Friends of the Fourth Planned

A Cobleskill Community Celebration Block Party

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL – The Independence Day Celebration for Schoharie County in Cobleskill is funded entirely by your donations each year.  The Friends of the Fourth is a volunteer organization that gathers your donations to assure that there are fireworks on the Fourth of July. The cost is $5000 this year.

 Friends of the Fourth contracts with the company to put on the display and obtains the permits required to give you all a spectacular show.  There are collection containers at Pizza Shack, Little Italy and the Cobleskill Diner.  The group has approached businesses to see if they would be interested in donating. If you would like to donate, please go to the website friendsofthefourthcoby@gmail.com where you can donate online.  If the goal is met for this year, any additional proceeds will go toward next year.  You can also donate at a GO Fund me link, found online: Donate to Schoharie County Independence Day Celebration, organized by Friends of the Fourth

The Friends of the Fourth will be at the Community Celebration Block Party sponsored by Locomotions Sports Bar & Grill, 136 Railroad Avenue, Cobleskill for their one-year celebration on June 15th.  The American Tavern will be celebrating its 11th year with customer appreciation events. There will be a donation bucket and will be raffling off baskets for Friends of the Fourth. Bring the family down to enjoy the festivities. Hot dogs and burgers for $1, FREE Sno Cones and cotton candy, a bounce house, a mechanical bull, face painting, a dunk tank and a party tent with a bar. The event begins at 11 am and features Mixtape Revival at noon, a corn hole tournament at 1 pm, Crossfire at 4 pm, and Basket Raffle Drawing at 7 pm and at 9 pm the events move inside. Hope to see you there!

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Institute Holding Entrepreneurship Programs

COBLESKILL —  The Institute for Rural Vitality has been awarded $80,000 through Empire State Development to host Entrepreneurship Assistance Center (EAC) Business Plan Competitions. Starting in 2025, these competitions will run in conjunction with the Institute’s annual Empire State Entrepreneurship Expo, held at SUNY Cobleskill each May. 

This funding aims to support and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing resources and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop comprehensive business plans. The Institute is one of just five grant awardees across New York State selected to host an EAC competition program of this kind. 

The Institute will develop three annual business plan competitions for small businesses that have graduated from an EAC 60-hour business plan training course in the last 12 months, and award funding to support the winners of those competitions. The Institute offers its Business Development Bootcamp in a 10-week format held in person and virtually in a synchronous format. Learn more about the program here: www.cobleskill.edu/institute/eac.aspx. 

The Institute for Rural Vitality was designated as the EAC for the Mohawk Valley in July 2023. Since then, it has worked to support area entrepreneurs with business creation and growth, sales, access to financing, and job creation. The designation represented the Institute’s expansion beyond its focus on farm and food entrepreneurship to serving regional business owners across all industry sectors.

Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers, under the oversight of ESD, provide instruction, training, technical assistance, and support services to individuals interested in starting or who have recently started their own business, and entrepreneurs seeking to expand or strengthen their early-stage business. A list of all designated Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers can be found at esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurial-assistance-program.  

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Invasive Species and Why it Matters Program

COBLESKILL — Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or human health. Invasives come from all around the world. As international trade increases and our climate changes, so does the rate of invasive species introductions.

On June 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm, join Schoharie Master Gardener Volunteer, Scott Mills, for a presentation and discussion on invasive species in our region. The presentation will be held in person at the CCE Schoharie Extension Center at 173 South Grand Street, Suite 1, Cobleskill, NY.

Please register by Monday, June 24 by visiting www.cceschoharie-otsego.org or by calling 607-547-2536 ext. 235. This program is free and open to the public!

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego County’s community programs and events, go to http://cceschoharie-otsego.org or call 518-234-4303 ext 129.  Stay connected to CCE Master Gardeners’ daily postings at https://www.facebook.com/cceotsegoMG/  and follow CCE Schoharie and Otsego on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CCESchoharieOtsego/.

