Art Show at Sugar Maples

By Michael Ryan

MAPLECREST - It is a simple drawing titled “Cher Ami,” the French phrase for “dear friend,” perhaps a strange way to refer to a bird.

Cher Ami was one of several works displayed during the recent Student Exhibition at the Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts.

The show, held annually at their little gallery in the hamlet of Maplecrest,  featured various venues including the ink drawing by Christine Silver.

There were ceramics, such as “Mother and Child” from local artisan Tess Charbonneau and an acrylic on canvas, “Frank,” by Jonathan Licurse, depicting Old Blue Eyes himself.

Joann Roman, who lives between Maplecrest and the town of Prattsville,  brought a collection of ceramics including “Elongated Self Image” and clever “Feminine Wiles.”

Silver started her human journey in Switzerland, shifting to Los Angeles and then the village of Rensselearville in nearby Albany County before learning of the classes hosted by the Center.

She was there with her daughter Sarah, a budding singer/songwriter, and her lone drawing of Cher Ami which was emotionally not for sale.

No price can be correctly put upon the homing pigeon who, in the years following World War I, was as well known as any war hero.

Wikipedia tells the story, stating, “Cher Ami was a male homing pigeon who had been donated by the pigeon fanciers of Britain for use by the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France during World War I.”

The tiny flyer “had been trained by American pigeoners. He is famous for delivering a message from an encircled battalion despite serious injuries during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in October 1918,” Wikipedia states.

“On October 3, 1918, Major Charles White Whittlesey and more than 550 men were trapped in a small depression on the side of the hill behind enemy lines without food or ammunition. 

“They were also beginning to receive friendly fire from allied troops who did not know their location. Surrounded by the Germans, many were killed and wounded and only 194 men were still alive and not captured or wounded by the end of the engagement.

“Because his runners were consistently intercepted or killed by the Germans, Whittlesey began dispatching messages by pigeon.

“The pigeon carrying the first message, "Many wounded. We cannot evacuate." was shot down.

“A second bird was sent with the message, "Men are suffering. Can support be sent?" That pigeon also was shot down.

“The artillery batteries supporting Whittlesey's men attempted to provide a "barrage of protection" for Whittlesey's men on the northern slope of the Charlevaux Ravine.

“But, [they] believed Whittlesey was on the southern slope of the ravine, resulting in a barrage inadvertently targeting the battalion.

"Cher Ami" was dispatched with a note, written on onion paper, in a canister on his right leg, “our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heavens sake stop it.”

“As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw him rising out of the brush and opened fire. After several seconds, he was shot down but managed to take flight again.

“He arrived back at his loft at division headquarters 25 miles to the rear in just 25 minutes, helping to save the lives of the 194 survivors.

“He had been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and had a leg hanging only by a tendon,” Wikipedia states.

Cher Ami was awarded the Croix de Guerre Medal with a palm Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroic service in delivering 12 important messages in Verdun.

He died at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, in June 1919, from the wounds he received in battle and was later inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame.

In November 2019, he became one of the first recipients of the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery, bestowed on him posthumously at a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Not Exactly Mudville

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - “This is not a protest,” said Jonathan Gross, a member of the movement calling itself “Preserve the Windham Path.”

“This is not a demonstration,” Gross said. “This is a serene, peaceful walk to celebrate what the Windham Path means to us.”

Whatever way the walk was identified, 60 or so people were at the Path,  last Sunday evening, some carrying signs typically seen at a rally.

The signs and posters were calling for the town council not to build two little league fields at the Windham Path, an issue becoming a rising storm. 

Sunday evening’s walk took place 72 hours after a larger than normal crowd showed up for a May 23 town council meeting.

There was a mix of people at that council session, opposed to and favoring the little league fields at the Path, including a few little leaguers.

It was the second such get together this month. The same meeting room was overflowing with folks on May 9, speaking out almost exclusively against the project which is in the early planning stages.

