The Mountain Eagle

5/27/24

Russell Named as SCS HS Principal

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 5/27/24 | 5/27/24

To Replace Kevin Calacone on July 1

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School will be getting a new junior-senior high school principal for the 2024-25 school year.

Schoharie school board members Tuesday night accepted the resignation of high school principal Kevin Calacone as of June 30. He will be replaced by current assistant high school Principal David Russell.

Board members agreed to give Mr. Russell a four-year probationary agreement beginning with a salary of $110,000 for the next school year. The probationary agreement expires on June 30. 2028. Mr. Russell began the school year as athletic director before becoming assistant principal in September.

Dr. Calacone is going to be the President of LaSalle Institute in Troy. He has been in Schoharie for nine years.

In addition, school board members Tuesday appointed the following teachers and personnel for the 2024-25 school year:

* Carey Raymond as a Special Education Teacher, sixth grade to a three-year probationary agreement at a salary of $83,945 per STA contract, effective September 1.

*.Shauna Rockwell as a Speech-Language Pathologist to a four-Year probationary position at a salary Step 2, per STA contract, effective September 1.

* Amanda Stigberg as an elementary school teacher for a four-year probationary appointment at her current Salary Step, per STA contract, effective retroactive to May 9.

*.Aaron Tesiero as an elementary school teacher to a, four-year probationary appointment effective September

Board members also:

* Accepted the resignation of Rebbecca LaPoint as a Part-Time Teacher Aide, effective as of the end of the day on 6/27/24.

* Accepted the resignation of Charles Parks, Bus Driver, effective as of the end of the day on 6/30/24.

*Accepted the resignation of Lenorah Pierce, Full-Time Teacher Aide, effective retroactive to the end of the day on 4/05/24.

* Appointed Seth Sholtes as a Office and Keyboard Worker, Step 1 $31,798, per SCEA Contract, eight hours/day, five days/week, 12 months/year, 52-week probationary, according to School Calendar, effective 5/28/24.

*Accepted the following change in appointment for Alex Kutinsky, change from: appoint, Custodial Worker, Probationary Full-Time, 10 months, Second Shift, Step 9 $37,195 per SCEA Contract, Second Shift Differential: $642 to: Appoint, Custodial Worker, Probationary Full-Time, 12 months, Second Shift, Step 9 $37,195 per SCEA Contract, Second Shift Differential: $642, effective 5/22/24.

* Named Kat Harvey as Musical Assistant half-time, Stipend per STA Contract, $855, effective retroactive to 1/01/24.

*Appointed the following Summer Enrichment Teachers at the Curriculum hourly rate per STA Contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Anthony Monescalchi, Ron Mastin, Brittany Heintz, Lisette Helmstadt, Gabrielle Stanavich, Jacqueline O'Rourke, Carolyn Strauch, Jennifer Hellstrom, Holly Rutland, and Erin Leahy.

* Named the following Summer Enrichment substitute teachers at a salary Summer Curriculum hourly rate per STA Contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Sandra Cater and Nancy Anderson.

* Appointed the following Summer Enrichment Aides at a salary Step at current hourly rate per SCEA contract, Hours: 9AM-1:30PM, effective 7/08/24 through 8/16/24: Heather Cater, Kelly Hartzel, Marissa McCormack-Waters, Megan Munzo, Teresa Schoenecker, Nicholas Sisson, David St. George, Amy Tessitore, and Courtney Thomas.

* Approved the Summer Curriculum Development of "Really Great Reading Program" which is grant funded. Appointed per hourly rate per STA Contract, not to exceed 15 hours effective 7/01/24 through 8/15/24,were for the following: Michelle Haverly (SPED), Joanne Spina (SPED), Carolyn Strauch (SPED), Brittany Heintz (SPED), and Anne Donzelli (SPED).

* Approved the Summer Curriculum Development of 15:1 Special Class Curriculum Development, which is grant funded. Appointed to an hourly rate per STA Contract, not to exceed five days, effective 7/01/24 through 8/15/24, were the following: Brittany Heintz, Social Studies (Global/US History), Carolyn Strauch (English), Adriene Bush (Math), and Rylie Smith (Science).

* Added seven people the to Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service list.

* Authorized Transportation to Non-Public Schools for the 2024- 25 School Year.

