The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – Our appreciation and thanks go out to our veterans, present or deceased, for their sacrifices and patriotism. Also the same goes out to our medical professionals, firemen, EMTs, and essential workers. Thank you.\

Our local schools will soon be on summer break and it is a good time to remind all drivers that there will be more children on the sidewalks and roadways on their way to enjoy their summer activities. Please be careful. Congratulations to all graduates and other students moving up a grade. Enjoy your summer and be careful. Who do you have in your family graduating from high school or college? Will be glad to share you good news with our readers.

Got a call from a Eleanor Van Aken Tompkins in the north country. She said her family was from the Conesville area, moving there from the City in the early 1940’s thinking it would be easier to live in the country during WWII. So much for anything being easy during WWII. She read Laurel Van Aken’s name in The Scoop and thought there might be a family connection but it was not direct enough to pursue. When young, Mrs. Tompkins said she had to wear her hair in braids because her father did not want his daughters’ hair to be cut. Lots of stories out there. Does anyone recognize her name? Maybe Dottie Pickett has it in the list of Gilboa Conesville alumni.

Auxiliary members from American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, Prattsville, and American Legion Auxiliary Susquehanna Unit 1764, Conesville, joined for a luncheon at the Prattsville Tavern on Wednesday, the 5th, for laughter and good food. Those joining in were Geri Barry, Marianne Krauss, Pat Coleman, Shelly Brainard, Linda Kessler, Cathy Martino, Lori Gustin, Lana Breigle, Mary Cline, Anita Creazzo, Pat Bifolco and Ginny Gurley. The two Units have become close friends and enjoy each others company with conversation and the exchanging of ideas and, of course, laughter. Veteran in your immediate family?, you are welcome to join either Unit with application qualification.

Discover Life Church Food Pantry is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4-6 pm. They would like to say Thank you to Jim Eisel at the Great American for letting the Food Pantry have a non-perishable food donation box in the store. Also thank you to everyone who volunteers or gives monetary or non-perishable food donations.

Speaking of Food Pantries, on Sunday TV news there was a notice that the Red Cross of the Capital region was sponsoring an event for the benefit of veterans in our areas for supplying the Voluntary Services of Stratton VAMC who supplies food to our needy veterans. We reiterate Kathy Schmeidel’s thank you to all who help locally those in need and/or veterans every where. Thank you and keep up the good work.

There will be a town wide yard sale in Conesville on the 3rd of August, Saturday. Not only will there be the yard sales but there will be bake sales, crafts, lunches, etc. etc. Plan on making a day of it because the yard sale route takes in quite a few miles but it is always a fun day. See you there. Will keep you up-to-date on upcoming yard sales in our vicinity. Lula Anderson on Route 23 Ashland will be having a July 4th yard sale. Know she has lots of stuff, mostly bargains, so check that yard sale out.

What The Soap, originating in Prattsville a number of years ago, is no longer a store but strictly online. Go to their website, What.The.Soap for an update on all items available from their bounty. Many from out of town really looked forward to their store when it was in Prattsville but can now check out buying their favorite scented beauty products online. Good luck Matt and Melissa.

Happy Birthday on June 15 to Lacey Brand, do not have her married name. On June 16 it is Happy Birthday to Gerald Mark Mead. We wish Sandy Traver and Alan Huggins Happy Birthday on June 18. Donnie Speenburgh is wished a Happy Birthday on June 20. On June 21 it is Happy Birthday to Al Creazzo. On June 16 we wish Janelle and Ken Maurer a Happy Anniversary.

Share your good news with all – send to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518-299-3219.

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Bread and Circuses

Honestly, I will rarely include my personal political opinions in this format. In the past, I’d mask them in a metaphor on occasion here and there. But I wouldn’t be true to my Baby Boomer readership if I didn’t allude to the really important issues once in a while.

This is one of those times I'm going to be more direct though.

I do have very knowledgeable resources in my life that I can talk through the major issues with. I have these discussions often, not ever wanting to ignore the really important social issues that seem to be sneaking up on us more frequently these days. 

It’s disconcerting to think that these issues only then get tucked into a 20 second news feed on the evening news  before those never ending  dancing drug commercials…hence BREAD AND CIRCUSES. 

Let’s begin with the actual phrase…leading us back in time to the

Roman Emperors who offered free grain to the masses so that they would not starve and then went on to organize entertainment events to maintain social order among its citizens. Chariot races and gladiators entertained the plebeians so that they would not get bored or restless. Bribery often worked as well. 

Hmmmm, very interesting in terms of understanding why this concept has stood the test of time and has resurfaced as of late.

Does any of this sound remotely familiar ? 

That was then…and this is now. The 2024 election year. 

I’m feeling more confused by it all. 

