Hunter Chamber of Commerce to Rebuild

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — In the wake of the pandemic's impact on local businesses, the Town of Hunter Chamber of Commerce is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a group of business leaders led by Camp Catskill Business Owner Ryan Penny, the new interim president of the Chamber of Commerce's Board.

The former Chamber of Commerce has lain dormant since the pandemic hit the area.

In expressing the motivation behind the resurrection, Penny stated, "We felt the Chamber of Commerce needed to exist again. It's a lot of work." Recognizing the importance of financial stability and organized membership records, Penny emphasized the necessity of meticulous planning and execution in reforming the 501c3 organization.

Sydney Frazier, owner of SUNDRY. in the Village, played a pivotal role in communication strategies during the Chamber's revival. Penny acknowledged Frazier's contributions, especially in handling the communications side of the reform.

The businesses involved in the successful Holiday Stroll last December have spearheaded the reformation efforts. Penny revealed that the new Chamber plans to host similar events in the future, aiming to foster community engagement and support local businesses year-round.

Despite the absence of specific guidelines in the current bylaws for restarting a dormant Chamber, Penny highlighted the importance of seeking approval from former board members. He said, "We felt that having the approval of former board members was important."

The current interim board, consisting of 11 members, has recently opened up membership signups to the community. Penny wanted to have the Chamber up and running before their first open meeting, scheduled for March 27 at 6 pm at The Pantry on Main.

Membership fees have been temporarily reduced from $100 to $50 annually to encourage community participation. Penny mentioned that this discounted rate expires on May 31. He emphasized the benefits of Chamber membership, including community building, events, exposure, and awareness.

Penny outlined the focus: "Those pillars are what we'll focus on moving forward. I think that members will benefit." He highlighted the advantages of connecting to the business community and tapping into new ideas flowing into the area.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Penny is distributing flyers about the upcoming meeting to encourage business participation. He plans to update the Chamber's website and explore printing options for promotional materials.

Expressing optimism for the future, Penny emphasized the need for momentum in the Chamber's revitalization, stating, "We have a fair amount of work to do. It needs momentum because otherwise, it won't happen."

The March 27 general membership meeting is open to the public. It will allow businesses to sign up and vote on open board positions. Penny hopes the community's engagement will contribute to a successful revitalization effort.

Reflecting on his involvement, Frazier stated, "I decided to help in the revitalization effort because I firmly believe our business community deserves to have a functioning Chamber of Commerce." He emphasized the importance of building relationships between businesses and promoting the town's commerce community.

The Town of Hunter's Chamber of Commerce is undergoing a transformative period, with a dedicated group of leaders working collaboratively to revive and strengthen the local business community. The upcoming general membership meeting is a crucial milestone in this revitalization journey, providing businesses and community members an opportunity to contribute to the Chamber's future success. More information can be found online at www.hunterchamber.org.

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Hunter Hears Dispensary Update

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The latest Town of Hunter Board meeting on February 27 covered various topics, from law enforcement updates to planning board developments, code enforcement reports, and budget-related decisions.

Town of Hunter Police Sergeant Robert Haines kicked off the meeting with his monthly report for January, highlighting the town's law enforcement activities. Haines stated, "It was a busy month," noting three arrests, 89 criminal complaints, and 62 traffic tickets issued. 

Surprisingly, zero parking tickets were handed out during the period.

Planning Board Chair Marc Czermerys addressed ongoing matters, including the extension approval for the Cortina Valley area subdivision development, an issue that has persisted for approximately a decade. 

Czermerys also discussed reviewing updated site plans for the proposed Catskill Mountain Cannabis distribution center in Elka Park and the Dutcher Hollow event space. He emphasized that the town board has the authority to end the extensions for the Cortina Valley subdivision if necessary.

Building code enforcement officer Rose Santiago presented her report for January, which included details on building permits, Short Term Rental permits, municipal searches, and inspections. Santiago expressed concern about lowballing property values during renovations and suggested revising the code enforcement fee structure.

Councilperson Ernie Reale proposed a potential flat fee, but Santiago countered with a minimum payment and an additional cost based on the square footage of a renovation. The Board motioned to have the town attorney examine the fee structure law.

In other discussions, the Board addressed issues such as renting and operating an excavator for road maintenance, installing dash cameras on town highway vehicles, and requesting a Pomeroy Foundation Grant to commemorate the Fenwick Lumber Company's historical significance.