A petition was handed over to the town council on behalf of “Friends of the Windham Path” containing over 1,100 signatures, though many of the names were from out of town and beyond.

Several of the same faces were present for the two council meetings and for the walk at the Windham Path, which was serene and peaceful.

But there is nothing serene and peaceful about the lines being drawn between the town council and Preserve the Windham Path.

And no matter how it gets worded, town supervisor Thomas Hoyt is getting singled out as the guy responsible for all the furor.

There are five members on the town council. Approval to move ahead with the little league fields came after a vote by them which was unanimous.

Just saying.

It would be sweet music to hear the rest of the council members make that known to local taxpayers so maybe the political overtones and underbelly starting to rear their ugly little heads might dissipate like mountain mist.

Be that as it may, Preserve the Windham Path wants the little league fields built elsewhere, believing their presence will ruin a rare gem.

“This is not just a walking path,” local resident Lori Torgersen said, addressing the walkers in the minutes before they set out.

Torgersen, and principally her life partner Nick Bove, were the visionaries behind the creation of the Windham Path, christened in 2013.

“There is something magical here,” Torgersen continued. “It is important to the viability of our community. The sounds of the Windham Path are the sounds of nature.

“These spaces, with their open view shed, don’t exist everywhere. We want to solve the challenges the little league is facing. We demand of local officials that they solve them differently,” Torgersen said.

The current little league field, along South Street, is facing the problem of shrinking available parking. Landowners who have traditionally allowed parking are utilizing their properties for business opportunities.

Little league president, John Garzone, speaking at the May 9 meeting, said the site, which has been home to generations of kids, is no longer safe.

Government leaders initially introduced the plan back in February, saying that all options have been delved into and rejected for various and valid reasons, emphasizing they likewise treasure the Windham Path.

They also point out that the 70 or so acres of land upon which the Path is set was purchased by the town to protect the easternmost entry to the community, not ruling out recreational development.

Jonathan Gross, prior to heading out on the walk, acknowledged that Preserve the Windham Path doesn’t have an alternative plan.

“I’m not saying we know the solution,” Gross said. “But we know a lot of smart people and we should at least all be working together.

“We are taxpayers. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to do something for the little league. We want to be part of the conversation. We’re offering an olive branch to Tom Hoyt.”

Passionate opinions are also being voiced in support of the little league fields. Hoyt says he has reached out to people connected with a local foundation, seeking financing and getting positive input.

Nothing is expected to happen until next spring, at the soonest. Meanwhile, there was a lone visible backer at the walk, the other night.

Sherry Wack, a resident of the hamlet of Maplecrest, stayed mostly sitting in her car in a far corner of the Path parking lot with a sign on the windshield stating, “Let the Kids Play.”

This ain’t Mudville with the Mighty Casey going down on strikes that poetic night. Baseball is being played in Windham but is there joy in sight?

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NATIONAL EMS WEEK - Thanking Ambulance Personnel in the Trenches

By Michael Ryan

GREENE COUNTY - A trio of Commendation Certificates were presented during the annual Appreciation Dinner for Greene County emergency medical services personnel, earlier this month.

The event, hosted by Blackthorne Resort in the town of Durham, kicked off the local celebration of National EMS Week, May 19-25, paying tribute to ambulance workers across the country.

Food and festivities were organized by the Greene County EMS Council, representing every town and village in the county, and sponsored by a group of local businesses, saying “thank you” to those in the trenches.

Two respected EMS pros were singled out, Roderick “Rick” Stanfield and Richard Linden, receiving proclamations from Assemblyman Chris Tague, Congressman Marc Molinaro and the Greene County Legislature.

Stanfield began his career in 2003 with the Mt. Marion Fire Department and Diaz Ambulance in the town of Saugerties, later serving as an EMT for the town of Windham and ambulance administrator in the town of Durham.

Linden entered the EMS field in the early 1980’s with the town of Durham, becoming an EMT in 1981 and subsequently an AEMT.

He was the town of Durham administrator and also served with the towns of Cairo, Windham and Catskill. Stanfield and Linden, both retired, were thanked for their “tireless efforts and unfading loyalty.”