* Accepted the donation from The Rolphie Fund of $724.36 for the Schoharie CSD Rolphie Fund.

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M'burgh Village to Turn Vacant Land into Park

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Members of the Middleburgh village board have agreed to turn an unused strip of land off of Pine Street into a Pollinator Garden.

Board members agreed to the garden after a presentation by Trustee Amanda Fernandez.

Trustee Fernandez explained, "Volunteers in our community approached me with the idea of placing a pollinator garden on the strip of land that the village owns on Pine Street. We’re still working out the details - size and dimensions - but everything involved (planting, maintenance and upkeep will be done by volunteers). This will also free up DPW labor time since we’ll be decreasing the amount of land they have to mow over there."

She added, that breaking ground and planting will have to be done within the next few weeks.

Board members agreed it was a good idea since it will decrease the time DPW workers will have to mow the strip. It will basically be "set the seeds and forget," Trustee Fernandez added.

Trustee Bob Tinker praised the plan saying, "The less to do there the better."

* * *

In other action, board members:

* Agreed to allow American Legion members to sell poppies from May 27 to June 1 and the VFW to sell from May 20 to 25.

* Approved a loan application from Lisa Tenneson from For Get Me Not Soda Shoppe for a SCBG Loan Repayment program for $20,000 at one percent interest for five years.

* Heard Mayor Tim Knight say that the community band concerts will be held on the high school lawn from June 28 through July.

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M'burgh Village LowersSpeed Limit on Maple Ave

But Speeders Still a Menace on Street

MIDDLEBURGH - The Middleburgh Village Board officially lowered the speed limit on Maple Avenue to 25 mph earlier this month but that has not stopped drivers from speeding.

At their April meeting, board members agreed to lower the speed limit on Maple Avenue to 25 MPH after a complaint from two residents. The board also directed DPW Superintendent Cole Keyser to put up signs stating the new speed limit.

Two Maple Avenue residents, Tracy Dailey and Rita Leith, asked for the Village to take action on the speeding that street encounters during Little League baseball season, which will began in May.

At their meeting, board members adopted a formal resolution lowering the speed limit.

The resolution states, "Maple Avenue is a residential street...largely consisting of school-aged children, senior citizens, and taxpaying residents and has no sidewalks, meaning the residential street has become a shared space for automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike, and Maple Avenue has seen a recent increase in not only the amount of traffic, but the corresponding speed of traffic, which has prompted its residents to request a reduced speed limit. Be it resolved that this Village Board of Trustees designates Maple Avenue's speed limit at 25mph, retroactively effective to April 8, 2024, and furthermore, be it resolved that this Village Board of Trustees directs Mayor (Tim) Knight to request area law enforcement provide additional coverage to assist in enforcing the new reduced speed limit."

Despite the lowered speed limit, speeders are still a menace on the street.

Late last week, on a weekday afternoon, a dirt bike with wide tires tore down the street toward Wells Avenue at a high rate of speed followed by a modified foreign car also traveling very fast. Residents shouted to the young rider and the driver to slow down.

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Jefferson Central Votes Down Budget Proposal

JEFFERSON — Voters in the Jefferson Central School District disapproved the district's proposed budget by a vote of 96 to 100.

Voters did, however, approve the purchase of a 65-passenger bus 106 to 89 and narrowly passed the establishment of a capital reserve fund, 98 to 97. Frederick J. Blumberg won the five-year term on the school's board of education by 134 votes to Phoebe K. Schriner's 47 votes. Luke VanCleef received 15 write-in votes.

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Fort Director Resigns

SCHOHARIE — Old Stone Fort Melinda McTaggart resigned last week "Good Evening, I resigned my position effective today at COB," she wrote to the Schoharie County Historical Society Board. She requested that information be sent to Curator Dan Beams, who is now acting director.

She did not give further reason for the resignation and there was no official statement from the County Board or Historical Society.

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Flag tradition continues at Schoharie Elementary School

By Jennifer Patterson

For the first time in several years, students from Schoharie Elementary School helped place flags on local Veterans graves on May 14 in observance of Memorial Day.

With guidance from Nancy Wolfe and the Schoharie Unit #1261 American Legion Auxiliary, a group of about 20 students staked nearly 200 American flags in the Lutheran Cemetery behind the Parrot House in Schoharie.