Elaine Warfield proposed the historical marker project: "It's kind of a long process." The town agreed to sponsor the project, placing a blue sign with gold lettering near state land along Route 214.

A motion was passed to restrict international phone calls from town hall offices due to hacking incidents. The Board also decided to invest $120,000 from the Town's Good Neighbor Fund into the NYCLASS Local Government Investment Pool for higher interest returns.

The meeting concluded with discussions about an upcoming Catskill Watershed Corporation meeting and approval for the 11th Manatoose Revenge Ultramarathon, a 53-mile race scheduled for April 22 that covers areas in the Town of Hunter.

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Health and Well Being

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - A study of ambulance service is picking up steam even as the Greene County Legislature takes continuing steps to bolster the ranks.

Lawmakers, at a recent Health Services committee meeting, authorized an agreement with the Greene County EMS Council for EMT trainings.

The measure is expected to be approved by the full board, later this month, addressing what is described as a “lack of volunteerism, especially in the field of EMT’s,” an issue not exclusive to Greene County.

“It is believed that this shortage is not due to a lack of altruism, but rather the amount of training necessary to become an EMT, coupled with the cost of the training,” the resolution states.

“Members of the Greene County Legislature recognize this as a critical problem in Greene County, as the lack of an EMTs can possibly lead to an increase in deaths among our citizens.

“In an effort to attract individuals into taking the time to become EMTs, the [legislature] is offering to pay for the fee associated with the necessary training, which is a cost of $750 per individual.

“The Greene County EMS Council is certified to train EMTs and has consented…to train…up to twenty people for a total cost not to exceed the total cost of $15,000,” the resolution states.

It is stipulated that, “any person trained under this agreement will…actively serve as an EMT within Greene County for a period of at least twelve months, beginning upon their successful completion of the course.”

If they do not fulfill the 12-month obligation, the individual will be “required to reimburse [the county] for the cost,” the resolution states.

“Should this agreement be successful in attracting more people to become trained as EMTs, the Greene County Legislature and the Greene County EMS Council, Inc. may agree to extend this Contract for additional individuals to be trained.”

And finally, the resolution states, “the Greene County EMS Council, Inc., receives a small stipend from New York State for such trainings and will keep that stipend, in addition to the up to $15,000,” from the county.

Meanwhile, an outside consulting firm continues to gather data from ambulance agencies throughout the county for what could be a transformation in how rescue service is provided.

Lawmakers, earlier this year, hired Fitch and Associates, a national expert on the topic, to conduct a comprehensive system overview of the county’s EMS medical transportation program.

Fitch & Associates is already headlong into collecting pertinent data from town and county ambulance organizations related to every element of operations including costs, personnel, equipment, etc.

A local Working Committee, composed of EMS representative and dispatch administrators, has been formed to coordinate with the consultant.

County administrator Shaun Groden says a second Policy Committee is expected to be put together in the near future, attending to all legalities, potentially moving toward a countywide system.

It is expected the Policy Committee will primarily include elected officials from the town and county levels, Groden said.

One concept gaining momentum is the expansion of the existing Greene County “flycar” system which brings paramedics to the scene of any applicable emergency call throughout the county.

The flycars, literally on the road 24/7, do not provide transportation to a hospital, a financial burden being absorbed by municipalities.

A hodge-podge of successful, albeit highly strained operations exists, a system on life support due to many social and economic factors.

It is hoped a countywide network would alleviate many, if not all, of those issues, bringing unified sustainability in the short and long term.

In other matters:

—Lawmakers authorized an agreement between the county Department of Human Services (Aging) and the “Visiting Nurses Home Care” agency.

The contract provides expanded in-home services for the elderly and respite services under the New York State Elder caregiver's Support Program for a one-year period.

Nurses get paid $35.70 hourly for Level-I services (housekeeping/chore services) and $36.70 hourly for Level-II services (homemaking/personal care services, assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, etc.).

Further, the county will pay $2 per hour more for services provided to any and all clients residing in the Towns of Ashland, Halcott, Hunter, Jewett, Prattsville and Windham, covering expenses.

—Lawmakers authorized conference attendance for Kerry Miller, the deputy director for Greene County Public Health Department, noting all travel costs are covered by an Immunization Action Plan Grant.