In addition to Stanfield and Linden, an en masse Commendation Certificate honored all the, “first responders, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are an integral part of our nation's healthcare, public health, emergency management and public safety infrastructure.”

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - Flowers, Frustrations and Financials

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Late spring flax is blossoming along local roads, along with the sometimes frustrating paving-season flaggers, as Greene County Legislature members provide funding for the latter.

The beautiful flowers spreading like soft purply carpet throughout the rural landscape come at no cost to we mules of taxation.

Fixing rough spots on driving surfaces carries a heavy price tag, however, prompting lawmakers to approve a resolution awarding the purchase of materials for the county highway department, during a recent meeting.

Making the necessary acquisitions is an annual task, advertising for bids in the county’s two official newspapers, The Mountain Eagle and the Albany Times Union, seeking the lowest expense.

Bids were opened on April 29, even as motorists were muttering expletives that must be deleted in print, coming upon yet another and another lane closure or detour as workers maintain roads, replace culverts, etc.

Everyone is all smiles once the job is finished but prior to anything getting done, the materials-and-supplies piper must be paid (buying the various goods from the following vendors):

—Geotextile Fabrics (Chemung Supply Corp. based in Elmira), Lane Galvanized Gabion Baskets (Chemung Supply Corp);

—Pavement Marking (Atlantic Pavement Marking Inc. based in Prospect, Connecticut), Standard Box Beam-type Guide Rails (Chemung Supply Corp.);

—Steel Sign Posts (Chemung Supply Corp and/or Eberl Iron Works, based in Buffalo), Traffic Control Signs - Engineer and High Intensity Grades, Aluminum Blanks, etc. (Vulcan Signs, based in Foley, Alabama);

—Transit Mix concrete - All Zones (Bonded Concrete Inc., Watervliet). Quantities for all goods are to be designated by the county highway department or other municipalities within the county, as required.

In other mattes related to the highway department:

—Lawmakers approved a resolution awarding Quick Quotes for paving contracts under New York State Contract.

The measure was passed with the knowledge the State Office of General Services has awarded a bid for bituminous concrete.

That bid includes a list of approved contractors who can be called upon to work within Greene County using quick quotes.

Those contractors are A. Colarusso, based in Hudson, and Callanan Industries, headquartered in Albany, both well known in the area.

The Mountain Zone (the towns Ashland, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville & Windham), will be covered by A. Colarusso.

Quick quotes in the Valley Zone (the towns of Athens, Cairo, Catskill durham, Greenville & New Baltimore) will be handled by Callanan Industries. 

—Lawmakers approved bids for the purchase of washed and screened crushed stone for use by the county highway department.

Six vendors have been authorized to deliver within the county, having further bid a stockyard per ton pickup price, the resolution states.

The six contractors are; A. Colarusso & Son (Hudson), Callanan Industries (Albany), Carver Sand & Gravel (Altamont) 

Cobleskill Stone Products (Cobleskill), HDJ Materials (Prattsville) and Peckham Materials Corp. (Catskill).

The county is separated into 14 zones for the purposes of distributing the various stones, based upon the lowest responsible bidder.

—Lawmakers, on the recommendation of county highway superintendent Scott Templeton, approved the purchase of two utility trailers.

Two suitable Cam trailers are available, at a cost of $11,011 each, from Trailers LLC, based in the valley town of Cairo.

And while they were at it, lawmakers also okayed the purchase of one compact utility trailer for the county Buildings & Grounds department.

The 2022 Model John Deere 3039R trailer is to be provided by United Ag & Turf, based in Chatham, at a cost of $36,884 and change.

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Out Lexington Way

Children at the Lexington Farmers Market May 25 had lots of fun on the new swing set at the Lexington Municipal building. Photo by Fran Driscoll.

By Christine Dwon

Deepest sympathy to the Simpfenderfer and Backhus families on the passing of Fredrick “Skip” Backus, Jr. recently.

