Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - ON THE DAY WE WERE BORN

Recently, I gifted a special book to an expectant couple that would encourage the new parents to write about the unique elements inherent in the world on the day of their child's birth. 

For example, the unique sighting of the Northern Lights or the rare eclipse of the moon this Spring 2024.

These special occurrences would be hand written in the blank pages along with names of grandparents, siblings and who the president was at the time. Space was even allocated for an image or two and a newspaper clipping of the exact date of this little one's arrival. It was an exciting gift to give and the expectant parents reaction was priceless.

Kind of made me begin to wonder what was going on in the world on the day that I made my grand entrance some years ago now.

It definitely weighed on my mind long after I had given the gift.

So, After days of wallowing in curiosity, I decided to give the concept of this book that I gifted to the new parents to myself.

It’s kind of a riddle for you too. See if you can guess.

On the day I was born…The weekday was a Thursday. It was not a leap year. Under the Chinese zodiac, it was the year of the snake.

My generation was classified as Baby Boomers. (well, we knew that already) and I am considered a Gemini. True, in every sense of the word, to be honest.

The TV guide's first issue was printed and Lucille Ball's son, Desi Arnez,  was on the cover of the magazine.

Queen Elizabeth was ordained. 

The Korean War ended.

The first animated 3-D cartoon in technicolor was released.

I looked up famous birthdays and truthfully I didn’t recognize a single name. But hey, we shared a special day, so “best wishes mates!”

-Highlights of the year included President Harry Truman announcing the development of the hydrogen bomb.

-DNA’s chemical structure was discovered using x-ray diffraction by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins.

-Dr Jonas Salk announced his successful clinical trials to begin the prevention of polio with a vaccine.

-Whoa, the first people to ever reach the summit of Mt Everest occurred the day after I was born. Well done guys. Just a card would have been enough of a gift!

House of wax, the first color 3-D movie premiered in New York.

Hugh Hefner published the first edition of playboy magazine featuring Marilyn Monroe.

The first ever NTSC television sets went on sale for about $$1,175 USD. WHOA!!!! That was a life savings back then.

Ok are you sitting…US Court of Appeals ruled that Organized Baseball is a “sport” & NOT A BUSINESS affirming the Supreme Court Ruling set 25 years prior.

Shocking…! 

Have you guessed the year yet that I was born?

Believe me, this was truly a fun endeavor. 

Consider having some fun with your own with the facts “about the day you were born!” 

Best part is all you have to do is GOOGLE search your birth date and get ready to be wowed by the details.

CALLING  ALL MY Followers…

I’ve begun a monthly ADVICE COLUMN just for BABY BOOMERS. It’s proving to be quite popular…you want in?

Please send me your questions. I know you have some. It’ll be fun for everyone.  I may not be Anne Landers but I definitely would love to have an opportunity to be challenged with your cheeky, interesting questions. Here’s my email: Pelarsen528@gmail.com

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County, NY with her husband and pup, Lily.

Pat can be reached at 518-275-8686 if you’d like to chat.

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Obituary - Donald Eli Kuhn

Donald Eli Kuhn, 68, of Middleburgh, NY found eternal peace on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Don was born on December 24, 1955 in Schoharie to Willard and Fannie (Proper) Kuhn.
Proudly born and raised in his beloved hometown, he never knew a stranger and anyone who met Don had a friend for life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sharing his amazing sense of humor, and was always the happiest riding the backroads of Schoharie County.
Loving him forever are his daughters:  Danielle (Marc) Chiles and Alexis Kuhn; his grandchildren: Annabelle and Adam; his best friend: Tom Bates; his Goddaughter: Jacqulyn Wilklow; his long-time friend: Robert Kennedy and his sisters: Jane (Carl) Richards , Betty (Bob) Womack, Beverly (Dennis) Jackson, Sandra (Randy) Lupold, Donna Kuhn, and Alice (Brian) Kuhn; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.  Don was predeceased by his parents; Willard and Fannie (Proper) Kuhn; his grandson: Steven; and his brothers: Bill and Russell Kuhn.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at 11:00AM on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Timothy Murphy Park pavilion in Middleburgh. 

Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC of Middleburgh is honored to be caring for Joe and his family.  Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to view the full obituary.

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Obituary - Marian Arlene Stout Lynes Bouck

Marian Arlene Stout Lynes Bouck passed away at her home on May 17, 2024, at age 101. Marian was born November 28, 1922 in Hallsport, New York to Harold and Gertrude Stout. There she grew up on the family dairy farm, and hated milk her entire life.

From her days at Wellsville Central School and for the rest of her life Marian was an excellent student and a compulsive joiner. From 4-H as a girl to numerous societies and clubs as an adult, she was an enthusiastic member of many organizations. 

Marian graduated from Cornell University in 1944 and moved to Middleburgh, New York to become a home economics teacher. She would live in Middleburgh the rest of her life. She spent her teaching career at Middleburgh Central school and stayed close with her former students long after she retired.

In 1946 she married a young lawyer named Melvin Lynes. They bought a house on River Street where they raised three children. She lived in that same house for more than 75 years.

After their children left home, Marian and Mel found a new shared passion, the restoration of a historic grist mill in Bramanville, New York. Mel’s sudden death in 1979 left her a widow. 

She found love again later in life. In 1990, she married Jack Bouck. With Jack she welcomed a second family into her life. Jack’s children: Bill (Gail), John (Jill) and Maggie (George) and their children and grandchildren were wonderful to Marian. She held them dear to her heart until the end. Jack and Marian had 13 wonderful years together until Jack’s passing.

Besides her families, Marian had three passions: the Middleburgh Library and its history and genealogy room, that was named in her honor, the Middleburgh Reformed Church, where she worshipped faithfully for many years, and the community of Middleburgh, where she lived her entire adult life.

Marian is survived by her three children: William (Phyllis) of Los Angeles, Peter of Las Vegas, and Deborah (David) of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The Family wishes to give special thanks for her caregivers, and especially Valerie and Susan who gave her wonderful care.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street, Middleburgh.  Private inurnment will be in Middleburgh Cemetery.  All are invited to visit with Marian’s family from 5:00-7:00PM on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh.

Please consider a gift in Marian’s honor to the Middleburgh Library, PO Box 670, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or the Middleburgh Reformed Church, PO Box 112, Middleburgh, NY 12122

Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences.

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Arts in Bloom at the Schoharie Library on Saturday, June 8, 10am-3pm

Quilts in Bloom June 6-18

Quilts, flowers, music, arts and crafts, books, food, and more - all by local residents - will be featured at the Schoharie Library during the third annual Arts in Bloom Fest on Saturday, June 8, 10am-3pm. Admission is free.

A selection of colorful quilts made by the Schoharie Valley Piecemakers and friends will be on display throughout the library June 6 - 18. The Schoharie Valley Garden Club will accompany the quilts with arrangements featuring flowers from their own gardens June 7-11.

At the June 8 event, Schoharie County Arts presents Music on the Porch starting with Burke Herrick  at 11am,  Laura Boggs Gagnon at 12pm,  Greg Bucking at 1pm, and Brad Towle at 2pm. 

SCA is also providing art and craft activities for all ages under a big tent on the lawn. Participants are invited to hang their artwork on the clothesline for an instant art show!

Local artists, artisans, and authors will show and sell their work on the library lawn, with a variety of paintings, prints, photographs, pottery, fiber arts, quilts, wreaths, fairy-related items, books, rustic furniture, and more. The Garden Club will have a selection of plants. Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth will host a coloring table.

Delicious food will be available from The Goodies Baking Co., Full Table Farm, and Sharpe’s Sweets all day and the High on the Hog BBQ Co. Food Truck starting at 11am.