Miller will be making a business tip to the 16th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships, from April 9-11, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

—Lawmakers authorized the purchase of two 2024 Ford Escapes for the Community Services department, allowing agency director Jason Fredenberg to expand off-site services.

Two new 2024 models can be built to specifications from Hempstead Lincoln Mercury Motor Corp. based in Hempstead, for $61,346, the legislative resolution states.

Full funding for the purchases is available through grants from the Office of Mental Health State Aid and Federal Salary Sharing Medical Administration.

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Lexington Seeking Grant Money

By Michael Ryan

LEXINGTON - It is agreed that the Lexington municipal hall, located along Route 42, is an invaluable part of the community.

There is also acknowledgement that the building, named in honor of the late town supervisor Kenneth Becker, is no spring chicken.

Which is why government officials will be trying their darndest to access grant money thru the Capital District Regional Planning Commission.

Town board members were visited by Tara Donadio from the Commission, during a meeting last week, presenting details on what must be done to become eligible to receive those dollars.

Donadio introduced a “Climate Smart Communities” program offered by New York State that could be right up Lexington’s alley.

Town supervisor Jo Ellen Schermerhorn, in a recent phone interview, explained why, saying, “A lot of our buildings need TLC, including the municipal building, a former elementary school built in 1935.

“It seems like you never know what might go wrong any day you walk in there. It needs to be renovated. The windows are drafty and rattle.

“There’s an old boiler that’s been replaced multiple times,” Schermerhorn said, and even when it’s working, it’s unreliable, resulting in no heat just when it seems to be needed the most.

The venerable Kenneth Becker building houses town offices, trucks and a headquarters for the Lexington fire department and a courtroom.

While completely modernizing it is the dream, financial realities disrupt that dream, a disruption that hopefully can be lessened by tapping into the “Climate Smart Communities” program.

Their website states they are here to support local governments in “leading their communities to be more sustainable, reduce pollution, adapt to the effects of climate change and thrive in a green economy.”

Donadio and the Commission provide free technical assistance in the grant process which requires a commitment to achieve all of the above.

“There are currently 403 communities in New York participating in the CSC program,” their website states.

“132 of these communities completed and documented their climate smart actions to become Bronze Certified,” the website states.

“Certification provides communities priority funding status on various state grant programs,” the website states, noting there are three levels of certification, rising gradually from bronze to silver and gold.

Lexington officials, in other words, have their work cut out for them, measuring up to the CSC pledge, a promise to do the following:

—“Build a climate smart community; Inventory emissions, set goals and plan for climate action; Decrease energy use;

“Shift to clean renewable energy; Use climate smart materials management; Implement community resilience to climate change;

“Support a green innovation economy; Inform and inspire the public and engage in an evolving process of climate actions.”

A points system is in place, allowing communities to move up from bronze to gold, increasing their chances for grants by basically, “improving your buildings and all that fun stuff,” Donadio said.

Other fun stuff could include updating streetlighting, doing interior energy upgrades, etc. “You pick and choose what makes sense,” Donadio said.

Council members unanimously voted to approve a resolution to register for the program and adopt the CSC pledge, getting the ball rolling.

It was also decided, upon the recommendation of town attorney Tal Rappleyea, to designate one or two individuals to lead the effort.

Rappleyea, noting he is familiar with the CSC program by his involvement with other towns, said, “it seems to work better to give that point guard a job. They get it done. Otherwise it tends to linger.”

In other matters:

——Council members observed a respectful Moment of Silence for two residents who recently passed away, Louise VanEtten and Bob Barnum.

Van Etten was a longtime resident of steep and winding Airport Road. Barnum was well known for his work in the ministry.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Bob Barnum passed away recently and we extend deepest sympathy to wife Kate Barnum, family and friends.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Luncheon will be held at the Windham-Hensonville UMC, Main Street, Windham on Friday, March 15 from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m.  Lunch includes corned beef sandwich, coleslaw, Bag O’Chips, dessert, soda or water for $15.  Free delivery of three or more in Windham/Hensonville.  Pre-order or day of sale—518-734-4122.

Saturday, March 16 is the Maple Weekend Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building, Park Lane, Tannersville hosted by the Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary.  There will be fresh local maple syrup, french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, apple juice, water, for a free will offering.  All proceeds will benefit Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary.