“When New York State shut down in March 2020, the sixth grade Flag Group stopped raising/lowering the flag at Schoharie Elementary School, but the American Legion Auxiliary continued without students in the placing of flags in the cemetery each May,” said Wolfe, who owns The Wolfe’s Laundry Den on Main Street in Schoharie. “Students didn’t help with the placing of flags until this year, and their assistance, along with family, friends, school staff and community members, is invaluable.”

Wolfe became involved with the sixth grade Flag Group at Schoharie Elementary School in 1997, after attending her oldest son’s Moving-Up Day ceremony. She reached out to former Schoharie Elementary School Principal Paul Seamans, a Vietnam Veteran, who started the Flag Group in 1991.

Being a member of the Color Guard came with the responsibility of raising the American Flag over the elementary school each morning and lowering it in the afternoon, as well as learning how to properly fold it. The response each year was so great that there were several students who shared the duties each month.

Since June of 1998, the Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary has given out more than 1,000 certificates of appreciation to each student that participated in the program. In addition, an Americanism Award is given to a student recognized by the school principal for their outstanding contribution to the program.

The award was renamed the Paul E. Seamans Americanism Award after his retirement in 2005.

Sixth grade teacher Steve Usher was the program’s contact person until 2020, when the Flag Group was sidelined due to COVID-19.

In the summer of 2023, teacher Nancy Anderson reached out to Wolfe to come to the school and work with the fifth grade enrichment program. They folded flags and discussed facts and history about the American flag.

Anderson also restarted the Flag Group, now working with fifth grade students.

As Memorial Day nears, Schoharie Elementary School students are doing their part to remember the service and sacrifice of local Veterans.

“The flags usually go in the cemetery about a week or so before Memorial Day,” said Wolfe. “They look so nice that we usually leave them there until September, when they are removed before the bad weather sets in.”

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Federice Reports on County Lawsuit During Conesville Meeting

By Chris English

CONESVILLE _ Town of Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice reported that Schoharie County has filed a lawsuit over tax breaks and incentives offered to businesses during the town board's Tuesday, May 14 meeting.

The suit claims that the state has violated the local municipality's home rule protections granted in the state constitution. Several other counties seem interested in adding their names to the lawsuit, Federice added.

Continuing his report to the board, the supervisor said grants are being made available for the "last mile" broadband project. While there is more than $30 million available, the program would require an additional $5 million from the county, Federice said. He went on to criticize the program because, among other reasons, Federice said one of its aims is to provide internet service to Amish families who would not use it.

The town's code enforcement officer position has been readvertised in the Mountain Eagle, it was noted at the meeting.

During public comment, resident Steve Young remarked that his property assessment had been unreasonably high and that town assessor Marie Stuber had helped to correct it. However, Young continued that he was nonetheless concerned with the methodology used to determine assessments. The remarks led to a brief back-and-forth between Young and Federice about the fairness of assessments in the state in general and if there was any solution. Young implied that there should be a march on Albany, which Federice quickly disagreed with.

Code Enforcement Officer Jim Kopp reported that two new permits, two certificates of occupancy, and one certificate of compliance were recently issued. In an update about the Couchman House, it was noted that bathroom fixtures have been purchased and a plumber has started work on updating the pipes and installing the new fixtures and sump pump.

A 5K run will be held on Nov. 30 and will run from the park along 990V and Bearkill Road, and turn around by the Buel Farm, and come back. Clark's Gym will do the timekeeping, with its services to be funded through local donations. Advertising spots are available to local businesses for $100. Long-sleeved t-shirts will be provided to all runners who have paid their registration fees. Promotions for the event will begin in June and July.

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Cudmore Launches New Book

Local author and Mountain Eagle alum Dana Cudmore with publishers Maureen and James Krueger at the Old Stone Fort for the launch of his new book, The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns & Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice.

We’ll be doing a review of the book in the coming months. For more info, visit http://www.nysbooks.com/.

