoat, and also a yellow one with a hood.  They are all looking forward to some sunshine and warmer weather soon. Looking forward to no rain, GiGi will enjoy her potty breaks. No rain and no rain gear.  She’s getting fussy in her old age.  Judy has been searching her closet for green Irish clothing and has decided to wear her beige ladies cowgirl hat with a shamrock scarf tied around it, plus green jewelry and shamrock socks.  That should be enough green for any Irish lass.  Needless to say, Janet won’t let her out of the house without her sweater and slacks!  They hope everyone gets to enjoy a delicious Irish dinner of corned beef brisket, potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage.  On family matters, Judy’s  grand-niece, Tessa Newman, played in a state basketball tournament last weekend in Bend, Oregon.  She is only 13 and has played on the traveling team for a couple of years now.  Her team played well but didn’t win.  She also gives out Judy’s hearts to her friends and team players.  A week ago Judy’s grand-nephew, Aiden, (14) spent Saturday helping his Nana (Janet) with outside lawn work.  Once he finished they painted together.  He made a wooden picture frame for Janet and Judy in wood shop and he’s painting a picture to place in the frame.  They are very fortunate to have such good family. Judy attended a concert at their library last Sunday.  A flute player entertained them for an hour.  She had backup sounds and it was very enjoyable.  Once a month their library in Tualatin has some kind of music.  It’s always on a Sunday and is held around the hearth area.  Winter time the fire is burning and in summer it’s cool and comfortable.  Judy is planning on having cataract surgery on her left eye in April and had her right eye done over a year ago.  They send their love and best wishes to our family and friends back home. Judy’s total of hearts is: 4,880. 

Judy went to Bingo at the senior center in Tualatin.  Would you believe….Judy won 4 times, beginners luck for sure.  The girls finally enjoyed a day of sunshine (No rain….not even a drop) and the temperature was in the high 50’s.  GiGi even enjoyed her potty breaks. No rain and no raingear.  She’s getting fussy in her old age. Our very best to Judy, Janet and GiGi. Keep forwarding your news to The Scoop and we will include it always.

Remember the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 11 AM, at Young’s Ace Hardware. The Easter Bunny, and helpers, will be there to cheer the kiddies on in their egg hunt.

To fill out the day, the Reform Church will hold their Annual Easter Bake Sale on Saturday, March 30, 9 - noon, at Jim’s Great American.  Get your Easter Dinner desserts without baking or cooking.

Got a call from Rita Mackey of the Oak Hill area. She offered her sewing skills for the making of the Christmas gift bags for our residential veterans at the Stratton VAMC, Albany. Will certainly try to keep her busy in the next few months.

Feel better wishes go out to Ed Chatfield and Frank Cangelosi.

Happy Birthday to Luke Maurer on March 16. On March 17 we wish Daryl Smith, Jacob Lindley and Sandy Martin Happy Birthday. We wish Kayleigh Wheeler Happy Birthday on March 18. On March 19 it is Happy Birthday to David Irwin. We wish Sue Truesdell Happy Birthday on March 20.Happy Birthday to Nicholas Camna on March 22. Special anniversary greetings to Kathy and Everett Sherman on March 18.


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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - St Patrick's Day PARADE in East Durham is BACK!

I love a good parade. There’s an enormous sense of community, respect, pride and warmth that is only similarly echoed at a Fourth of July parade.  It was only after speaking at length with Mike O’Connor, the committee chairperson for this event,  that I began to understand the enormity of such an undertaking.  This special event is being touted as the first St Patrick Day parade of the 21st century in East Durham.

 Especially after a 32 year hiatus in this town. 

THIS ONE is going to be very special indeed. Mike and his esteemed committee are so passionate about creating something very authentic to be remembered this year.  During our chat, Mike mentioned that those who have stepped up to participate are representative of the very best in this area. I was so impressed with Mike’s true belief that honoring traditions then promotes traditions that will be carried on by the younger generations for years to come. 

By the way, the East Durham St Patrick’s Day Parade is being held on March 17th, 2024. Step off is at 12 noon from the  Irish Cultural Center and will conclude at Furlongs. 