Go on over to the Hensonville Firehouse on Fridays (March 16) for the Hensonville Hose Company’s Friday Fish Fry Dinners from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m, eat in or takeout.  Your choice of fried fish or fried clam strips or fried chicken tenders, french fries or baked potato, coleslaw, roll, dessert all for $15. New this year are fried Mozzarella sticks for an additional $5.

A reminder that the NYS DEC Burn Ban is March 16 through May 14.

Happy birthday to Ray Clinton on Thursday, March 14.

March 14 is also Tom Benjamin’s birthday.

Happy birthday to Stephanie Pushman, Grace Berger and Ben Gallagher all celebrating their birthdays on Friday, March 15.

Sunday, March 17 Nancy Albanese has her birthday.

Happy anniversary to Lori and Skip Dippold Tuesday, March 19.

Celebrating a birthday on March 19 is Kevin Aurigema.

Best wishes to all.

The Greene County Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of March 18 – March 22 is as follows:  Monday—Sloppy Joes, cauliflower/carrot mix, white rice, tropical fruit; Tuesday—Chicken Dijon, California mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, pineapple with mandarin oranges; Wednesday—Pork chop with gravy, applesauce, sweet potatoes, peas and carrots, cookies; Thursday—Hot turkey dinner with gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie; Friday—Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, 3-bean salad, fresh fruit.  The menu will be the meal that is delivered to all Greene County homebound meal clients.  If you have food allergy, please notify the department.  Allergen information is available for prepared food items.  All persons over the age of 60 can receive a meal.  Suggested donation for each meal is $4.  Those wishing to receive a meal are required to call the respective location by noon a day in advance.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

The Hunter-Tannersville Central School Theater Department will present “Newsies, Jr.” based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the HTC Middle/High School, Main Street, Tannersville.  Adults are $10, students and seniors, $5.  No reserved seating or pre-sale.  Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

The next Soup and Fellowship Kitchen will be Tuesday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville.  Come and enjoy a free bowl of soup,  sandwich and fellowship.

Nominations are being sought by Greene County for the annual Greene County 2024 Youth Awards – Youth of the Year, Youth Advisory Board Chairman’s Choice Award and Greene County Department of Human Services Director’s Award.  Please consider nominating a youth who you believe has made outstanding contributions in serving his/her community through leadership, knowledge, skill and/or service.  From the nominations received, the youth will be evaluated by the Greene County Youth Advisory Board to determine this year’s winners.  Nominations can be obtained from the Greene County Department of Human Services.  If you prefer, you can find a nomination form available on their web site: 

https://www.greenegovernment.com/departments/human-services-greene-gov/news-events.  

Return nomination forms by mail to Greene County Department of Human Services, attn: M. Murphy, 411 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414; fax -- attn: M. Murphy at 518-719-3798 or email to mmurphy@greenecountyny.gov with the subject: Annual Youth Awards.  Deadline is March 29, 2024.  If you have questions, call 518-719-3555.

The Easter Bunny is coming to Grand Gorge on Saturday, March 30.  The parade will be leaving the Grand Gorge Firehouse at 4 p.m. and traveling Route 30 South to Rick’s Tire; 23 East to Hitching Post; 30 North to Grand Gorge Civic Center and 23 West to Sundaes.  Please come to the firehouse following the parade to meet the Easter Bunny.

Easter is Sunday, March 31.  There will be a Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. in the Lexington Cemetery followed by breakfast in the dining hall at the Lexington/West Kill UMC, Lexington.  Worship service will be 9 a.m. All are invited.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

I want to correct a mistake I made in last week’s article. I gave the incorrect phone number for Ann Donovan regarding her yoga class at the Post. Her correct number is (347) 493-3649. Call her for times and dates.

Joanna Poehmel has yoga classes also at the Post. She has classes on Monday mornings at 9:30am and at 4:30 pm and Wednesdays at 4:30pm. Her number for more information is (518)390-9164.

I don’t think that anyone has an excuse for not taking advantage of experiencing the benefits of yoga. Now I feel better getting everything correct. 

I have been very pleased with the interest that I have received regarding the community using the Post for family gatherings and parties

This facility has been received very positively. For information regarding using the Post for an occasion, please email us at vfwpost1545@gmail.com. 