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Openings for Meat Processing & Food Safety Courses

COBLESKILL — The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill is offering a series of four-week Meat Processing & Food Safety microcredential courses this summer and fall designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to immediately join the meat industry. The standalone, hands-on courses are delivered by professional instructors in the College’s USDA-inspected meat processing facility. The courses are open to all learners interested in a career within the meat industry, and qualifying students will receive a 50% discount on the course fee.

Throughout the course, participants will experience start-to-finish processing of beef, pork, lamb, and goat within federal compliance, and develop the beginning structure of a HACCP program. Learners will recognize carcass characteristics for retail cutting, packaging, and identification, with an emphasis placed on developing a competency for knife handling, cutting, safety and sanitation. Class sizes limited to ten participants will maximize skill-building opportunities for individual participants.

This program is being offered by the Institute of Rural Vitality and supported by a Workforce Development Grant from SUNY. Students who are eligible for the grant will receive a 50% discount on the course fee: $6,000 ($3,000 for grant recipients). The application process allows participants to determine their eligibility for the discounted course fee. Qualified New York State residents and high school graduates will be prioritized in registering. Must be 17 years of age or over to participate.

Course Dates:

August 19 - September 13

September 23 - October 18

October 28 - November 22

Courses runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Following completion of the course, participants will be awarded with a Meat Processing & Food Safety microcredential badge indicating their proficiency in beef, pork, lamb, and goat processing within federal compliance.

To apply, please visit https://slate.cobleskill.edu/register/MeatProMCWD.

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Possible Dollar General in Carlisle

The Dollar General in Richmondville. The town of Carlisle could be getting one. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

CARLISLE — A very familiar sight in many nearby towns might be coming to Carlisle.

Town Code Enforcement Officer Lloyd Stannard said at the Wednesday, June 5 board meeting that he's talked to representatives of the Dollar General chain and "they are still talking about coming into town."

"We'll have to wait and see" town Supervisor John Leavitt responded. After the meeting, he explained that Dollar General has had an interest in locating a new store in Carlisle for about six months to a year. Representatives from the chain have made offers on a couple of properties in the town and been turned down, Leavitt added.

Dollar General has grown from a single store opened in 1955 into "one of the country's fastest-growing small-box discount retailers," according to its website, dollargeneral.com.

In other news from the June 5 meeting, Council Member Katie Schweigard brought up the idea of starting a town-wide garage sale, which would involve residents who wanted to participate in holding garage sales on the same date.

Fellow board member Dave Laraway was skeptical.

"No interest here," he said. "Everyone wants to do their own thing. Our houses are too far apart."

But as the discussion continued, it was generally agreed the concept was at least worth exploring further.

"Can't hurt," Leavitt said.

"We would just need to kind of encourage everyone to do it on the same day," Schweigard noted. "I'll get looking into it."

Highway Superintendent Mike Broadwell reported on several items, starting off with the news that a new mower had arrived on time _ a pleasant surprise _ and that the first pass of roadside mowing had been completed.

It might very well be time to replace the town's 2015 pick-up truck, Broadwell continued. He said the vehicle recently broke down and had to be towed to a repair shop, where an anticipated bill of $600 or $700 turned into about $2,200 as mechanics discovered bigger problems than originally expected.

"She is crusty," Broadwell said of the truck. "Really crusty, and the situation won't get any better in the future."

The town's loader has been put out to bid but with no success so far, he added.

"There was a fellow interested but he then said it was not financially sound for him to make the purchase," Broadwell explained.

Toward the end of the meeting, there was talk about the hope of Carlisle getting its own post office again. The town has not had one since a property owner decided to stop leasing space to the post office quite awhile ago. The nearest post office is now in Sharon, Leavitt said. He added that he and other officials and interested parties will continue to explore possibilities.

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Bison Island Ranch Days Return

By Alexis Pencar 

SHARON SPRINGS — Bison Island Ranch Days return on Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM! This is the second year in a row they are offering these monthly family-friendly and educational events at The Ranch located right in Sharon Springs.

At Bison Island Ranch Days you can purchase heart-healthy bison meat like bison ground, bison steaks, and bison jerky too! There is unique bison art, note cards, and coasters all made on The Ranch by resident artist and the youngest ‘daughter of the Ranch’, Dayna Veazey. 