Here we are, the oldest of FOUR GENERATIONS that are still present in this world, who still care deeply for this beautiful country that we live in. Voting still matters very much to us. Heck, I’m not sure if it matters as much to the younger registered voter ship. WHAT is that going to mean this NOVEMBER?

BUT before we actually get to this coming election day, I’ve recently read about amendments made by an executive order of the president to the Title IX anti-discrimination act  (which was a landmark federal civil rights law enacted in 1972 to prohibit sex-based discrimination in any institutions with educational programs or activities that receive funding from the federal government.).

These new amendments to Title IX  are due to be enacted on August 1st, 2024.

It’s easy enough to do a google search and you’ll find lots to read about the topic.

I personally found these changes to be troubling as I consider the world that my grandchildren will be growing up in.

You may not feel as I do. That’s what we call being AMERICAN.

I was hoping that there could have been more dialogue to help us to further understand how these changes will affect our kids' worlds “before" these changes were made.

But as the title of this column suggests, there have been too many  distractions plaguing us right now. 

I’m trying to subtly tweak your curiosity to check this out.

I’m not sure if it will even matter as the wheels are now in motion for this situation to prevail across our great land.

Regardless, I encourage you to have healthy dialogue with your friends and family on these hard topics. 

Doing so without the labels of a political party or cultural affiliation will turn many issues around. 

We are AMERICANS. WE can still make a difference. 

WE still have a voice. 

Instead of “bread and circuses” why not shift the concept to

something that has more meaning for us all…WE THE PEOPLE! 

Pat Larsen, lives, works and plays in Greene County, NY. 

The two passions that drive her life include Fitness for Seniors and Baby Boomers and 

Programs to help with the process of Aging with Grace…growing wiser. 

This year's recipient of the 5IVE TOP CHANGE MAKERS award in Greene County are among her latest achievements.

Contact Pat Larsen at 518-275-8686 to chat or ask about her programs.

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Update in Horse Case

Updated press release from May 29, 2024, regarding an investigation into horses in the  Town of Cairo that were not being properly cared for. At this time the Greene County Sheriff’s  Office has filed additional charges including the arrest of the owner of the horses, 59-year-old  Vincent Melapioni of Staten Island. Melapioni has been charged with Agriculture & Markets Law  Section 353- Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, which is a Class A misdemeanor. Melapioni  was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Cairo Court at a later date and time.  

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Columbia-Greene Humane  Society/SPCA. 

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Veterans Ride 50 Miles In ASF's WIM Road Cycling Program

WINDHAM — Seven retired U.S. Military Veterans traveled a total of 50 miles on bicycle during the Adaptive Sports Foundation's (ASF) Warriors in Motion® (WIM) intermediate road cycling program, which concluded on Thursday afternoon.

The ASF welcomed seven wounded veterans into the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon, where they met with the ASF staff and volunteers who will be riding with them all week. After being treated to lunch, the warriors were fitted for safety equipment and got accustomed to their bikes before setting out for the week’s first ride. The WIM group departed from the Windham Mountain Club parking lot and headed to Hensonville. They made a left on Maplecrest Road and rode County Route 65 to State Route 23 into the town of Windham before looping back to Windham Mountain Club. The group returned to the ASF lodge for some stretching before the participants checked into their hotel rooms and rested before a catered dinner at the ASF. 

Wednesday’s ride was a 24-mile trek from Windham to Phoenicia and began at 9:30 a.m. at the Windham Mountain Club parking lot. The WIM group rode along State Route 296, conquering the hills all the way to the town of Hunter. After riding through the ski town, the participants headed south on State Route 214 and enjoyed a lunch and a brief respite at Devil’s Tombstone Campsite. Once everyone was fed, they completed their journey into Phoenicia, where the ASF shuttle bus picked them up and brought them back to Windham. The warriors finished the ride earlier than expected, so the ASF brought some to Colgate Lake to enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather, while others stayed in Windham to enjoy a round of golf at Windham Golf Club. When 5:30 p.m. rolled around, the participants met back at the ASF lodge for another catered dinner. 

The final ride of the week came on Thursday morning, and the WIM participants departed once again from the Windham Mountain Club parking lot and headed east into Maplecrest to CD Lane Park. The ride to the local park, plus a little extra, and back to Windham Mountain Club allowed the group to reach the 50-mile milestone. The ASF held a barbecue lunch for the veterans before they departed. 

“The ASF means a lot to me. The WIM program allows me to get outdoors and get stronger, especially with my knee injury,” U.S. Army veteran Milagros Rivera explained. “This program is the best thing that has happened to me, I feel like I’m living again.”

The ASF will be putting away its fleet of road bikes for the season, as the next WIM program will take some veterans into the forest for a three-day, two-night backpacking trip in the Northern Catskill Mountains wilderness. That program will take place on June 25-27. 