Condolences to the family and friends of Hassan Basagic who passed away last week.

Wonderful celebration for Lois Banks on Saturday, May 25 at the Fellowship Hall of the Lexington/West Kill UMC.  Friends and family gathered to wish Lois a very happy 90th birthday.  The delicious food was followed by a beautiful birthday cake made by Peggy Rappleyea.  

Lexington Farmers Market opened for the season on Saturday, May 25 under the pavilion at the Lexington Municipal Building.  Many local vendors with fresh produce, eggs, meats, cheeses, mushrooms, jams, pickles, lotions, soaps, and more and music.  The next FM will be Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Many thanks go out to John Giordano’s Blue Mountain Excavation for preparing the site for the new swing set on the grounds of the Lexington Municipal Building. Children were enjoying it very much on Saturday during the Lexington Farmers Market.  There will be new additional picnic tables coming soon to be placed under the pavilion.

The annual Memorial Day service and parade was held on Monday, May 27 in the hamlet of West Kill.  There was a wonderful turnout even with the threatening weather.  The Lexington Fire/Rescue Company and Ladies Auxiliary and the Virgil E. Deyo American Legion Post 1327 and Ladies Auxiliary Unit were present.  Service was led by Jack Jordan and “Taps” was played by Rosalie Randolph at the two cemeteries and at the Commemorative Memorial Park flagpole.  Everyone went to the West Kill Fire Station for the traditional serving of ice cream. It was an honor to pay respect to those who served this great nation.

Friday, May 31 at 11 a.m. there will be a graveside service for Louise Van Etten at the Lexington Community Cemetery followed by gathering for a meal in the Lexington/West Kill UMC Fellowship Hall.

Happy birthday on Friday, May 31 to Joe Loverro.

Tuesday, June 4 is Linda Van Etten’s birthday.

Cathy Decker celebrates her birthday on Wednesday, June 5.

Thursday, June 6 is Jessica Franz’s birthday.

Best wishes to all.

The Kaaterskill United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 7889 Main Street, Hunter, opened for the season on May 28.  The shop will be open in June, Tuesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and some Saturdays starting June 1 and June 8 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, June 8 is the annual Chicken BBQ at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., take out only.  Dinners are $15 and chicken halves are $10.  Proceeds benefit the West Kill-Lexington Community Improvement Association.

Administrative Council meeting for the Lexington/West Kill UMC will be Wednesday, June 5 at 4 p.m. in the church hall.

The Hunter Public Library, 7965 Main Street,  Coffee Klatch is every second Tuesday of the month (June 11) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with light refreshments, coffee and tea.  All welcome.

Every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, (June 11 and June 25) there is a Soup and Fellowship Kitchen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville.  Stop in for a free bowl of soup and sandwich and the fellowship. 

Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company will meet on Tuesday, June 11 for the monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the Firemen’s Room. 

The next Greene County Rabies Clinic will be Wednesday, June 19, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Angelo Canna Town Park, Cairo.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 518-719-3600 or submit the form on the Greene County website https://www.greenegovernment.com/free-rabies-clinics,  This is a drive-up only clinic.  Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animals to keep them and others safe.  You must present proof of pet’s previous vaccination (certificate, not tag) to receive a three-year certificate.  If no record is present, pet will be given one-year certificate.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, veterans and actively serving military, 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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Molinaro Speaks to C-D Class

On May 20, U.S. History students at Cairo-Durham High School had the opportunity to meet, ask questions and listen to U.S. Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) speak about his journey to the U.S. House of Representatives, the importance of listening and pursuing paths that you are passionate about while working hard!"

Special thanks to Cairo-Durham CSD for the photo.

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Mountain Top Library Spring / Summer 2024 Events

Ongoing

Mondays

Monday Meet-Up: 2-5pm: - Spend the afternoon sipping coffee & socializing - We’ve got games, puzzles, programs, and more! Join us every Monday afternoon to share stories, play games, learn about local history, and enjoy conversation. All ages welcome.