This past weekend our VFW District 3 had our annual Gold Chevon dinner and awards ceremony for Patriot Pen, Voice of Democracy, Teacher of the Year and Safety/Public Servant Award. Next year I am sure that our students will be well represented at this event. 

One of the speakers at the dinner (Ben  Thompson ) spoke regarding how Vietnam veterans were treated upon coming home after their tour.

The fact that the country was so divided regarding this war, the citizens were against the troops that came home after serving in combat for our nation.

He spoke of the fact that many veterans were not welcome in most veterans organizations. It has taken years for the country to recognize the sacrifices that Vietnam veterans did for our country.

Today we see the country divided on many political issues, although we recognize our veterans, serving since and now, for their service to our country. Should you see a veteran in your daily travels; just say “Thank you for your service.” 

At this time so many of the members of the VFW (and other veteran organizations) are Vietnam veterans. All of these organizations need veterans to join in order to help support veterans and their needs.

Veterans must help each other In the same way we helped each other when we served. If you are a veteran, keep this in mind as without each other, no one will care like we do for each other. 

God Bless America and keep our troops still serving safe. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC – Post 1545 Commander.

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The Trautmans and the Windham Arts Alliance

By Michael Ryan

JEWETT - They will tell you there is much, much more to the Windham Arts Alliance than themselves and that would be true. 

On the other hand, Sheila and Paul Trautman are undeniably the seemingly inexhaustible little engines that could and the doers of a lot of things needing doing to keep the train chugging.

Sheila is the program and artistic director, also submitting paintings to the periodic art shows hosted by the non-profit organization.

Her private works, preferably in watercolor, have evolved and deepened over the years which, in a happenstance way, likewise describes the purpose and mission of the organization.

Thirty or so years ago, a group of geographically scattered mountaintop artisans got together on the second floor of a Windham art gallery.

They were wanting to mingle with kindred spirits and possibly establish a place, or places, to exhibit their individual paintings, drawings, etc.

It hasn’t always been easy and there have been moments when the dream was in jeopardy of disappearing from the landscape.

Au contraire. WAA is perhaps more visible than ever today, finding a close-to-home venue at the Main Street Community Center in downtown Windham while simultaneously spreading its wings.

A year-end letter sent out in January by Paul, in his role as secretary/treasurer, pretty much sums up the continuing growth.

In addition to their weekly online newsletters, informing the public about events in the immediate area and beyond, the WAA is involved in the popular Windham Path Story Walk, in partnership with “Briars and Brambles Bookshop” in Windham.

Pages of a children’s book, protected from the weather, are spread out along the Path, offering a unique reading stroll, and there are frequent demonstrations, lectures, workshops and concerts.

“We had an exciting 2023,” Paul writes. “Many of you have participated or enjoyed these events and we anticipate continuing our work towards making our community a wonderful place to live and visit.

“As a preview, we are working with the Schoharie Reservoir Watershed to showcase a different perspective on the arts and our fantastic environment.”

A collaboration between the Mountaintop Library in Tannersville, the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Main Street Community Center and WAA is producing “Flowing Impressions.”

The multi-faceted exhibit, celebrating Watershed Month in May, features an artists show opening on May 4 from 1-5 p.m. at the Community Center.

Well known rock lovers Bob and Johanna Titus will speak at 2:30 p.m. that same day about the geology, history and art of the Watershed district.

Meanwhile, over in Tannersville, student artwork will be on display at the Mountaintop Library, coinciding with the Mountaintop “Earth Day” celebration.

And the Robinson Wildlife Center will be onsite, presenting “Birds of Prey” at 12 p.m., always a popular event with young and old. 

Between then and now, the WAA will traverse the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to take part in “Artists From Across the River,” an exhibit by the Circle 46 Gallery at 46 Green Street in Hudson. An opening reception is April 6 from 6-8 p.m., running through May 18, highlighting 21 WAA artists.

Sheila and Paul let their tasks on behalf of the organization speak louder than words, moving here permanently in the early 2000’s and getting “shanghaied” into becoming part of the team.

Sheila is originally from Queens. Paul is a native of the Bronx. They met at Queens College when he took a seat in front of her in an art class.

“The rest is history,” Sheila says, noting she was a teacher at a school for hearing impaired and deaf children and Paul was a longtime school administrator. 