Co-sponsors of this event are Schoharie County Arts, the Schoharie Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild, and the Schoharie Valley Garden Club.

For a complete list of vendors, check the Schoharie Library Facebook page or website: www.schoharielibrary.org.  The library is located at 103 Knower Avenue, on the corner with Bridge Street. The parking lot is on Bridge Street, with additional street parking on Knower Avenue. The phone number is 518-295-7127.

********************

NOTE: I’ve included a selection of photos to choose from on the next page, if you wish to include one or two.

Submitted by Jennie Mosher

Program Director, Schoharie Free Library 518-295-7127 (home phone 518-295-8560)

PO Box 519, 103 Knower Ave.

Schoharie, NY 12157

and Board Member of Schoharie County Arts

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All About Racing

2023 Track Champion, Demetrios Drellos of Queensbury celebrates his first win this season at Albany-Saratoga.  Biittig Photo

Mike Maresca of Potsdam, 2020 Track Champion, recorded his second win this season at Fonda on Saturday.  Biittig Photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

If anyone happened to catch the WNYT channel 13 news in Albany on Monday evening they heard the story that Albany-Saratoga Speedway may be nearing the final finish line.  According to the report a developer is interested in developing the land and is in the process of getting approval from the town.  The report further stated that the track would continue to run races through this summer and next.  By the time you read this, there will be much more information running through the racing community.  Keep your eyes on social media sites. 

Michael Maresca recorded another win this past Saturday in the Modified feature at Fonda. The 2020 Fonda Track Champion was the winner of the Lou Lazzaro Memorial the last time the track ran a complete program on May 4th.  Since that time, the racing at the track was cancelled to give time for the staff to work on the track surface.  Scheduled to resume racing on May 25th, Memorial Weekend the night’s racing was cut short due to rain.

Along with the regular show on Saturday Fonda ran two make-up features from the rain-shortened event on April 27, Sportsman and Pro Stocks.  Winner of the Sportsman was Chad Edwards and Pro Stock winner was Jason Morrison.   

Other winners were: Crate 602 Sportsman, Payton Talbot; Pro Stocks, AJ Walters; Limited Sportsman, Josh Coonradt; Four Cylinders, single cam, Ken Hollenbeck, Four Cylinder, dual cam, Jay Ingersoll.  Coonradt announced in victory lane that he will be moving up to Crate 602 Sportsman this week. 

This Saturday at Fonda is M.W. Roosevelt & Son/Roosevelt Towing sponsored Dave Lape Memorial Night featuring two 22-lap features for Modifieds, paying $2,222 to win each feature plus many other bonuses. 

All other divisions will also be in action along with make-up features from April 27 for Limited Sportsman and May 25 Crate 602 Sportsman.  The Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series will also race and it’s also NYSSCA (New York State Stock Car Association) Night with the organization giving out bonuses to member drivers in each division. 

Friday at Albany-Saratoga winners were: Modified, Demetrios Drellos; Sportsman, Joey Scarborough; Pro Stock, Brandon Emigh; Limited Sporstman, Tanner Coon; Street Stock, Jason Meltz; Four Cylinder, Adam Montville. 

This Friday at Albany-Saratoga the Extreme DirtCar DMA Midgets plus Sportsman run for $1500 and Pro Stocks for $1000.  All other divisions are also in action.

Glen Ridge hosted the DIRTcar Series for 358 Mods on Sunday with a capacity crowd of fans to enjoy the great racing.  Lance Willix of Theresa, NY was the winner holding off Stewart Friesen and Jordan McCreadie by 0.355 seconds at the line.

Other winners on Sunday were: Sportsman, Zach Buff; Limited Sportsman, Josh Coonradt; Pro Stocks, Slater Baker; Street Stocks, Jason Samrov; Mini Stocks, Stephen Walters, single cam; Paul Botchotts, dual cam; All-Star Slingshots, A. J. Albreada; JR Slingshots, Preston Trautschold. 