2-4pm: Mahjong: All levels are welcome to join in – instructions are available on-site!

4pm: Yoga with Jess- Conquer Your Case of the Mondays & Start The Week Rejuvenated! All levels welcome – Please bring a mat

Second Mondays

3pm: Local History Round Table- Bring Your Pictures & Stories to Share!

Tuesdays

10:30am: Learn English with Kathleen!

Wednesdays

Tech Time: Open Hours Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm. No appointment necessary, just bring your questions and your device if possible!

Chair Yoga with Jessa: Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30pm. Join us for a gentle, rejuvenating stretch. Chair Yoga is a great for everyone, and results in increased mobility & circulation. Thanks to The Friends of the Mountain Top Library.

Thursdays

Enrichment Thursday - 3pm-5pm - On-going and always changing! Games, Crafts, Projects, Lego, and more designed for the enrichment. All Ages & Family Friendly! Everybody Welcome!

Dioramas with Kim – 3pm-5pm (July & August) Make Your “own” miniature diorama to display at home or give as a gift! Many ways to make one with our supplies. Great for beginners! Part of Thursday Enrichment. Thank you CREATE for making this program possible.

Looking for Tech Help? Our Mountain Top Library Digital Navigators are ready to assist!

Digital navigators are trained, trusted guides who help deal with a variety of technology needs.

To schedule an appointment for FREE individualized support, contact us at 518-589-5707.

Special Events 

June 

Sat. 6/1 -Sun. 6/9: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville) - “The Honeybee” Kirsten Hall and Isabelle Arsenault. 

Mon. 6/24- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Takuro & Hitomi Shibata - A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Sat. 6/29 - Sun. 7/7: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville) "Possum and the Summer Storm" Anne Hunter (author and illustrator)

July 

Thur. 7/11 - 11am: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “I Fly”. “I Fly” is a workshop that allows us to connect to wings, planes, dreams, the kites of our childhood. Poems by Elizabeth Bishop, Patricia Hooper, John Gillespie Magee Jr. Dolores Hayden and others will serve as inspiration for freeing your own poems.”       Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Thur. 7/11 – 1pm: Book-Folding with Christine - Create a “Novel” Work of Art with Christine Doolan. Book folding is a relaxing activity that upcycles old books. No cutting of the book is done, just page folding, so the book stays intact. Choose among the provided reusable designs and get started on a project you can finish with ease at home! All supplies will be provided for this page-turning workshop! Open to Ages 13 & Older (Ages 10 & Above with Parent or Guardian)

Sat. 7/13-10am: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “The Universe” “Whether we are aware of it, we are part of a vast universe. Wordless, silent, outspoken we play a role. We also get to explore the moon, the stars, the sun in our poems and how we relate to them. Poems by Tracy K. Smith, Kabir, Steven Schnur and others will offer their own connection to the universe which will help you embrace yours.”                                     Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Mon. 7/15 - 11:30am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register. 

Wed. 7/17 – 12pm: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste, “The Letters” “Have you ever opened an old shoe box and revisited the letters and postcards that were sent to you or letters exchanged with an old pen pal? In this workshop, we get to explore the meaning of letters sent and received in our lives. We also get to write poems, letters to someone dear. Poems by Trapeta B. Mayson, Sharon Olds and others will create a stepping stone to writing our own valuable messages.”                                                                                                                Thank you CREATE for making this program possible.

Sat. 7/20 -10am: Book & Bake Club. Bagels, Baked Goods & Book Talk! “The Door-Man” by Peter M. Wheelwright is Available to Borrow. Reserve It Today! 

Mon. 7/22- 11:30 am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register. 

Mon. 7/22 - 12pm-5pm: Rock n’ Reptiles. An afternoon of games, exhibits, crafts & more! Thank you Stewarts for making this program possible! 

Mon. 7/22 - 1pm: Live Presentation from Hudson Valley Reptile Rescue. Part of Rock n’ Reptiles day. 

