Local High School Ski Racers Shine at NYSPHSAA Ski Championships at Whiteface Mountain

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — Hunter-Tannersville Central High School students, Teagan Mahoney and William Schneider demonstrated their skiing prowess at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) ski races held at Whiteface Mountain on February 26 and February 27.

The first day was the Giant Slalom race, where Mahoney and Schneider showcased their talent. Teagan Mahoney claimed the 34th spot out of 53 racers, completing the course at 2:11:45 for two runs. William Schneider secured the 38th position out of 44 participants, finishing with a total time of 2:08:53.

Both athletes participated in the challenging Slalom race on the second day of competition. Teagan Mahoney, an 8th grader, displayed exceptional skills, securing the 25th position out of 38 competitors with a combined time of 2:05:83 for two runs. William Schneider, a 9th grader, held his own, ranking 24th out of 29 with a total time of 2:14:87.

Hunter-Tannersville Coach Alison Hyer, who is also Teagan's mother and William's Aunt, expressed her pride in the remarkable achievements of the local athletes. "I'm bursting with pride for our exceptional athletes from Hunter Tannersville Central School District, William Schneider, and Teagan Mahoney, who showcased their talents at the NYSPHSAA skiing state championships hosted at Whiteface Mountain," Coach Hyer stated.

"These young competitors invested so much effort to secure their spots at this esteemed event, facing off against the best high school ski racers in New York State. With William in 9th grade and Teagan in 8th grade, we have many exciting years ahead to anticipate. I couldn't be prouder of their outstanding performances," Hyer added.

Both Teagan Mahoney and William Schneider shared their thoughts on the experience. Teagan said, "I was honored to represent HTC ski racing at the State championships this year. Whiteface is a challenging but beautiful mountain, and we had such a great time. I want to thank my coaches and our community for all the support they gave me, and I look forward to next year when I will try to qualify again."

William described the championships as an "incredible experience," highlighting the challenging courses and harsh conditions. "It was even more special that I was there with my cousin Teagan and Aunt Alison Hyer, our coach. Certainly a memory of a lifetime!" he said.

As these young athletes continue to hone their skills, the Hunter-Tannersville community looks forward to more exciting achievements in the years to come.

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Shadows of the Season: Art Reception & Music

Date: Saturday, March 16 @ 4 – 6 PM

Location: Windham Fine Arts, 5380 Main Street, Windham.

More Information: director@windhamfinearts.com, 518-734-6850, www.windhamfinearts.com

 Join us Saturday, March 16 from 4 – 6 PM for an art reception and music. Featuring Artists Loreen Oren & Linda Andrei. Music by Sydney Worthley.

New artwork by Loreen Oren skillfully captures the allure of patterns generated by nature. Whether it’s the light on winter trees or the reflective tranquility of snowy slopes, Loreen’s pieces resonate with a grounded realism.

Linda Andrei’s first career was in cardiology, but it was her unfinished passion for art that led her to begin formal training in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Linda’s new work tugs at the conflicting desires that we can experience.

Sydney Worthley is a singer-songwriter. Through her process, each song starts in a corner of a room, pulling inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift and ends on a stage, piecing alt-rock tunes from her 2020 EP with unreleased personal ballads.

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

Another week just flew by, and it is already the middle of March.  Wind, rain, snow,sleet—typical March weather.  Such a short ski season this year.  The boys didn't start until way into December, and they are already done with work.  It's a rough year when NYC gets more snow than us.  Heard from a couple of snowbirds.  Florida weather hasn't been the greatest this year.  Very little pool time which is quite disappointing.  However, with the changing of the clocks, I have more incentive to go out in the afternoon.  At least I know I won't get caught in the dark.  I have also been sleeping longer as the sun isn't shining in my eyes at 5 am.  

Congratulations to the WAJ Drama Club for an excellent production of PETER PAN.  On Thursday night we had around 100 Senior Citizens enjoying the production and the food generously donated by Brandy Wine, Winham Mountain Club Seasons Restaurant, Tap House, The Windham Diner, Chicken Run, Main Street Deli and Market, Millrock Restaurant, and Vesuvios's.  The table service is such a treat with beverages and dessert served.  The students are  so polite and helpful.  Thank you for a wonderful night.  

There is a big concern for those who walk the Ashland Path.  If you walk your dog and forget your bag, you are still responsible for cleaning up after them.  Bags are available as well as a receptible to deposit them.  Why do walkers have to navigate around doggy doo doo?  As a pet owner it is your job to clean up after them.  

Sympathy and prayers to the family of Margaret Mulford who passed this past week.  How many of you remember her from WAJ elementary classes?  Healing prayers to all recovering from surgery.

Musings and Thoughts

It's not often, but sometimes political and social differences come to a point where the "middle of the road" is not down the middle.  As known, Lula is the author of this column and Judy does the typing.  This is the first time that I (Judy) cannot, in good conscience, write what Lula had written for her thoughts of the week.  I have worked through many different scenarios and have come up with nothing.  My solution is to turn off the television, turn off the news.  Meet with your friends, whether Liberal, Conservative, Moderate, Left Wing, Right Wing or non-political and enjoy each other.  Treat others with respect and consideration.  Listen to others' opinions and enjoy life.  