Lots planned following this initial event as well and lots in between in town. THIS PARADE is going to be huge.

Mike spoke of not 1 but 2 Pipe Bands, 2 Marching bands, Cairo Durham school band being particularly noteworthy for their NYC appearance last year. There’s a 16 piece Ghent band; a group established 125 years ago, that is set to perform two heart warming pieces, Our National Anthem and the Irish National Anthem as well.

I had chills hearing this. I know so many really appreciate the respect being shown to our country by performers like this. And then being on St Patrick's Day…that’s just the foam on the pint for me and I’m betting for you as well.

Dermot Gavins, military group, the Fighting 69th, consisting of 12 soldiers will also march as well. 

Farrell School of Irish Dance, the authentic, award winning dance company that has been an integral part of this town's landscape for 35 years, will be marching and  performing as well. 

Look for the  dance company's mascot, Miss Lily,  in the green tutu and pink carriage marching as well. 

I so wish there was more space to include every participant but for that  list, you’ll have to follow this event on Facebook. 

OR just be sure to attend!!!

Mike has reached out and has organized the kind of parade that our grannies would  have been proud of and always attended years ago.

The grand marshal of this year's very special return to East Durham parade is the esteemed Neil Kelleher. The celebrations  have already begun at The Shamrock House dinner dance when Neil was honored by a full house recently. 

Have you heard? The temps are expected to be a parade worthy

48 degrees with bright sunshine and blue skies. 

Even the heavens will be shining down on this parade.

You’ll find me and my clan along the parade route dancing and singing around Shamrock  House, so please come by to say hello.

Let's WELCOME this parade homecoming properly!!!  Cheers!

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist in Albany, Green and Northern Ulster Counties. 

You can reach Pat at 518-275-8686 



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Upcoming 44th Annual Tour of Homes


COXSACKIE — Explore Coxsackie from the river to the hills on Saturday, June 1, 2024 with the Greene County Historical Society’s 44th Annual Tour of Homes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s tour focuses on the Town and Village of Coxsackie where the first tour of homes took place in 1976. Tour sites span a full range of settlement from village to farmstead and river to valley. Take a trip through time as you visit these beautiful homes.  

On this day only, through the graciousness of owners who have painstakingly restored and maintained their homes and the hard work of the Society’s volunteers, tour goers are invited inside to enjoy the many sites. 

Tour headquarters will be at the Vedder Research Library on the Society’s Bronck Museum grounds located on County Route 42 off Rt. 9W. Off street parking is available. Picnic lunches prepared by the Coxsackie United Methodist Church will be for sale as long as they last. The tour will be held rain or shine. 

Tickets are $30 the day of the tour; $25 in advance. This is a driving tour. Car pooling is encouraged as some sites have limited parking. Participants will receive a packet of material about the sites along with a marked route map.

To reserve advance sale tickets, send a check payable to: Greene County Historical Society, P.O. Box 44, Coxsackie, NY 12051. Advance sale ticket reservations must be received by May 25th. Advance tickets will be available with your tour packet at the tour headquarters on June 1. This is the Greene County Historical Society’s major fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale of tour tickets support the Society, the Bronck Museum and the Vedder Research Library.

For more information, call David Dorpfeld at (518) 817-8771 or Carol Serazio at (518) 731-9050; or visit www.gchistory.org.

Caption for photo: The Meadow Ridge Heritage Barn located at the Bronck Museum is one of 12 sites open to the public for the Greene County Historical Society's 44th Annual Tour of Homes in Coxsackie on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 



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Obituary - Catherine Rose Morrow Viscardi

Catherine Rose Morrow Viscardi, aged 94, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024 in Greenville,  North Carolina with her beloved son, Jeff (Jane) by her side. 

Born on January 12 1930 to Joseph and Catherine Morrow on Long Island, New York, she was  married to the love of her life, Dr. John Peter Viscardi, Jr for 59 years before his death in 2011 and  together they shared five children. 