This Sunday at The Ridge the DIRTcar Pro Stock Series presented by Yurewecz Auto Crushers will be the main attraction plus all other divisions will be in action.

Local notables at Fonda this past weekend were: Josh Kane of Esperance placed third in the make-up Sportsman and seventh in the night’s Sportsman feature; Ivan Joslin of Fonda placed fourth in Pro Stocks; Jim Mallia of Middleburgh was eighth in Limited Sportsman.

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

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Tonight Albany-Saratoga Speedway will host the Xtreme DIRTcar DMA midgets, along with all weekly divisions. 

 Utica-Rome Speedway will host the C.R.S.A. 305 winged sprint cars, with all weekly divisions.

 Dodge City Speedway has a regular night for all weekly divisions, plus a Money Race for the Senior Wing Champs. 

 Saturday, Fonda Speedway will host Dave Lape Memorial Night, presented by Roosevelt's Towing. There will be Dave Lape memorabilia merchandise for sale in the grandstand area and at the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame. The race program will feature twin 22-lap features for the modified division. All weekly divisions will be in  competition, plus the rained out limited sportsman division feature from April 27 and the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division feature from May 25. The museum is free to enter from the parking lot and you do not need to stay for the race program. Comedian Ginger Billy will be available for a meet & greet inside gate two from 4:30 until 5:30. before he makes his debut in a limited sportsman.

 The village of Scotia will present their 25th. annual Cruisin’ on the Avenue, Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 16. Show hours are from 1:00 pm. until 5:00 pm. rain or shine, using Mohawk Avenue from Glen Avenue to Sacandaga Road. The show is open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all makes, models, and years.

 I recently heard from Melissa Shoemaker-Pigliavento, Melissa is having shirts made to honor her late father Kenny "The Shoe" Shoemaker. I will be sure to pass along when the shirts become available. Although there is not a Shoemaker tribute night in 2024. 

Melissa is sure to have an event in 2025.  Making news on Albany television station WNYT 13, was the release of information in regard to the sale of the Albany-Saratoga Speedway property in Malta. Papers have been signed between owner Howard Commander and Five Corners Development Group. Tentatively the 50- acre property will be turned into mixed income affordable housing units and retail space ? It makes one wonder why it would be necessary to

eliminate an activity that brings family and friends together throughout the summer months. An activity that is part of peoples recreation, entertainment, hobbies, and jobs. The loss of the Malta

oval would leave a huge void in summertime entertainment for the whole capital district area.There obviously is other available property in Saratoga County for housing.

 Results from the past week. On Thursday night the Short Track Super Series made their first appearance at the Airborne Park Speedway near Plattsburgh for the Adirondack Invasion for the STSS modifieds, with a 70-lap feature paying $7,070. Anthony Perrego earned a hard fought

battle over Michael Maresca,  Alex Payne, Mat Williamson, and Stewart Friesen. The first 62-lapa were caution free on a dry/slick track. 

Other local drivers finished in the following order: Alex Yankowski 11th., Jack Lehner 12th., Marc Johnson 18th., Bobby Hackel IV 19th., Chris Curtis was 27th. but did not start, and Demetrios Drellos did not qualify. Lehner was credited with the Hard Charger Award as he started the 70-lap feature in position 23 and finished 12th. This was Round Number 2 for the STSS modified  North Region Series, In the companion sportsman division feature Nick Heywood scored the victory over Travis Bruno and Fire Swamp. 

 Friday at Utica-Rome Speedway the 3 Bastards Brewery modified division 30-lap feature was won by Alex Yankowski earning his first victory of 2024. Matt Janczuk and Bobby Hackel IV filled the podium.