Check out the brand NEW Bison Tallow products that include: Candles, Soap, and their lovely natural Personal Care Products like Lip Balm, Eye Cream, and more! Bison tallow contains vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids that promote skin health.

There are always fun and educational activities for the whole family including a craft, corn hole, and a walking path around the pond. The full-size Tipi is set up for the season too and will be open for all to explore!

Have you ever wanted to talk to a Bison Rancher? Bison Island Ranch Owner Susan Golembeski will be there to speak and answer questions too. She's been in the bison business since 2011!

Recently receiving their NY Grown & Certified recognition, this family-run business takes extra effort and care to provide these animals with the best life possible. The bison herd is 100% Grass-Fed and pasture rotated regularly, allowing the animals to live in the most natural and undisturbed way possible. 

Bison Fun Facts:

Bison are the largest land mammal in North America and can consume up to 30 pounds of grass in one day! These huge herbivores are also called buffalo and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, stand over 6 feet tall, and run up to 35 miles per hour! Wow!

The American Heart Association recommends bison meat for a heart-healthy diet due to its low fat and cholesterol content. Bison meat is extremely high in protein, iron, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12. If you’re looking for healthy meat, this is it!

With cooking tips and tricks on hand, it's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about cooking with bison and creative ways to add this “Original Healthy Food” into your diet!

Come out for the first Bison Island Ranch Days of the Season, Saturday, June 22nd from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM for a day of fun and education! If you've ever wanted to learn more about bison, this is a great opportunity! Stop by to enjoy the gorgeous Ranch!

Bison Island Ranch is located at 194 Engleville Rd, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. Please visit www.bisonislandranch.com or @bisonislandranch on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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Run for the Fallen at Walmart DC

The Honor Guard among other organizations came out to show their support

“Honor & Remember Flag” was presented to the Biela Family who lost their son during his active duty.

Walmart DC employees grilled up quite the BBQ for runners post ceremony

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The New York Run for the Fallen made a stop on Day 3 at the Walmart DC in Sharon Springs! This is a 200+ mile, 4 day relay run across New York State to honor military service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This devoted group of Veteran runners came through Sharon Springs on the afternoon of June 8th and were graciously welcomed to the front lawn of the Walmart DC #6041 for a ceremony with a BBQ dinner following! This event was made possible by Walmart Associates, volunteers, and members of the community! 

The local Walmart DC takes the responsibility of being a stop on the trail of the New York Run for the Fallen very seriously, providing quite the event for all! This was the 8th year the local DC showed their support through participation!

The event was on the afternoon of Saturday June 8th, with the arrival of the veterans around 4:30 PM at the Sharon Springs Central School for the Gold Star Family Mile. They then finished at the Walmart DC entrance around 5:00 PM.

Prior to the arrival of the runners, throughout the whole afternoon, Walmart Associates and volunteers were continuously reading the list of names of the New York Fallen Soldiers. By reading the names of fallen soldiers, this ensures that they will never be forgotten. Those being remembered were Active Duty of any branch of the Military and died as a result of active duty (combat, disease, suicide).

During this ceremony with guest speakers, the “Honor & Remember Flag” was presented to a Gold Star Family - the Biela’s, who lost their son CDT Shannon Biela, while he was serving his country.

This moving ceremony was finished up with 22 push-ups to recognize Veteran Suicide with the whole crowd participating. Walmart DC employees were ready to go with a full BBQ prepared that included hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, and all the fixings!

According to New York Run for the Fallen, “Although this is a visible run to honor and remember each fallen hero from the current conflicts, the total run from the Honor the Mountain Monument in Watertown to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville represents every service member from New York who laid down their life for freedom's cause. Thousands have sacrificed to preserve our way of life. And as we give tribute to these heroes, we also remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice throughout history.” 