Catherine was known for her deep devotion to the strong and beautiful family she put so much love  and effort into building, her legendary marriage and the joy they took in each other. She was a  matriarch of deep conviction, strength and discipline, who was known for her Catholic faith,  impeccable taste and beauty, kindness, sense of humor and fun. She was the life of every party and  she threw the very best. She traveled the world with her husband and family and loved boating and  hosting her friends and family at their ski house in Windham, New York. Those who had the pleasure  of knowing her will never forget her.  

Catherine graduated from Manhattanville College in 1951 and worked in Education before starting  her family. She leaves behind her children, Catherine A. Johnston (Doug), Mary Louise Laird (Ian), Dr.  Jeffery J. Viscardi (Jane) and Patricia C. DeSousa (John), her grandchildren, Kristen, Ben, Katy, A.J.,  Lindsay, Chelsea, John, Myles and Jake and her great grandchildren, John, June and Eden. She also  leaves behind her sister, Mary Morrow Kiley and beloved nieces and nephews. Catherine was  predeceased by her husband John, her son Johnny and her nephew Tyler. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the lovely caregivers at Cypress Glen for their care and  compassion during her final days. 

A wake will be held at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, N.Y. on Friday March 15th from 3  to 7 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Northern Blvd. in Manhasset  at 10:15 am.



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All About Racing


Keith Flach, Lebanon Valley racer and his main crewman, Ben, greeted a steady crowd of fans and inquisitive onlookers, this weekend at the Lebanon Valley car show at Colonie Center Mall.  Biittig photo


By Ed & Betty Biittig 

A car show at Colonie Center this past weekend kicked off the 2024 racing season for Lebanon Valley Speedway. 

Organized by Jill and Lance Sharpe, the show was very well received by a steady crowd of people for all three days.

Nearly 30 race cars were on display including Slingshots and Karts.  Keith Flach was just one of the Lebanon Valley drivers participating in the show and said he was very pleased with the outstanding crowd that came to the show on Saturday, many being folks that were not familiar with racing.  They showed great interest in the cars and asked where they could see them race.  Keith said it was an outstanding effort by the Sharpes with all the work that went into putting on a show of this size.   The Flach family has a rich history at the high banks, Keith’s grandfather, and father were both champions and Keith now races there regularly on Saturday nights and is a great spokesman for racing.

What would the Lebanon Valley car show be without a visit from Howard Commander, owner and promoter of the track for much of his life.  Howard will turn 80 years-old this July and says he is planning a race paying $8000 to win to celebrate the occasion.

We also came across one of Lebanon Valley’s veteran racers with many years behind the wheel at the track.  Thinking back, this driver was one of the Valley’s characters of the high banks and started his career under the name, Black Bart.  As time went on, he raced under his name, Denny Soltis.  Here he is with Howard Commander and still staying true to that character image, he said to Commander, “If it’s your 80th birthday you should pay, $80,000.

Lebanon Valley will open for the season on April 20th scheduled for open warmups from 3-8 pm for all cars. Then on April 27th Sayer’s Auto and L & M Motors sponsor the opening night for Big Block Mods, Sportsman, Pro Stocks and Street Stocks.

Next on the car show schedule locally is the Fonda Speedway car show March 22-24 at the Via Port in Rotterdam. Move in will be Thursday, March 21 and cars leave the mall, close of business on March 24.  Space is limited.  Email Jamie Page at jpage15@stny.rr.com to register your car if you’re interested in being a part of this very popular event. 

Fonda opens for the season on April 13th with an open practice for all cars and April 20th is opening night when the Jack Johnson Memorial event will open the 73rd season of racing at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds oval.

This weekend BD Motorsports will take the STSS on the road to Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania, for the Speed Show Case paying $50,000 to win for the STSS Modifieds running 75-laps. The STSS Crate 602 Sportsman go for 50-laps and a $4,000 winner’s share, the New York based Pro Stocks are on hand for 25-laps and $1,250.

Stewart Friesen of Sprakers had Lady Luck riding with him until the checkered flag fell this past Saturday at Georgetown Speedway in Delaware during the STSS Modified feature. A few feet after Friesen ran under the checkered flag his right rear tire blew just like so many of his fellow competitors during the event.