In the Taylor’s Trailers crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Mike Richmond scored the win over Payton Talbot and Josh Amodio, The Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division 20-lap feature was won by A.J. Walters, followed by  Devon Camenga and Jason Morrison. The

Limited sportsman division 15-lap feature was won by Josh Coonradt ahead of Jayden Wust, and Carson Rothwell. In the Fonda Fair 4 cylinder division Jacob Kimball earned the dual cam division victory and Wayne Russell Jr. the single cam division. The All-Star Slingshot division feature was won by Brett Putnam and the Junior slingshot division win went to Preston Trautschold, 

 At Albany-Saratoga Speedway in the NAPA DIRTcar modified division 35- lap feature Demetrios Drellos scored the win over Peter Britten and Marc Johnson. In the Ideal Excavating DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Joey Scarborough earned the win over Craig Wholey, and  Daryl Nutting. The Saratoga Masonry Supply pro stock division 25-lap feature went to Brandon Emigh over Pete Stefanski and Kyle Hoard. The Haun Welding limited sportsman division 20-lap feature was won by Tanner Coon ahead ofNick Brundige and Chase Zimmer. The Cornell’s Auto Parts street stock division 20-lap feature went to Jason Meltz followed by Chris Stalker and P.J. Cram Jr. The Greg’s Towing 4 cylinder division 15-lap division feature saw Adam Montville win the dual cam division and  Kyle Lanfear in the single cam

division.

If you are a Demetrios Drellos follower you will notice that he has currently switched his Saturday night racing to Lebanon Valley Speedway.

 Also on Friday at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, N.Y.  Bobby Varin scored the 30-lap modified feature win. with Alex Payne and Jeff Daugherty completing the top three.

 On Saturday at Fonda Speedway in the make up 20-lap feature from April 27 for the Leatherstocking Credit Union pro stock division Jason Morrison took his first win of 2024 at the Track of Champions. The make up Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman 25-lap feature went to Chad Edwards

 In this weeks race for the Amsterdam Truck Center modified division 30-lap feature Mike Maresca earned his second win of the season over Rocky Warner and Bobby Hackel IV, In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Payton Talbot took the victory ahead of Chip Constantino and Brendan Gibbons. The Leatherstocking Credit Union pro stock division 20-lap feature saw A.J. Walters score the win followed by  Nick Stone and Kenny Gates. For the Montgomery County Office for Aging limited sportsman division feature Josh

Coonradt was victorious over Jeff Bobilin and Ryan Sweet. Look for Coonradt to soon move up into the regular crate 602 sportsman division. Fonda Fair 4 cylinder division 12-lap feature Kenny Hollenbeck took the overall win and was the first single cam division car and Jay Ingersoll won for the dual cam division  The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois just a few miles east of St. Louis for the Toyota 200 on Friday  Stewart Friesen qualified for the sixth starting spot for Saturday’s feature. Stewart completed stage one in the fourth position. Stage two Friesen would finish 15th., and the third stage in eighth position.

 Glen Ridge Motorsports Park held their Mohawk Valley Showdown for the Super DIRTcar Series 358 modified division. In the 50-lap Callanan Industries 358 modified division feature Lance Willix won, beating Stewart Friesen,and Jordan McCreadie to the checkered flag. In the

Ted’s Body Shop/Next Generation GraphiX DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division 30-lap feature Zach Buff earned the win over Taylor Wason and Stephen Gray. The Yurkewecz Auto Crushers DIRTcar pro stock division feature saw Slater Baker claim the win ahead of Cousin Luke Horning and Ivan Joslin. The Limited sportsman 20-lap feature was won by Josh Coonradt over Nick Brundige and Zach Graham. The 15-lap street stock division feature was won by Jason Samrov, as he beat Josh Samrov and Matt Wells. The 15-lap Leatherstocking Credit Union DIRTcar mini stock division feature was won by Stephen Walters in the single cam division and Jordan Ryder in the dual cam division. 