For more details and updates on the New York Run for the Fallen, please visit www.newyork.usarunfofthefallen.org

The New York Run for the Fallen is just a fraction of the good work our local Walmart #6041 does. This organization has positively influenced the local community for many years and is an employment backbone providing great opportunity for many. Interested in joining the Walmart DC team? Visit https://careers.walmart.com/ for more information!

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Sharon Springs Central School Update

By Tori Edwards 

SHARON SPRINGS — This week will be the end of school for grades 6-12 at Sharon Spring Central School. Many students have achieved their goals in their academics. What a wonderful year they have had. 1st grade - 5th grade held their award ceremony on Friday as they celebrated Presidential Excellence, Presidential Academic Achievement, Presidential Citizenship, Attendance, and Spelling bee award dedications. 

Each child beamed with smiling faces for their classmates throughout the crowd. 

The FFA Ag Day with a petting zoo will be on Monday June 24th beginning at 8am and at 10:30am the Community BBQ will be held at the school. 

The school will be closed on June 19th in support of the holiday, Juneteenth. Class of 2024 graduation will be held on Friday June 28th at 6pm. 

The Sharon Springs Youth Commission will begin their Rec program on July 8th for a 6-week program on Mondays- Friday 9am-11:45am. Registration will occur at the Sharon Rec Center on Saturday June 22nd from 10am- 1pm and Monday July 1st at 10am-1pm. Also, if you are interested in more information on fun summer activities start following the Sharon Springs PTO Facebook page! 

Summer vacation is almost here! Let’s Go Spartans! 

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Sharon Springs Superintendent Briefs on Possible Regents Changes

The Sharon Springs School Board at its Monday, June 10 meeting. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

SHARON SPRINGS — A Blue Ribbon Commission of stakeholders has recommended to the New York State Board of Regents that passing at least four Regents Exams be eliminated as a strict requirement for high school graduation, Sharon Springs Central School District Superintendent/Principal Thomas Yorke told the school board at its Monday, June 10 meeting.

Under the proposal, students would still be required to take the Regents exams but that passing them would become only one "pathway" to graduation, Yorke continued. Others might include things like projects and presentations, he added.

The final decision would rest with the New York State Education Department, Yorke said, and added he didn't know of any specific timeline for making a decision.

"We all want our students to be critical thinkers," he told the school board. "We will see how things get enacted. This possibility is going to drum up a lot of buzz."

New York is just one of nine states in the country that still mandate exit exams. The possible change is being described as one of the more sweeping educational reforms to be considered in the state in a long time.

In other news from the June 10 meeting, the school board is considering whether to add another sport _ varsity and modified girls soccer _ to the list of those where Sharon Springs CSD has the option to combine with its neighbor to the West, the Cherry Valley/Springfield School District, to field a team during seasons of low turnout.

Such an option already exists in varsity boys soccer, and varsity and modified baseball, softball and boys and girls track, Yorke explained.

"Each district prefers to field their own teams _ a sports merger is ONLY out of necessity," he wrote in an email to this newspaper.

A document on Sharon Springs/Cherry Valley-Springfield athletic merger guidelines states that: "Whenever possible, each school district prefers to field its own independent athletic programs. The intent of an athletic merger between the two schools is to provide the opportunity for the largest number of student-athletes to participate at the level appropriate for their age/skill. Finances and competitive advantage will not be taken into consideration."

The document continues: "The status of each athletic program will be evaluated on an annual basis (using attached rubrics)....While the final decision to merge a sports program lies with the board of education of each district and is subject to approval by the Tri-Valley Athletic Association and Section IV, it is understood in the spirit of cooperation that, should one school be designated as 'at risk' or 'distressed' and it is determined that a merger needs to occur, the other school will accept that request to merge for that sports season."

Approved at the end of the meeting was the hiring of Doug Burton as a full-time equivalent cleaner and Jeff Croger as a substitute cleaner. Both will earn the minimum wage of $15 an hour but Burton's position will be full time with benefits while Croger will work only as needed without benefits, school district Business Official Anthony DiPace explained.

The board also accepted the resignation of Internal Claims Auditor Angela Witham effective on June 30.