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to ebiittig1@nycap.rr.com.




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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Rescheduled from October this weekend there will be a good amount of area drivers towing down to the Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pennsylvania. Where the Short Track Super Series-Speed Showcase will take place. A few of the area drivers expected to be on hand include Fonda Speedway and Albany-Saratoga Speedway 2023 modified champion Demetrios Drellos, Danny Varin, Jessica Friesen, Jack Lehner, and many more. Ivan Joslin is one of the local pro-stock teams planning to compete at Port Royal.

 The small block/ big block modifieds will race 75-laps for $50,000. The crate 602 sportsman will compete in a 50-lap feature for $4,000 and the pro-stock division will race 25-laps for $1,250. For the STSS modifieds this will be Round no. two of the Ollie's Overall point championship.

 Results from last weekend-Due to the predicted inclement forecast, Saturday's racing program in Delaware at the Georgetown Speedway was moved to Sunday afternoon. Open practice on Friday night saw 54 cars take to the track. 

 A few teams including the Friesen Family team, did not leave from home in New York until early Sunday morning forcing them to drive through a snowstorm.

 On a sunny and very blustery afternoon. A huge number of flat tires contributed to a near record amount of yellow flag laps during the 40-lap modified feature.

 Stewart Friesen's tires held together just long enough to take the checkered flag. Michael Maresca and Mike Gular filled out the podium. Other area drivers finished in this order Anthony Perrego 6, Jessica Friesen 11, Bobby Hackel IV 18, Chris Curtis 20. Alex Yankowski was credited with a did not qualify and unfortunately Jim Introne Jr. did not make the call for his consolation event. For Stewart this was Short Track Super Series victory no. 43.

 Pit notes-Between taking the checkered flag and being interviewed in victory lane, Friesen’s crew needed to replace his flat right rear tire. 39 big block/ small block modifieds attempted to qualify for Sunday's program.

 In the STSS crate 602 sportsman division. Payton Talbot the 2023 crate 602 sportsman champion at Fonda Speedway drew the pole position for their 25-lap feature.

Adam White would claim the 25-lap feature with Payton Talbot and Matt Peck completing the top three. Dylan Madsen would finish 17th.

 The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Saturday night. Because of this the chances that Stewart Friesen will race at Port Royal are highly unlikely.

 Sunday, March 24-from 8:00 am. until 3:00 pm.Capital Area Rods will host an Automotive Swap Meet at Morris Ford at 872 Saratoga Road (Route 50) Burnt Hills, N.Y. 12027. Public admission $5.



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BRAD LAWYER 7th MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

This year is the 7th annual Brad Lawyer Memorial Tournament for young Bowlers and was held at Middleburgh Lanes on March 9th 2023. There were 2 divisions, 181 average and above, and a 130 to 180 average. The format was as follows: all bowlers bowled a  4 game block, and the top 4 advanced to the finals. Every bowler carried over their 4 game pinfall. A 3 game head to head match followed, ( each bowler bowled each person in their division) with a 30 point bonus for winning each match. Since all pins carry forward, pinfall for 7 games, plus bonus points determined the winners of each division.
Prize fund for each division is as follows:
1st- $350      
2nd- $175    
3rd- $100    
4th- $75
All USBC Rules were followed. Handicap was 90% of 210 for 181 and over, and 90% of 180 for 180 and under. Scholarship monies will be awarded upon acceptance to a higher learning or trade school following high school graduation, or an equivalent diploma.
The winners were:     
High avg Division 1 –         
 1st – Ross Guernsey -1549   
2nd – Delilah Shultes – 1446 
   3rd – Salvatore Fileccia – 1162                                               
Division 2 --  
1st – Mathew Quinn - 1511
2nd – Stella Ioannou - 1386
3rd – Mataiah Lindsey - 1336
 4th – Abby Giesin - 1299


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Easter Egg Hunt Sunday in M'burgh

Schoharie on March 23, CB on March 30

SCHOHARIE VALLEY - It's time for the Easter Bunny to hop into Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Central Bridge!

It may seem like an early visit from the Easter Bunny this year, but Easter is right around the corner on Sunday, March 31.