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Benjamin Guevara-Chancey of Middleburgh Receives Spellman Distinguished QTPOC

ALBANY — The Spellman QTPOC Leadership Award recognizes students at the University at Albany who provide exemplary leadership in support of the QTPOC community at UAlbany or in the surrounding community, coordinate activities for a student organization in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion, serves in a leadership capacity or functions as a leader in this area, or functions and/or is generally recognized as a role model and effective leader by peers, faculty and staff in regards to advocating for the QTPOC/LGBTQ+ community.

The Spellman Awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service.

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Race fans have a large selection of racing to choose from on this Memorial Day weekend. Friday night Dodge City Speedway in Howes Cave will offer double points in their weekly Go-Kart classes, plus the DXMP Reaper Clone Series will be there.

Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta will have a 358 modified Shootout and all weekly divisions, with the pro-stock and crate 602 sportsman competing for $1,000 in their respective divisions.

Utica-Rome Speedway will host the F.X. Caprara Car Companies -Thunder on the Thruway Series for the modifieds, pro stock and crate 602 sportsman divisions, with all of their other weekly divisions racing tonight.

Saturday-Dodge City Speedway will host the Extreme Budget for 200 laps & the Winged Champ Racing Series.

Fonda Speedway has a full program of weekly divisions, plus the heldover sportsman race from April 27 and it is Bike Night for the Kids Club.

Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt. has a 358 modified special and all weekly divisions,

Sunday Devil's Bowl will have their annual 602 Northeast Crate Nationals 100 laps for the Sportsman modifieds plus 358 modifieds and their weekly divisions Monday will be used as a rain date if necessary.

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park has a Meet & Greet after hot laps. Giving fans the opportunity to get autographs and maybe pictures and Hero cards, Free grandstand admission for Veterans and Active Military.

Weedsport Speedway will host the Super DIRTcar Series for their Heroes Remembered 100 night, with DIRTcar sportsman and CRSA 305 winged sprint cars.

Brookfield Speedway will host the Short Track Super Series-North Region Round number 2 for the Crate 602 sportsman, with pro stocks/street stocks, limited sportsman, four cylinders & slingshots.

Monday will see the Super DIRTcar Series visit Thunder Mountain Speedway in Center Lisle, for Thunder on the Mountain. The DIRTcar sportsman and 600cc modifieds are also on the schedule.

In other news this week another legendary driver has left us, as Hall of Fame dirt modified chauffeur “Barefoot” Bob McCreadie of Watertown,N.Y. passed away at age 74. As I remember Bob's early racing included some asphalt and racing in small block modifieds in the early 70's at tracks such as Evans Mills and Watertown. Going into the 80's Bob would expand his racing career and become one of the top competitors in the big block modifieds on the DIRTcar circuit. McCreadie was

creative and built many of his early cars, which always seemed to be rather unique. McCreadie was also referred to as the Master of Going Faster and had over 500 wins in his illustrious career including a Super DIRT Week championship in 1986 on the mile at the Syracuse Fairgrounds. His son Tim is a modified champion in his own right and is a past champion on the late model circuits, where he still competes today. His son Jordan currently competes in the DIRTcar 358 modified division and has been a regular at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park.

Also passing away this week at the age of 90, was legendary NASCAR modified driver Carl Steven Berghman alias Bugsy Stevens who was a 3 time NASCAR national modified champion in the late 1960's.

Results from last week show Thursday night at Outlaw Speedway the High Limit Racing Series 410 winged sprint cars made their first Empire State appearance Brad Sweet won the 30-lap feature at the 4/10 mile oval. Filling out the podium were Tyler Courtney and Zeb Wise. Chad Miller of Amsterdam was there with his number 88c, unfortunately he failed to qualify for the A-main. In the 35-lap modified feature Ajay Potrzebowski took the win over Matt Sheppard and Jim LaRock.

Utica-Rome Speedway hosted their first ever Kubota-High Limit Racing Series 410 winged sprint car race. 36 cars attempted to qualify for the 30-lap A-main feature Rico Abreu claimed the $12,000 check, with Justin Peck and James McFadden completing the podium. Chad Miller of Amsterdam qualified by virtue of winning the B-main and finished 23rd. In the A-main.

Not qualifying were drivers such as Danny Varin of Fonda, Chase Moran of Fultonville, and former NASCAR Cup driver Kasey Kahne. The 3 Bastards Brewing modified division held a 30-lap feature. Pat Ward scored his first U-R victory since October 2022, over Alex Yankowski and Matt Sheppard.