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Filmed Locally - Waterfall in the Catskills

By Bradley Towle

CATSKILLS REGION — “Waterfall in the Catskills” is a short, silent actuality capturing Haines Falls sometime in June 1897. The Library of Congress preserved the film, one of many of Thomas Edison’s productions from the first decade of film experimentation and advancement, in 1985 and is available to view through their website. Edison’s film catalog summary for “Waterfall in The Catskills” reads: “Beautiful water effects at Haines’ Falls, a most picturesque and charming mountain cataract. The wild and rugged surroundings are very impressive.” At roughly 25 seconds, there is not much more to describe about the footage. The camera remains in one position (as was standard at the time), but there is no point in fussing about that. “Waterfall in The Catskills” is the earliest moving footage of Haines Falls in existence and, with the Library of Congress’s preservation of the film, will remain as a brief and novel glimpse into the fading 19th century at Haines Falls. 

However, one might easily miss another view of Haines Falls circa June 1897 due to some confusion surrounding the title. “Falls of Minnehaha” clocks in at 31 seconds and shows us a group of people on an observation deck at the lower end of the falls. Kemp Niver, whose work to preserve American silent films began in the 1950s, mistakenly identified Minnesota (where the actual Minnehaha Falls are located) as the location, an error that was subsequently published in 1985’s “Early Motion Pictures: the Paper Print Collection in the Library of Congress.” The confusion is understandable, given the title (even the current IMDB listing for the film includes it as the location). 

However, in his 1998 annotated filmography “Edison Motion Pictures: 1890-1900,” Charles Musser identifies Haines Falls as the location for “Falls of Minnehaha. The Catskill Mountain setting is now considered the actual location by the Library of Congress for the film.   Edison’s employee, William Heise, operated the camera in both instances. Prolific throughout the final decade of the 19th century, Heise’s earliest film credit goes back to 1890, a technical experiment called “Monkey Shines, No. 1.”  Both silent short actualities are available to view on The Library of Congress’s website. 

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Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - Tidbits on the Mountain Top

I’d like to share some interesting Tidbits found on the mountaintop areas. 

This was found in a 1969 Albany Time Union. It was about a Mountain View Coach Tour going from Troy and Albany to Tannersville. 

“A dinner ride to the Bonfire Restaurant (a popular restaurant for many years) in Cairo. There is time for shopping at Jay’s and the Knit Mills Outlets in Tannersville. A discount on name brands, sweaters, suits, and dresses.” They were leaving Troy at 11 a.m., and Albany at 11:30.  All for $3.50. (Today a reasonable $ 28.00.)

AN UP-TO-DATE- VILLAGE-As it was worded in a 1911 Columbia Republic paper. 

Tannersville is the leading thirst resort of the Catskills. It said the village had seven soda fountains, and no end to the wells of crystal mountain water. In addition, the paper said a taxicab service might open. Tannnersville would then be the ever-progressive, up-to-date village its citizens say it is. 

In a 1913 Windham Journal, it said the Prattsville Dairy was receiving about 14,000 pounds of milk and cream daily. It also said that M.E. Francis, Willie Bunt, Ray Bunt, Morton Frances, and Lawrence Kerr were cutting Christmas trees near Utica. 

A 1914 Catskill Recorder said, “Someone’s dogs stand a good chance of being shot unless the dumb beasts are fed enough legitimate food to prevent them from sucking eggs.”

In 1924, Lanesville grocer Harry Lane filed for bankruptcy. His assets were $6,500 and his liabilities were $18,100.

A 1929 Stamford Mirror talked about cars requiring cranking to start. (Cars needed to be cranked until about 1920 when electric starters were installed in new vehicles.) A Westkill Correspondent said, Merritt Newcomb, while cranking a day last Sunday morning had the misfortune to break the large bone in his right arm, just above the wrist. He was taken to the office of Dr. A. O. Persons of Lexington, where the fracture was reduced. 

That paper also said that the busiest place in Tannersville is the Honigsbaum Department Store, where renovations are being made. Frank Showers and his men are painting, and carpenters from the Constable and Bender Company in Tannersville are adding the final details.  The Globe Sprinkling Company is installing a sprinkler system. Soon Tannersville will have a wonderful 10-cent to $1.00 store. (It was that sprinkler system that halted the fire on the south side of Main Street and prevented it from spreading further.) 

I hope you enjoyed these little tidbits. Please take care, and stay well.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian.

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HHW Collection Event

Greene County Solid Waste Management will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29th at the Town of Windham Highway Department facility located at 83 County Route 21 (Mitchell Hollow Road) in Windham. This event is funded by the Greene County Legislature and is eligible for a 50% reimbursement grant through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This will be the second time the event will be held at this location. Another Household Hazardous Waste Collection is being planned for September 7th in Athens. 