Three Easter Egg Hunts are scheduled for the three weeks before Easter.  

Schoharie

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the  Schoharie Firehouse on Fort Road on Saturday, March 23. Starting at 8am they will have a pancake breakfast by donation at the door with the Easter Bunny. Games will be in the Engine Bay, and an Egg Hunt out on the field behind the firehouse. They will serve breakfast until 11am. Games and egg hunt will go until 1pm.

Middleburgh

The Middleburgh Advantage Program is hosting a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt on Sunday, March 17 at Middleburgh Elementary School. The benefit breakfast runs from 8 to 10am and includes pancakes, sausage, and beverage. Cost is $8. Under 2 is free. Digital photo is included. The egg hunt will start at 10:30am. Tickets can be purchased on-line or from Courtney Nelson at the elementary school.

Central Bridge

The Easter Egg Hunt will be held in Central Bridge on Saturday, March 30, starting at 11am at the

Central Bridge Community Park. There will be chances to win an Easter basket and a visit from the Easter bunny and cookies.

The event is sponsored by Central Bridge Civic Association. The hunt is open to children 12 and under.




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Fire Police Association to Meet

LIVINGSTONVILLE — The Schoharie County Fire Police Association will hold its next meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Town of Broome fire station in Livingstonville at 7 pm. Please note the change of location.  All are welcome to attend.



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Gilboa Approves Driveway Construction to Museum

By Liz Page

GILBOA – Members of the Gilboa Town Board approved construction of a driveway to the Gilboa Museum and Juried History Center during their regular meeting on Monday, a move that should get the Gilboa Historical Society closer to its goal of owning the museum and grounds. The final item will be the drilling of a well, which the town will do without interfering with upcoming activities at the museum.

Gerry Stoner, president of the Gilboa Historical Society, asked town board members to wait on approval. However, board members pointed out that the location of the driveway has been determined the best location. It will serve GHS meetings and operations and when there are larger events scheduled, the GHS may fill out a facilities use form which opens up use of the Gilboa Town Highway facilities for parking and vendors. Their preferred location, according to Stoner, would be on the north side of the property. 

Stoner objected to the location, saying it will be mixing pedestrians with traffic around the pavilion. It will put a strain on the pavilion as an outdoor venue and areas around it should be converted to lawns and a perimeter walk. He deems Jersey barriers, one of the suggestions in earlier discussions, as unsightly. "This is not the way we want the venue to look. We do not want Jersey barriers." However, Highway Superintendent John Wyckoff has offered to place large stones, rather than Jersey barriers, as a more natural barrier.  He said that there are drainage issues with that location.

Stoner also lamented that the process has taken much longer than anticipated, due to delayed elections in the beginning, then more than two years of Covid restrictions. He said it has been a "rough five years" with a lot of back and forth between two boards. Now, he said, things are in good shape, with the exception of the driveway location. He said the town has done a good job at funding it without cost to the taxpayers.

However, Stoner said he felt the driveway is a done deal, with no opportunity for his board to discuss it, and the GHS should not purchase the property. He pointed out the GHS is a good draw for tourism, collaborating with the nearby Cidery.  He said it was his opinion the GHS does not matter to the town board.

With that, Supervisor Alicia Terry said she considered that an unfair characterization. "We understand the urgency of the transfer of the property. We are near the end. This was a way we felt we could expedite it. This was a town board decision." She ran down a list of items the town board has dealt with to allow the GHS to continue to hold its events and purchase the property for its addition. She didn't feel that was treating them as a second-class citizen.

Councilman Max Stryker said it is not just the members of the town board, but the entire town and its taxpayers. "We are looking out for the taxpayers. We're not paying the bills, they are," he said. It is the board's due diligence to consider the costs.

Councilwoman Dottie Pickett said the risk with the location of the driveway as proposed by the town, is no greater than it  has been since the pavilion has been located on the grounds.

Councilman Lester Parker said it was not just four board members and the town supervisor. "We have to do it right for the people. This road has a monetary cost. To construct the other option would be an astronomical cost. Some members of the GHS board were in agreement when we discussed it." He added that if they did the more expensive option, the town would not be able to fund the well.