"She has done a good job," said both DiPace and school board President Helen Roberts.

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Solstice Yoga at the Iroquois Museum

HOWES CAVE — Mark the start of the summer solstice with a beginner yoga class at the Iroquois Museum. Flow through yoga sequences and deep breath work plus a short meditation for maximum stress relief and relaxation. Achieve tranquility of the mind and spirit while also building strength. All fitness levels welcome, no prior yoga experience required. $15 donation. Please bring a mat and water. All donations support the Iroquois Museum's education programs.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR...

A lifelong educator, Colleen brings humor and experience to the yoga classroom. She delights in sharing the joy and benefits of yoga with clear and light-hearted instruction and guidance.  She emphasizes gentle flows, breath work, meditation and general well-being. Colleen received her 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2021 from the  Yoga & Ayurveda Center and is currently working on her 300 hour certification.

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

It’s been a cloudy and cool week for quite the change from the last heat up. Look out for more sun and some extremely toasty temperatures for June next week. 

Temps will be comfortable this weekend with a beautiful day expected for Saturday! The forecast is predicting that nearly all of next week's high temperatures will be 85 and up, and even 90 degrees possibly for Wednesday!

Happy Father’s Day to all those devoted fathers, grandfathers, and even great grandfathers this Sunday!

The 2024 Sharon Springs Summer Rec Program begins July 8th. The 6-week program runs Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-11:45 AM, RAIN OR SHINE and offers a variety of activities, including swimming lessons. Children must have completed kindergarten and be fully potty trained in order to register. Registration will take place at the Sharon Rec Center on Saturday, June 22d from 10 AM-1 PM and Monday, July 1st from 10 AM-1 PM. Please visit the Sharon Springs Youth Commission FB Page for more info.

Slate Hill Lavender Farm opening weekend is this weekend, June 15-16th from 10 AM - 5 PM. They are doing u-pick lavender and will have lavender products for sale including their “infamous Lavender Pop Tarts” from Sleepy Forest Bake Shop! Visit their social media for more info!

Mark your calendars for the Celebration of Life for Doug Plummer coming up next weekend on June 22 from 12-1 in the Village Park.

Bison Island Ranch Days return to Bison Island Ranch (194 Engleville Rd, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) on Saturday June 22nd from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Visit social media for more info @bisonislandranch.

Blue Star Farm on Route 20 in Sharon Springs has petunias and more! Stop by for a hanging basket today!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your gardening and spring needs! The Outrageous Snack Snack is also now open Friday-Sundays from 10-4 PM serving up specialty handcrafted donuts and more! The Farm has different plants and hanging flower pots available too. Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC.  

The American Legion Post 1269 of Sharon Springs is looking for new members! If you are interested in becoming an American Legion member, volunteering, or even donating to the many wonderful causes the Legion supports, please contact Commander Paul Todd at (518) 649-0024 for more information.

Big Happy Birthday this week to: Joyce Slater and Joe Najdek! Wish them Happy Birthday if you see them around town.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: 

Book Discussion this month will be a sharing of favorite authors and books. We invite everyone to share your thoughts and suggestions with us on Friday, June 21st at 6:00 PM.

Father's Day was originally celebrated in 1910 when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted an equivalent celebration to Mother's Day to honor her father's role in raising six children as a single parent. This eventually became a nationally recognized holiday dedicated to celebrating paternal bonds and influence. Happy Father's day to all Fathers and Father-Like Figures in our lives. 

We welcome you to attend our monthly Board of Trustees meeting this month on June 27th, 2024 at 7 PM in the library. 

The library will be closed June 19th, 2024 in observation of Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day. Juneteenth honors freedom and resilience, marking the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned of their emancipation. 

Storytime is every Thursday with Youth Librarian, JoAnn, at 10 AM. Come and enjoy the fun! 

The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. 

For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

The Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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Bears Invade Cairo

By D.M. Kamecke

CAIRO — The Cairo Development Foundation’s (CDF) website-stated goal is “to improve the town one building and one project at a time.” Given the scope of work the CDF has undertaken and continues to initiate, that appears to be an understatement.