Friday night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway it was the Ginja Ninja-Jack Lehner scoring the win in the NAPA DIRTcar big block modified division 35-lap feature followed by Demetrios Drellos, and Brett Hearn. Lehner started 17th. And became the fifth different modified division winner of 2024.

Cody Bleau earned the checkers in the Ideal Excavating DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature ahead of Tim Hartman Jr. and Mike Benson.

In the Saratoga Masonry DIRTcar pro stock Series feature Brandon Emigh took the checkers ahead of Jason Casey and Kim Duell.

Josh Coonradt claimed the Haun Welding Supply 20-lap limited sportsman division feature over Tanner Coon and Dakota Green.

The street stock division feature was won by Jimmy Duncan over Chris Stalker and Jeff Meltz,

In the Greg's Towing four cylinder division feature Elmer Montville won the dual cam division and Kyle Lanfear the single cam division.

Saturday night the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina for the Wright Brand 250. Rain stopped the race on lap 81 postponing it until Sunday. Stewart Friesen would end up with a tenth place finish.

Saturday at U-R in the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division 30-lap feature Rocky Warner scored a tough win for his first since 2021 over Jack Lehner and Ronnie Johnson.

In the Taylor’s Trailers crate 602 sportsman 25-lap feature Tyler Peet earned the victory ahead of Matt Janczuk and Tanner Warner

The Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division 20-lap feature saw A.J. Walters earn his third in a row beating Cousin Luke Horning and Ivan Joslin

In the Fastline Performance limited sportsman division 15-lap feature Corky Warner claimed the win over Jeff Bobilin and Eric Jensen

The Fonda Fair 4 cylinders 12-lap feature wins went to Dan Valade in the dual cam division and Wayne Russell Jr. in the single cam division.

All-Star slingshot division winner was A.J. Albreada in the 20-lap feature and Junior division victor was Addison Roger 15-lap feature.

Sunday night

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park had a beautiful sunny Sunday evening

In the Callanan Industries DIRTcar 358 modified division Kevin Stevens won the 35-lap feature ahead of Lance Willix and Brett Graham.

Ted's Body Shop/Next Generation GraphiX DIRTcar Sportsman East Region Series 40-lap feature for the crate

602 sportsman was won by Cody Ochs followed by Dylan Nichols and Dale Robinson.

The Yurkewecz Auto Crushers DIRTcar pro stock 20-lap feature saw Ivan Joslin cross the finish line ahead of Slater Baker and Chuck McSpirit.

The Limited sportsman division feature was taken by Josh Coonradt over Adam Fusco and Tanner Coon.

The Street stock division feature was earned by Jason Samrov ahead of Matt Mosher and Jason Barrett.

The Leatherstocking Credit Union DIRTcar mini stock division victories went to Slappy White in the dual cam division and Stephen Walters in the single cam division.

Northeast Paving & Sealcoat All-Star slingshot winner was 15 Justin House and in the Junior division 12-lap feature.Lucas Cole

Glen Ridge has changed the RUSH late model division to a once a month show

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All About Racing

Ivan Joslin of Fonda celebrates his win in the Pro Stock event at Glen Ridge on Sunday with a roof dance. Biittig photo

Cody Ochs of Rensselaer recorded his first DIRTcar Sportsman Series East Region win on Sunday at Glen Ridge. Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

The High Limit Sprint tour was the highlight of racing at Utica-Rome on Friday night and Rico Abrue of California was the winner in the green to checker 25-lap event giving him his first win on the series this season.

The track drew a huge crowd at the event, the second night of racing for the High Limit series in New York. Thursday night they raced at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, NY and Brad Sweet was the winner.

The Modified feature at Utica-Rome on Friday was a crowd pleaser. Veteran and Hall of Famer, Pat Ward of Genoa, NY held off Alex Yankowski and Matt Sheppard for his 150th career win, his 27th win at the Vernon oval. The win also gave Ward the distinction of being the oldest driver to win a Modified feature at Utica-Rome besting Jack Johnson by three years.

Utica-Rome held a non-point event on Saturday night and several Fonda drivers made the trip to the Vernon oval. It turned out to be a great night for the Warner family. Dad, Rocky was the winner of the Modified main event and his young son, Corky picked up his first win in the Limited Sportsman, son Tanner finished third in the Sportsman division.