Sheila’s parents, many years ago, bought property here, prompting countless weekend and summer visits before finally staying put.

Their introduction to the WAA was abrupt. “We got conned into joining,” Sheila says, laughing good-naturedly. “I got a call from [WAA charter member] Iris Kaplan saying, ‘we need you!’

“She didn’t give us much choice. They were a sort of strange group for us   at the beginning but we quickly became very fond of everyone. The next thing we knew, we had the whole thing.”

There were others keeping the ship afloat, such as Sue Kowalski and Ruth Saxe, but as time passed, Sheila and Paul have become the faces and voices behind the scenes.

“The arts help make us a civilization,” Sheila says, explaining her devotion to the WAA, “Without them we lose so much. Whether it’s art or theater, sculpture or pottery, they are the essence of who we are as a people.”

What they achieve is appreciated. “Paul and Sheila take leadership roles in so much that they do for the community,” say Gail Spindell and Joel Kosofsky, friends and WAA colleagues of the Trautmans.

“Their energy and devotion are inspiring. They are loved deeply and respected by so many of us on the mountaintop and I’m sure beyond.

“If you want further expressions of affection toward them, we’d be happy to reach out to others who feel the same way.”

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GREENE COUNTY OLDER AMERICAN’S MONTH

In April 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated the month of May as Senior Citizen month.  Later in 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans month.  The Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, is pleased to announce the theme for Older Americans Month 2024. The theme, “Powered by Connection”, highlights the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our senior’s health and well-being.  Connectedness plays a vital role in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.  

Here in Greene County, the county Legislature proclaims May as Greene County Older Americans Month when it expresses appreciation for the commitment and valuable service of outstanding senior citizens throughout Greene County.  In conjunction with this, the Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging conducts a search for local senior citizens to be recognized for their dedicated and hard work to make our communities a better place to live.  In recognition of these significant contributions to the Greene County community, the Legislature will honor all nominees for the senior awards.  Two dedicated individuals are chosen to receive special recognition from Greene County Legislature in the categories of Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  These two county winners will also be submitted to NYS for special recognition.

This year, Sylvia Hasenkopf of Cairo has been honored as the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year and Steve Whateley of Athens will receive the Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen award.

Sylvia Hasenkopf has been a Greene County resident since 1997.  She has been a volunteer in her community for the past 13 years.  She has been active with the Greene County Historical Society since 2000 and the Cairo Historical Society since 2010.  She has served as President of the Cairo society since 2017.  Sylvia has been instrumental in the Cairo Hometown Heroes Banner program, and even co-authored a book on the subject back in 2016.   In addition, she compiled a dairy of letters, entitled “May God Have Mercy on my Soul” in 2013.  Sylvia has been responsible for 11 historical markers within the town of Cairo and has given numerous lectures on Greene County and Cairo’s history.  She is responsible for the Cairo Historical Society’s Capital Campaign and is the editor of the Cairo Herald, their quarterly journal.  In 2023, she received the Small Business of the Year for her work with local newspaper, Porcupine Soup.  In 2015 she was awarded from Greene County, the Ellen Rettus Planning Achievement Award for her banner work and in 2017 was named Zadock Pratt Benefit Honoree.  In 1999, she created the Tracing Your Roots in Greene County web site to research Greene County history and genealogy.

Steve Whately has been a Greene County resident for the past 35 years, currently residing in Athens, is a member of the Athens Senior Citizens Club and has volunteered for the past 10 years.  He has worked as a radio disc jockey and custodian.  He donates his time to the Athens Community Food Pantry by unloading trucks and preparing food orders for others. He volunteers for the Rivertown Senior Center by creating and managing a Facebook page for the center, as well as DJ’ing for various activities at the center.  Steve works hard to promote the center making sure that seniors in the community are informed.  His kindness and dedication to his fellow senior citizens is reflected in his volunteer service to the center.  He believes that he is making a difference by volunteering and that it’s the right thing to do.

In May, Sylvia and Steve will be recognized at the Greene County Legislature meeting.  In addition, the following seniors will be recognized by Greene County with Certificates of Merit: Maggie Apgar of Athens, and Jack and Jan Schane of Hunter for their selfless volunteering.  Later this year, Sylvia and Steve will be invited to a NYS ceremony as part of the 2024 Older New Yorkers Day celebration in Albany. 

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