The brainchild of Cairo residents Diana Benoit (CDF President) and Sherry True (CDF Art Project Coordinator), the nonprofit hit the ground running in 2017 when it acquired the former Bobbie Jean’s restaurant, a Main Street property condemned by the town. The CDF subsequently purchased — with a mortgage, rent and fundraising — a neighboring property, the old Cairo Garage at 467 Main Street to use as headquarters. That building had a tenant upstairs, but the lower level was empty and needed multiple repairs. 

To assess both properties, the CDF secured a grant from NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Housing Trust Fund Corporation and hired an engineering firm to conduct a feasibility study. While the report indicated that the “garage” needed repairs, it was in fair condition. That was not the case for its next-door-neighbor: 465 Main. That property had deteriorated significantly and showed potential to collapse. Given those results and the projected high costs to try and save the condemned structure, the CDF made the decision to tear it down, a process that included asbestos abatement, a tightly regulated multistep procedure.

A $150,000 grant from Greene County using additional state funds paid for the abatement and removal of that building as well as for façade repairs and numerous window replacements at the 467 Main location. Interior work, including patching holes and painting, replacing the broken pipes and restoring the leaded windows in the front of the building, depended largely on fundraisers and sweat equity from an army of volunteers.  While repairs continue, and major items like insulating the basement floor remain to be done, the CDF is gearing up to rent out half its downstairs to what will be Cairo’s newest venture: The Art Hub. 

Scheduled for opening later this summer, the Hub plans to offer a variety of classes including jewelry making, pottery, basket weaving, and painting. It will also include a retail space for local artists.

Another of CDF’s latest endeavors is spearheading the restoration of the World War I Memorial Fountain located between Main Street and Jerome Ave. The CDF approached the Town, owner of the site, for permission to have work done and got input from the American Legion, which donated the American Flag. The Cairo-Durham Rotary and Town Highway employees were feet-on-the-ground removing loose stones on the pathway that made walking there precarious for some visitors. Additional work will include fixing the pump, wire brushing the cement pool, and repainting. Donations are still being accepted for this project. The building behind the fountain has reportedly been purchased and will be restored by a private investor.

As for what became of the former Bobby Jean’s site? It has been transformed into the Black Bear Park, a mini-oasis anchored by gardens, benches, and a magnificent bear sculpture. The sculpture, created by local company Metal Art by Jinx, is in the front of the upper portion of the Park. Another section is dedicated to Veterans. Potential future events include “Open Mic in the Park” with the Cairo-based Greene County Vet2Vet Writing Group.

One of the fundraisers that helps to keep the CDF moving forward is Purse Bingo, an event that sells out every year with 15 percent of its profits distributed to other worthy causes such as Greene County Animal Alliance and Little League. Another is the sale of personalized bricks for the Black Bear pocket park. 

In addition, in 2017, the CDF reestablished the Community Art Project known as the “Cairo Bears.” The Bears is a “year-long project,” says Benoit, with the following year’s paperwork beginning immediately after the auction (9/28/24). Advertising, collecting design submissions, creating maps and distributing the bare-bear statues to local artisans are just a few of the steps. Quality Automotive puts the protective coating on the bears, and the stands are handcrafted by Metal Art. One of the keys to this major fundraiser is sponsorship. Benoit acknowledges that without it there wouldn’t be Bears. With 55 unique statues to see and bid on, this event is hugely popular, not only with locals but with visitors from other parts of the county and state. 

In its heyday, Cairo and its surrounding hamlets saw an influx of people every summer. Cairo seems once again poised to become a destination, with new businesses cropping up on Main Street and its outskirts, upgrades at the town park, and some needed infrastructure repairs being done or planned. 

The Cairo Development Foundation is doing its part to help, one project at a time. Or more.

Note: Staff members include Vice-President Lysandra Braden, Treasurer Michelle Rolon, and Secretary Yuliya Benoit. The CDF encourages community input and involvement. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, at 7:00 pm at the Cairo Development Foundation headquarters at 467 Main Street, Cairo NY.  

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