At Albany-Saratoga on Friday Jack Lehner recorded his first win of the season in the Modified event. Veteran racer, Brett Hearn started the event in the second row and after battling with Johnson, Drellos and Lehner, took the lead on lap 24 but the win wasn’t to be for the tracks’ most winning driver, Hearn finished, third at the checker. Winner of the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series event was Brandon Emigh.

Other winners on Friday at Albany-Saratoga were: Cody Bleau, Sportsman; Josh Coonradt, Limited Sportsman; Jimmy Duncan, Street Stocks; Adam Montville, Four cylinder, dual cam; Kyle Lamfear, single cam.

On Sunday Glen Ridge held a DIRTcar Sportsman Series race and Cody Ochs recorded his first win in the East Region, giving him seven total wins at The Ridge.

Ivan Joslin was the winner of the Pro Stock event, his first win for car owner, Bill Yurkewecz and his 13th win at the track. Ivan was driving his 22-year-old Cannizzaro chassis.

Other winners and Glen Ridge were: Kevin Stevens, 358 Modifieds; Josh Coonradt, Limited Sportsman; Slappy White, Jason Samrov, Street Stock; Four Cylinder, dual cam; Stephen Walters, single cam; Justin House, All Star Slingshots; Lucas Cole, JR. Slingshots.

Racing This Weekend:

Friday at Albany-Saratoga, 358 Modified Shoot Out, plus Pro Stocks and Sportsman run for $1000, plus all other divisions.

Friday at Utica-Rome all divisions plus the MVVDMS. (vintage racers)

Two recent trips to Fonda Speedway and we witnessed the efforts being put into the surface to improve the conditions. Weather and track conditions permitting, Fonda will race this Saturday, May 25, when the Pro Stocks will run for $1000 with all other divisions on the racing card.

At Lebanon Valley, military appreciation night, with all divisions in action.

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com.

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Esperance Aims to Slow Traffic Near Playground

By Venus Louise

ESPERANCE — On May 13 the Village of Esperance met for its monthly meeting with Mayor Royce Gage and Board of Trustees, in which they:

Heard Kyle Smart announce that the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department will be serving breakfast sandwiches during the Village-wide garage sales happening in conjunction with the George Landis Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 18, 2024.
Heard Matt Deffer explain the Playground Committee will be putting up more traffic signs to help slow down traffic around the Village Commons and Playground.
Were asked to participate in the Scenic Route project headed by William Morton of Middleburgh, who has begun meeting with Schoharie County Village and Town officials to help him create a corridor management plan along Route 30. He told the board that though a byway must receive legislative approval the entire process is “bottom up” and community driven. There was no agreement made but the Board will discuss its options to participate.
Heard a complaint from a village resident regarding a streetlamp on Cumpston Street. The board informed her that National Grid would need to be notified to make the decision whether or not to remove it.
Heard the drainage problems in front of the Village office up to the Presbyterian church are being addressed this week.
Next meeting will be Monday June 10, 2024 at 7 pm.

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Elks Celebrate 50 Years

By Venus Louise

ESPERANCE — The Esperance Elks Lodge 2507 celebrated its 50th anniversary with a full house on May 11.

Over a hundred guests including one living Charter Member and several of their descendants enjoyed listening to the Southern Style Rock that Gabby Ellers sang and played on her acoustic guitar during the cocktail hour. George Diamond Sr. welcomed fellow Elk dignitaries and local politicians with his opening ceremony and introductions of keynote speakers. William Fink led the Pledge of Allegiance and Jennifer Parker said the prayers.

Paula Diamond read her very detailed history of the formation of the lodge and its construction. She posted several picture boards around the room to show the many years of dedicated volunteers. Michael Bloss Elks Past State President gave his Kudos to this Lodge for all its hard work and dedication.

Everyone agreed that the Prime Rib dinners were fantastic. Marcia (Hewett) Bunzey stated it was a great tribute to her grammy and grampy, (Kneland and Bernice Hewett) but the real tribute was to all the people who have kept it running over the past 50 years!