Board members indicated they are in no way against the GHS and they all believe it is a valued organization for the town. 

Supervisor Terry said, "It benefits the town as well as the historical society."

Highway Superintendent John Wyckoff said there is a lot of runoff that comes through the culvert at the northern location. The driveway is no different than it is currently and areas can be blocked off for an event.

The county Department of Public Works will also be doing work on Stryker Road and Supervisor Terry said the road will be given a wider shoulder that will also accommodate parking for major events.

The GHS was due to meet and there is the option of turning down the driveway, however, it would hold up the transfer of the property.

The motion approved by the town board in February was to fund the driveway for access to the museum and cited  improved safety and travel/use, significantly reduce elevation changes, improved access to the building, reduced future maintenance costs, in addition to construction cost considerations as opposed to other locations on on the property proposed for the driveway.

In other business, the town will go out to bid for lawn mowing. A hole discovered in the salt/sand shed roof will receive a temporary repair until a more permanent solution can be decided. Board members accepted the lone bid of $500 for a five-year lease of ag land to Terry Wyckoff.

In his report, Superintendent Wyckoff said they hope to begin sweeping town roads on April 11. Crews have been hauling stone for summer repairs with Blackberry Street and Starheim Road on the list for repairs. He has also met with the state Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the renewed mining permit. Work is also underway at the town hall and will begin soon on the highway garage. 

In her report, Supervisor Terry said adjoining property owners along Flat Creek Road that will be impacted by the road work have been contacted. They are working with the county attorney to close on them and they are working with an archaeological report. The county will attempt to do most of the work in-house and will keep an eye on the project as it progresses to ensure it remains stable. However, there is no timeline in place at this time.



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M'burgh Building Project Clears Village Hurdle

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH -  A controversial housing development in Middleburgh jumped a major hurdle last week.

Middleburgh village board members last Monday made two major approvals and sent the housing development proposal by Fred Risse to the town planning board and county planning commission.

Village board members completed their review of the state environmental quality review for the project and approved a negative declaration. In addition Monday, board members approved the Valley View Estates Development with four stipulations.

Valley View Estates is planned for a large field off of upper Main Street basically behind Andy's Auto.

Now that the village has signed off on the development, it now goes to the town planning board for comments and the county planning commission for approval. The village board kept the public hearing open on the issue.

The stipulations include:

* Roads in the development, Valley View Lane and Vroman's Way, will conform to the village zoning law's specifications for design ns regulations. The roads cannot be accepted by the village until there are at least three year-round residents.

* Water mains and laterals must be installed prior to to the placement of roads. The developer is responsible for all costs for the extension of the village water system. Future property owners in the development will be required to pay the connection fee for a new connection to the water system. Parts of the village may be without water while the system hookup is connected. If there is a water outage, officials said it should not be long.

* Fire hydrants must be installed as per code standards and recommendations of the fire department.

* At least three to five streetlights need to be installed to ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety in the development. The number and location of the streetlights need to be approved by the village streets superintendent prior to installation.

The negative declaration for the SEQR and the stipulations were approved by a 4-0 vote with Trustee Kevin Young, who was a member of the town planning board, abstaining. Mr. Risse is chairman of the planning board.

In February, Mr. Risse presented the board with an engineer's report and a historical review. He said that crews dug about 90 test holes by hand on the property to search for historic items. They found a "couple of bottles, but they were not that old and nothing of significance was found.

There are 11 parcels, Mr. Risse noted, two are in the commercial zone and the rest in a planned development district. The parcels are just under a half acre each. He did not know the cost of each parcel.

Mr. Risse proposed an affordable housing complex about 20 years ago that did not proceed.



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M'burgh Corned Beef Dinner to Benefit Special Olympics

MIDDLEBURGH - A traditional home-made corned beef dinner with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and, of course, soda bread will be held on SUNDAY, MARCH 17, at OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY parish hall on Chestnut Street in Middleburgh. 