Mon. 7/29 - 11:30- Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver. This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register. 

Mon. 7/29- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Ben Owen - A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Tue. 7/30- 4pm: Girl Scouts Meeting: You’re invited to join the new Mountain Top Girl Scouts Troop. For more information, call: 518-489-8110 or email: membership@girlscoutsneny.org 

August

Fri. 8/2 - 12pm: Midsummer Music & Movement. An Afternoon of Sing-a-longs, Stories, Crafts, Music & More. Two Sessions of “Telling Stories with Dance & Music & Books,” led by Beth Jacobs 12pm & 1 pm. Thank you Stewarts for making this program possible! 

Fri. 8/2 – 7pm: The Greene Room Players Songbirds Summer Concert - Free performance featuring the most talented voices on the Mountain Top 

Sat. 8/3- Sun. 8/11: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville)    "After the Race: A Tale of Two Olympians" Alec Sokolow & A.D. Lubow / Illustrated by Mei Li 

Mon. 8/12- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Cael Chappell- A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Mon. 8/19- 5:30pm: Artist Lecture Series- Patricia Miranda & Christopher Kaczmarek- A collaboration with Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 

Tue. 8/20 - 1 pm: Watercolor with Laura Lanchantin - *All Levels Welcome *Supplies Provided *Registration Suggested 518-589-5707. Thanks to the Friends of the Mountain Top Library for supporting this program! 

Sat. 8/24 - 10am – 12pm: Wilderness and Human Role - Zane Lawyer, CFA's* Education Arborist (*Catskill Forest Association, Inc.), will speak on the evolving meaning of wilderness throughout American history and its significance for the Catskills.Following the presentation, a wide-ranging open discussion of wilderness will be held with the audience to further clarify the role of humans in the environment. Participants are encouraged to tell their own stories, perspectives, and first-hand experiences with wilderness and how their own understanding has or hasn’t evolved over time. 

Mon. 8/26 – 10am – 1pm: Beginner Bookbinding with Leonard Seastone. Supplies provided. For ages 16 and up. Please register by calling 518-589.5705. Thank you CREATE for making this program possible. 

Wed. 8/27 - 4pm: Girl Scouts Meeting - You’re invited to join the new Mountain Top Girl Scouts Troop. For more information, call: 518-489-8110 or email: membership@girlscoutsneny.org

September 

Sat. 9/7- Sun. 9/15: Story Walk at the Mountain Top Arboretum (41 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville). The Little Guys" by Vera Brosgol

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Pine Orchard: Lair of the Mountain House” Presented by Jim Planck

2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Catskill Mountain House Hotel.

In the first of two presentations, Jim Planck, Vice-President of the Greene County Historical Society, will describe the history leading up to the construction of one of America’s first resort destinations on Saturday, June 15 at 2:00PM at the U &D Train Station.

Jim Planck is also the current editor of the GCHS quarterly journal and has had a 30+ year career as a reporter covering Greene County news. He has written articles for Kaatskill Life, Columbia County Heritage, and Greene County History. Jim was born in Catskill and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 -1969, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. We thank him for his service.

Please join us on Sunday, September 8th at 2pm for the second installment of Jim’s history of the Catskill Mt. House.

The program will be held at the MTHS Ulster & Delaware Train Station. Refreshments will follow. A donation of $5 is suggested.

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One Dies Following One-Car Auto Accident

On Wednesday May 22, 2024, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call  of a one car personal injury auto accident involving a motorcycle on SR 23A near horseshoe  bend in the Town of Hunter. The operator, who is identified as 26-year-old Atchyuth Bolem from  New Paltz, New York was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he later died from  his injuries. The investigation revealed the operator of the motorcycle was traveling east bound  on SR 23A at which time he lost control of the motorcycle causing him to crash into the  guardrail and be thrown from the motorcycle.  

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Town of Hunter Police  Department, Haines Falls Fire Department, Tannersville Rescue Squad, Windham Ambulance,  Greene County Paramedics, and the New York State Police.

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