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The Creative Contribution of Bellfire Farm

Photos provided by Bellfire Farm

By Robert Brune

ROXBURY — The astonishing beauty of Bellfire Farm, tucked into the valley below Plattekill Mountain ski resort in Roxbury, is a camping fantasy realized by Richard Tazzara and Mina Teslaru. This couple met up in Tazzara’s art space in Brooklyn years ago. In 2014 they both decided to leave the city life behind for the country life of Delaware County in Roxbury purchasing the Old Hinkley Farm House where many of the family members were born. The house is thought to have been built in 1860.

Tazzara and Teslaru utilized their creative talents of carpentry, art, and design in putting together one of the top-rated glamping locations in upstate New York. They began by transforming a wagon chassis into a Romani-style wagon with stunning bold colors, inspired by Tesaru’s ancestry. It’s so amazing that the New York Tourism Department featured the Cosmic Nomad (wagon) in the current issue of the Great Western Catskills booklet in the STAY section.

“Leaving the city for the mountains offered the peace and nature we craved. While we knew we miss the cultural diversity, we’ve been delighted to discover a thriving artistic community here. From inspiring artists to incredible local cuisine, the mountains have unveiled a wealth of hidden gems. We truly enjoy the tranquility of nature while still staying connected to the creative energy that fuels us. This welcoming corner of New York feels like a perfect fit – wholesome, caring, and full of opportunity.” – Mina Teslaru

The Bellfire Farm glamping is a back-to-nature, off-the-grid experience with no electricity, no wifi at the camp sites, lit by solar battery lanterns at each of their three four sites which includes two canvas camps and two artisan-built cabins, each with ample private space and unique features that enhance time spent outdoors.

Bellfire Farm attracts on average one thousand visitors seasonally. This is a huge contribution to the local economy of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.

“For me the transition from living in Williamsburg Brooklyn to the western Catskills was a decision I had in my heart long before it was realized. There are many advantages and challenges to both lifestyles, but I truly feel at home here in the hills of Roxbury, NY. I think Mina put it best when, asked by our friends why we were leaving NYC, her quote was, “The city just isn’t big enough for us anymore.” I am so grateful for our home and this community, it took little imagination to realize how we could share this splendor not only with our friends and family but a greater audience.” – Rich Tazzara

If you visit their website or social media pages, you’ll see the rave reviews of faithful repeat customers. Tazzara points to one example, “We have one guest that comes back three times a year to experience the changing of the seasons.” Teslaru spoke about how two mothers with their daughters recently visited from Ohio to stay for four days. This enchanting location attracts people from New York State and as far away as Japan and Canada. This glamping concept was built to honor the surrounding environment with a near zero carbon footprint, utilizing reclaimed and locally sourced building materials.

This reporter got the unique pleasure of looking inside of each of the camp site locations this past Wednesday May 15th during their small gathering for the Delaware County fire ban lift. About 15 of their close friends came together for a bonfire with food and drinks. Richard and Mina all are so gracious and friendly, it’s no wonder they have such an adoring repeat list of guests coming every year.

One of the many amazing reviews found in their note logs…“An amazing experience I will carry with me wherever I travel. As a woman it’s scary to travel solo, but at Bellfire I’ve never felt more at peace and safe. The location is stunning and secluded without being too far from good restaurants and human interaction. I took advantage of the sauna and cold plunge which I highly recommend. You have everything you need while remaining sustainable. Mina and Rich were kind, very respectful and made me feel at home.” — Jess - Boston. MA

See more at www.bellfirefarm.com and @bellfirefarm on Instagram

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Russell Named as SCS HS Principal

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 5/27/24 | 5/27/24

M'burgh Village to Turn Vacant Land into Park

M'burgh Village LowersSpeed Limit on Maple Ave

Jefferson Central Votes Down Budget Proposal

Fort Director Resigns

Flag tradition continues at Schoharie Elementary School

Federice Reports on County Lawsuit During Conesville Meeting

Cudmore Launches New Book

Benjamin Guevara-Chancey of Middleburgh Receives Spellman Distinguished QTPOC

Auto Racing News

All About Racing

Esperance Aims to Slow Traffic Near Playground

Elks Celebrate 50 Years

The Creative Contribution of Bellfire Farm

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Written By The Mountain Eagle on 5/27/24 | 5/27/24

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National Bank of Coxsackie

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