 The Northeast Paving & Sealcoat slingshot  division features went to A.J. Albreada in the 15-lap All-Star senior division and Preston Trautschold in the 12-lap Junior division feature

 Big Diamond Speedway near Pottsville, Pennsylvania hosted the Super  DIRTcar Series big block modified division on Tuesday night for the Anthracite Assault 75. Stewart Friesen took the win over Anthony Perrego and Matt Sheppard. Jack Lehner finished 15 and Alex Yankowski 20.

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Ava Shinaver Wins M'burgh Flag Contest

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh high school student Ava Shinaver is the winner of the design and draw of the official Middleburgh Village flag contest.

Ava's design attracted 51 percent of the 149 votes cast. Ava's design includes an outline of Vroman's Nose, with a horse's head emanating from the mountain. The horse's head is surrounded by 16 stars. Mayor Tim Knight made the announcement Monday night.

Coming in second was Hunter Nelson with 18 percent and third was Rivo Strakosh with 15.4 percent. Zoe Hendrickson's drawing came in fourth.

Trustee Sheryl Adams praised all the entries as "very unique." Trustee Amanda Fernandez said all the entries were great. "It's hard to put yourselves out there."

Trustee Bob Tinker said he would donate $50 to make the design into a flag.

"It's a village flag and we need to fly it," he added.

The village board, along with Middleburgh Central School District Social Studies teachers Jason Dannible and Katelynn Schuttig, collected the four submissions from MCS students to design/draw an Official Flag for the Village of Middleburgh.

The intention of this project was to: (A.) give MCS students an opportunity to interact with the Village and be part of our community through this process, (B.) create a unique symbol for the Village, and (C.) have a fun, community-oriented project for all of Middleburgh.

After the submissions were made public, the village opened up a vote for the People’s Choice Flag. The vote was on the village's Facebook page and website. Votes were collected until June 1.

The village wants to thank the students who submitted a design for the contest and Mr. Dannible and Ms. Schuttig.

Ava will receive $50 for the “people’s choice” winner. There will be no taxpayer expense.

More announcements will be made on Heritage Day this summer.

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Fire Departments Clear Accident

Middleburgh and Huntersland Fire Department members responded to this accident in Huntersland Tuesday. Only minor injuries were reported. A&M Towing and Recovery also helped at the scene. 

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Girl Scouts Donate Bee House to Schoharie Lily Park

SCHOHARIE - Members of the Schoharie Promotional Association thank Cobleskill Girl Scout Troop 2835 for the donation of a bee house (bee hotel). The bee house attracts native solitary bees who typically are hole-nesting bees. Because they have no hive to defend, they are not aggressive and one native solitary bee can pollinate as much as 300 honey bees.

Scout leader, Jamie Jones and daughter Peyton, as well as four other girls created this house and wanted to place it in the Lily Park.

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Jefferson Historical Society to host a Celebration of Local History – “History Day” on Saturday, June 8, from 10 – 4

Celebrating local history with displays from a dozen local historical societies and museums will be the order of the day, as Judd Hall opens its doors to anyone interested in learning more about the past of this area.  As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country’s beginnings, these groups will present the products of their research into the lives, customs, activities and influence of those who created the towns and landscapes that we know today.  Present will be representatives from Jefferson, Gilboa, Esperance, Sharon, Middleburgh, Harpersfield, Stamford, Carlisle, Schoharie County, the Schoharie County Colonial Heritage Association, and the Charlotteville Schoolhouse.  A representative from the Iroquois Museum will share information about the local indigenous people whose presence predated the colonial European peoples and the formation of the local towns.

Each group will have a table and displays set up in Judd Hall from 10 to 2 pm.  Also on the agenda is a walking tour at 11, led by Kevin Berner describing the evolution of the businesses in the buildings on Main Street that date back to the 19th century.  The Nicholas J. Juried Museum of Jefferson History on the second floor of Judd Hall will be open, featuring many new items and displays.  (A lift is available for easy access.)  The Fuller District One-Room Schoolhouse, which was first in use in the 1830’s, is located at 695 North Harpersfield Road, and will be open from 10am-2pm with a docent on hand to interpret the site.  