Serving from 4 to 6 p.m. Suggested donation $17. Take-outs are available. Proceeds to benefit our athletes competing in the SPECIAL OLYMPICS of the CAPITAL DISTRICT. Sponsored collaboratively by Knights of Columbus Council 4475, Middleburgh Cub Scouts and the Our Lady of the Valley Cafe.

Special Olympics New York provides over 42,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition. Through year-round games and training programs, special athletes and their families make friends and develop character. This includes unified sports programs at over 300 schools where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates.


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M'burgh Library Seeks Trustee Candidates

MIDDLEBURGH - The Middleburgh Library is looking for a few community minded people who live in the Middleburgh School District to run for a seat on its Library Board of Trustees. 

Serving the community as a library trustee is an important job. If you would like to find out what it is all about go to: https://www.middleburghlibrary.info/library-board-of-trustees or stop into the library to speak to the Director. Petitions to run for a seat are available and may be picked up at the library information desk. Petitions must be returned by March 16th so stop in soon.


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National Transit Employee Appreciation Day is March 18th!

Cobleskill - Schoharie County Public Transportation asks the public to join us in recognizing and honoring  our workforce on National Transit Employee Appreciation Day, Monday, March 18th.  

“As we celebrate Transit Employee appreciation Day, I would like to acknowledge all of the employees at Schoharie County Public Transportation” said Christine Kraemer, Director of Public  Transportation, “The mechanics who keep our buses safe, the hard work of our friendly dispatchers and office staff, their attention to your travel needs, and of course our dedicated bus  operators who provide a safe and enjoyable ride for you. These people are the champions of our  SCPT team. On this day and every day, please thank your driver and let them know they are appreciated”. 

Messages of thanks or a compliment for our staff for National Transit Employee day are welcomed on the SCPT Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SchoCoPublicTransportation.  Look for the National Transit Employee Appreciation Day post and add your message.



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Pickleball Court May Come to M'burgh Park

Little Used Exercise Equipment to be Removed from Baker Ave. Park

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - An outdoor pickleball court may soon be coming to Middleburgh.

The pickleball court would be built in Badgely Park across from the former town hall. Village Trustee Amanda Fernandez in January spoke about possibly the space in Badgely Park for basketball court, but she said last week there was no feedback about adding a basketball court there. She met with Rotary members and discussed the possibility of adding two or three pickleball courts in Badgely Park. The Rotary is applying for a $12,000 grant which would help pay for the removal of the current curbing, remove some pavement, add the courts, and do some seeding.

Streets Superintendent Cole Keyser noted that the $12,000 might not cover all of the work. It may cost a lot, he said, to grind down the concrete curbing and add a fence. Someone else suggested a fence on the inside of the existing curbing. The funds, he added, would go further with a basketball court.

 Trustee Fernandez said the Rotary has to apply for the grant first and then if the funds do not cover the cost of a pickleball court, other plans can be made. "If we can't move forward, we can't move forward," she said.

She saw this as a step in the right direction.

Board members agreed to ask Rotary to apply for the grant funds for the pickleball courts.

She also noted that some horseshoe pits could be added to Badgely Park. She said that some Rotary funds are available for this work.

As for the exercise equipment at Morton Park on Baker Avenue, board members, in a split vote, agreed to have the equipment removed.

The equipment is rarely used, Trustee Fernandez said. The equipment is also in the way when the village has events in that park and it is hard to maintain.

Village Clerk Mel Laraway said that the equipment was installed several years ago after being gifted to the village.

Mayor Tim Knight was in favor of retaining the equipment in the park noting that he has seen people use it.

At first, Trustee Fernandez said she would do more research since she did not want to remove it if it was a gift. Trustee Bob Tinker said the village could give the equipment back to whomever gifted it.

Mr. Keyser said he has only seen one person use the equipment and Trustee Kevin Young said there was no sense in keeping the equipment there. Trustee Tinker said he would "not be upset if it disappeared."

Board members voted 4-1 to remove the equipment.

Mr. Keyser noted that the horseshoe pits could be placed in that area after the equipment is removed.

Trustee Fernandez did note that it is a flood area and Mayor Tim Knight said it would be best left open.



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