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Brave the Flames Ignites Tannersville's Culinary Scene with Innovative Approach

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The recent opening of Brave the Flames has sparked a culinary revolution. 

Located next door to the post office in the former Curran's Restaurant, Chef Chris Arquiett brings a wealth of experience to the table, showcasing a diverse culinary journey that has culminated in the creation of this unique dining establishment.

Chef Chris Arquiett's impressive resume includes roles as an Executive Chef at a ski resort, managing a farm-to-table fine dining establishment, overseeing the most prominent Italian American Club in the state, mastering the art of Texas BBQ as a pitmaster, and operating a world fusion taco concession stand. 

Now, with Brave the Flames, he aims to redefine the dining experience by prioritizing proper techniques, reasonable pricing, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, freshly made food.

The restaurant operates with a counter-service model, allowing lower operating costs to be passed on to customers. This approach ensures that food prepared from scratch by Chef Chris and his skilled team is not only more affordable but also of superior taste and quality. The collaboration between the front and back of the house staff creates a cohesive unit dedicated to providing patrons with the finest dining experience.

One of the key lessons Chef Chris learned while operating concessions on the road was the universal desire for good food, regardless of the setting. This insight, coupled with the current challenges in the labor pool's depth and the need for proper food preparation techniques, inspired the counter service model.

Chef Chris expresses his love for the road and its diverse experiences, prompting the expansion of operations to include Chef Dawg's Oklahoma Smash Burgers. Capitalizing on the success of the Onion Smash Burger in the restaurant, this move allows for continued growth and serves to market Brave the Flames to a broader audience.

Chef Chris said, "This will give us the opportunity to market the brick-and-mortar to our following that loves Brave The Flames for our Twisted Taco concept. And while doing that, we can promote our Twisted Taco Tuesday at the restaurant to those beloved taco fans."

Reflecting on his 30-year experience as an executive chef, including his time at Curran's, Chef Chris emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the kitchen. His tenure at Curran's allowed him to self-train and explore world kitchen concepts, setting the stage for the culinary journey that led to Brave the Flames.

Addressing the issue of pricing, Chef Chris acknowledges the economic challenges faced by many in the community. To make dining more accessible, Brave the Flames utilizes single-use plates and plastic baskets to reduce labor costs associated with dishwashing. The restaurant employs a modified fast-casual counter service, providing affordability without compromising quality.

Discussing future plans, Chef Chris expresses a desire to expand and explore additional themes that leverage his meat fabrication skills, with a focus on delivering flavorful food at affordable prices.

While Brave the Flames faces challenges associated with its location, including parking scarcity next to the post office, Chef Chris is optimistic about the municipal parking options and the welcoming attitude of nearby establishments, such as the library.

Brave the Flames stands out as a beacon of innovation in a culinary landscape dominated by high-end establishments, providing a welcoming space for all to indulge in quality cuisine without breaking the bank. As the flames of success continue to burn bright, Chef Chris Arquiett's commitment to redefining the dining experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on Tannersville and beyond.

More information, including hours of operation, can be found online at www.bravetheflames.com.

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Annual Award Winners Announced: Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, Top Selling Real Estate Firm in The Hudson Valley’s Regional Multiple Listing Services* Celebrates Excellence

Kingston – Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, the leader in  Hudson Valley and Catskills real estate*, proudly announces the recipients of its  prestigious annual awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in sales and education  as well as special contributions to the company and the real estate industry. 

Each year, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty acknowledges the excellence and spirit  of its agents. This year’s award recipients were top sellers and agents who embodied  Village Green’s mission: “Built on Ethics and Expertise, We Deliver Excellence To Our  Agents and Our Clients; We Make Real Estate Experiences What They Should Be.” 

"We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our agents," said  General Manager, Amy Forste. "Some of our award winners are in the top 2% of more  than 100,000 Coldwell Banker agents around the globe. Their sales records are not just  impressive for our market, they’re impressive for any market." 

The recipients of this year's awards include: 

1. Top Producer: Recognizing the highest Gross Commission Income across the  company. Laurie Ylvisaker, Associate Real Estate Broker. 

2. Office Top Producer: Recognizing the highest Gross Commission Income in each  off CBVGR’s 6 offices. Angela Lanuto, Assoc. Real Estate Broker (Catskill Office);  Sara Gorman Maliha, Real Estate Salesperson (Kingston Office); Anne Hilton  Purvis, Real Estate Salesperson (New Paltz Office); Allison Morelle, Associate Real  Estate Broker (Red Hook Office); Regina Tortorella, Assoc. Real Estate Broker  (Windham Office); Laurie Ylvisaker, Assoc. Real Estate Broker (Woodstock Office) 

3. Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society: Celebrating the top 11% of  Coldwell Banker’s 100,000+ international agents. Amy Crossfield, Real Estate  Salesperson; Aysa Morehead, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Bruce Stalnaker, Assoc.  Real Estate Broker; Ellen Osgood, Real Estate Salesperson; Eric Amaral, Assoc.  Real Estate Broker; Herbert Parets, Real Estate Salesperson; Lisa Jaeger, Assoc.  Real Estate Broker; Mercedes Ross, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Sara Gorman  Maliha, Real Estate Salesperson; Sharon Knudsen, Assoc. Real Estate  Salesperson; Valerie Cashen, Assoc. Real Estate Broker. 

4. Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society: Celebrating the top 7% of  Coldwell Banker’s 100,000+ international agents. Antonio Parrotta, Real Estate  Salesperson; Dawn Passante, Assoc. Real Estate Broker.

5. Coldwell Banker President’s Circle: Celebrating the top 4% of Coldwell Banker’s  100,000+ international agents. Allison Morelle, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Angela  Lanuto, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Hilton Purvis, Real Estate Salesperson; Leslie  Foti, Real Estate Salesperson. 

6. Coldwell Banker President’s Elite: Celebrating the top 2% of Coldwell Banker’s  100,000+ international agents. Amy Lonas, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Laurie  Ylvisaker, Assoc. Real Estate Broker; Regina Tortorella, Assoc. Real Estate Broker. 

7. Rising Star: Megan Forziati, Real Estate Salesperson. Honoring an up-and-coming  agent who has demonstrated rapid success, exceptional potential, and a  precocious understanding of the real estate business. 

8. Most Listings: Acknowledging the agent who obtained the most property listings  and brought them to market. Regina Tortorella, Assoc. Real Estate Broker  9. M.V.P Award (Most Valuable Property): Recognizing the agent who sold the  property with the highest sale price for the year. The “M.V.P” for 2023 was also  the highest value property ever sold in the Town of Woodstock according to  available MLS records. Laurie Ylvisaker, Assoc. Real Estate Broker. 

10. Global Luxury Certification: Recognizing agents who have been invited to take  part in Coldwell Banker’s Global Luxury Certification Program based on their  luxury sales record, and completed the intensive training program in luxury  property marketing and sales. Christine Hinz, Real Estate Salesperson. 

11. Team Spirit: Honoring one agent from each office who makes Coldwell Banker  Village Green Realty a wonderful place to work; they’re always helpful, positive,  professional and appreciative of their colleagues. Aysa Morehead, Assoc. Real  Estate Broker; Amy Crossfield, Real Estate Salesperson; Stephen Cerini, Assoc.  Real Estate Broker; John Lenahan, Real Estate Salesperson; Lisa Jaeger, Assoc.  Real Estate Broker; Henry Ford, Real Estate Salesperson. 

For more information about Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty and its award-winning  team, please visit VillageGreenRealty.com or contact Amy Wallace at 845-642-9201  (cell). 

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Auditions

TANNERSVILLE — We're happy to welcome Liz Piccoli as our director, and have assembled a wonderful creative team who are already hard at work developing the technical aspects. 

Now all we need is YOU! Whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes, we have opportunities for theater lovers of all ages. 

Our production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be inclusive of all ages and abilities, and will have a focus on learning the art of Musical Theater performance and production.  

ACTORS: Auditions will be held at the Studio at 6504 Main Street; Tannersville, NY 12485 (above the Tannersville Antique Center) on March 22nd through 23rd. Please visit the website (www.maudeadamstheaterhub.org) for complete instructions on times and how to prepare for your audition. Once you have submitted your application to us, we'll forward you the audition materials and other details. If you want to audition with a friend, just let us know! Or if you want to audition with someone whom you most feel comfortable (aka a parent) who isn't auditioning, that's perfectly fine. 

WE WILL ACCEPT TAPED AUDITIONS. Please let us know in your application that you would like to submit, and we will be in touch with directions on how to proceed. All taped auditions need to be submitted by the end of day, Saturday, March 23rd. 

BACKSTAGERS: Please just respond to this email with what you are interested in, and we'll connect you with the appropriate creative!  

Please go to the website for the tentative rehearsal schedule, which is subject to change based on the needs of cast members. We will ask that you bring your conflicts to the auditions, so please be prepared. 

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Forest Ranger News

Town of Ashland
Chemung County
Law Enforcement: On Feb. 28, the Wellsburg Fire Chief requested Forest Ranger assistance with a wildfire believed to have been started by a person. Ranger Staples walked the perimeter of the 12.5-acre fire to determine its size and issued tickets to the responsible party for endangering the property of another and setting a fire without clearing three feet of inflammable materials.  

Town of Hunter 
Greene County
Wilderness Rescue: On March 1 at 4:50 p.m., Forest Rangers Dawson and Peterson responded to a report of a hiker stranded on the ice near Kaaterskill Falls. The 27-year-old from Maryland was wearing sneakers and did not have micro-spikes, which are needed to cross the ice-covered area. Hikers at the viewing platform saw the hiker was stuck on the ice and called for help. At 5:40 p.m., Ranger Dawson reached the hiker, provided micro-spikes and a hiking pole, and helped her off the ice. Rangers walked the subject back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 6:40 p.m.  

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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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