At 2:15, Keynote Speaker Dr. Charles Ver Straeten, Curator of Sedimentary Rocks at the New York State Museum, will talk about the much, much older history of this area -- the Fossil Forests of Gilboa and Cairo, talking about the rocks and fossils of the Catskills found here from long before the dinosaurs.  In 2009, scientists from the New York State Museum, including Dr. Ver Straeten, discovered what has turned out to be the oldest known forest site in the world.  The Cairo Fossil Forest, older than its sister in Gilboa, provides new views of these forests – root impressions of large trees, showing where each tree stood about 385 million years ago. 

Judd Hall is located at 163 Main St., Jefferson, NY, and will be open from 10 – 2.  Dr. Ver Straeten’s talk will be across the street from there at the Jefferson Methodist Church at 2:15. The Fuller District One-room Schoolhouse will be open from 10 - 2, and is located at 695 N. Harpersfield Rd. (an extension of Main St.) along with the adjacent Nature Trail and picnic area.  Breakfast is available until 1 pm at The Breakfast Club on Main St. and at Buck Hill Farm, 185 Fuller Rd. Dining is available at the Heartbreak Hotel on Main St. from noon to 11 pm; and Two Scoops Ice Cream shop on the Town Green will be open from 12 – 9 pm.

For more information call Kevin Berner:

518 294-7196 

historicalsocietyjefferson@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/juddhall163  

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Huyck Preserve Awarded Grant to Hire Ranger

RENSSELAERVILLE - The Huyck Preserve has been awarded a Professional Development Grant from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and New York's Environmental Protection Fund in the amount of $56,475 that will help fund the first three years of a new Seasonal Ranger position. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

This grant supports land trusts working to strengthen programs by adding staff. The new Seasonal Ranger will spend six months at the Preserve each year (from mid-May to mid-November), serving as an important point of contact with visitors, ensuring protection of the Huyck Preserve’s natural and cultural resources, promoting responsible recreation, and enhancing understanding of the Preserve’s resources and its mission.

Jakob Greenwood has been hired to serve as the Preserve’s first Seasonal Ranger. Jakob is a recent graduate from SUNY Albany with a B.S. in Environmental Science and minors in Biology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Preparedness. Jakob is no stranger to the Huyck Preserve, having served as one of its Seasonal Invasive Species Assistants in 2023 and having completed an internship with the Preserve in his final semester at UAlbany. We are thrilled to have Jakob as our first Seasonal Ranger and hope you will welcome him on the trails, at the Visitors' Center, or at an upcoming event.

Upcoming Events

June 9 Read + Hike Club

2-3:30pm at Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville.

Come discuss themes of ecology and humanity’s relationship with nature with other book and nature lovers in this reading and hiking club. Each meeting, they will go on a leisurely hike with stopping points for book discussion.

June book selection: The Mind of a Bee by Lars Chittka

June 22 Beach Opens and S'mores with Ranger Jakob

1-8pm at Lake Myosotis Swim Beach off Pond Hill Road.

Huyck Preserve members, grab your 2024 beach pass and come swimming. Meet Ranger Jakob as he serves up s'mores starting at 6:30pm.

June 29 Annual Huyck Preserve Membership Meeting

1:30pm at Eldridge Research Center, 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville.

All current Huyck Preserve members are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting. Meet with board members and staff, cast your vote at the annual board election, and learn more about current and future happenings at the Preserve.

Annual Meeting Guest Presentation

Craig Frank, Ph.D., Fordham University

The Resistance of Three Bat Species to White-nose Syndrome

in the Northeast

Not a member or haven't yet renewed your membership for 2024?

Memberships can be purchased or renewed online through their website: at www.huyckpreserve.org/membership.

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