County residents are asked to come to the site during a time period based on the first letter of their last name so traffic can be spread out evenly during the morning. Scheduled times are as follows. If the first letter of your last name begins with A-G, 8:30-9:30 a.m.; H-M, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; N-S, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and T-Z, 11:30-12:30 p.m.

Participants are advised to carefully separate and package their HHW to prevent leakage in their vehicles during transportation to the event. We request that there be only one occupant per vehicle with no children or pets while transporting hazardous waste. Wastes from multiple households may be combined in one vehicle, as long as they are safely packaged.  Please be prepared for the possibility of a wait in line. Documentation of residency such as a driver's license or utility bill will be required.

During the event participants will be required to remain in their vehicle as they are directed through the site. All waste will be unloaded and handled by the contractor, MXI Environmental Services LLC. They will be responsible for unloading, classifying, packaging, transporting and recycling or properly disposing of the accepted waste.

Under the terms of the program, this event is for household hazardous waste only. Commercial or agricultural wastes will not be accepted. Solid Waste Management staff will determine if any waste or excessive amount of waste is unacceptable. Normal wastes, electronics or recyclables that can be disposed of through the transfer station system will not be accepted at this site.

Greene County Solid Waste Management staff will be on site during the event to assist participants. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Greene County Solid Waste Management prior to the event at 518-943-4600 or solidwaste@greenecountyny.gov. 

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Obituary - Ronald F. Giesin

Ronald F. Giesin, of Cobleskill, passed away at home on June 11, 2024, after a courageous 25-year battle with cancer.  

Ronald was born 79 years ago on July 18, 1944 to the late William ad Agnes (Hardenstine) Giesin.  He graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central School in 1962 and was a lifelong resident of the Schoharie County area.  He was active in the Middleburgh Little League Association and coached for many years while his four sons were growing up.  He was also a bowling coach and an avid bowler himself.  Ron retired from Kintz Plastics in Howes Cave in 2009.

Ronald was the loving husband of Sherle (Lobdell) Giesin for 59 years.  He is also survived by his sons: Ronald (Bridgette Whitbeck) of Virginia Beach, VA, Stephen (Anita) Giesin of Columbus, GA, Daniel (Dallas) Giesin of Howes Cave and Brian (Kimberly) Giesin of Middleburgh; grandchildren: Keka (Mike Thomas), Ronald Joseph (Cassandra), Alyzabeth, Emalee 9Tyler) Morgan, Aaron, Alana, Abby and Lucas; great-grandchildren: Brennan, Hailey, Annika, Landon, Gavin, Kylee, Charlette; sisters: Anna Clark of Gilboa, Carol (John) Gully of Troy and Jewel Tiszler of Delmar; sister-in-law; Bonnie Giesin; many nieces and nephews.  Ron was predeceased by his parents, his brothers: Ralph, Stuart and Peter and his brother-in-law: George Clark.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh.  Burial will follow in the Breakabeen Cemetery.  All are invited to visit with Ron’s family from 10:00-11:00AM, prior to the Funeral service.

Memorial donations in Ron’s honor are requested to the Marathon For A Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187

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Obituary - William H. Loucks

MEDUSA – William H. Loucks, Sr., 84, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home in Stamford.

Mr. Loucks was born in Albany on July 5, 1939, a son of the late Clarence and Sarah Cutter Loucks.  He was raised in Middleburgh, attended Middleburgh Central School, and resided for many years in Medusa.  Mr. Loucks was a truck driver for Cobleskill Stone for many years, retiring in 2011.  He also hauled milk, cement, and logs.  Mr. Loucks enjoyed watching television, traveling, and playing the game of mahjong.

Mr. Loucks is survived by his son, William (Kathy) Loucks, Jr. of Arizona; grandsons, William (Laura) Loucks, III of Arizona and Cody (Ivy) Loucks of Florida; great-grandsons, Connor and Hundley; his life partner of 43 years, Marie Thompson of Medusa and her son, William Thompson of Acra; sister-in-law, Mildred Loucks of Florida.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John Loucks of Florida; and Karen Thompson Kusisto.

Private cremation has taken place.  Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.

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Obituary - Jeanne M. Wood

Jeanne M. Wood, of Mary Taylor Road, Middleburgh, died peacefully at home in the loving care of her family on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Jeanne was born 88 years ago on May 6, 1936 in Athens, NY to Aura (Seeley) and Frank Dedrick and attended school at Cairo-Durham before graduating.  

Jeanne married Thomas J. Wood, of Middleburgh, on September 5, 1954 and they shared 66 beautiful years together before he predeceased her in 2020.  Jeanne passionately tended to her home and growing family.  She loved gardening and her home was always filled with the aroma of her fresh baking.  She also enjoyed crocheting, cross stitching and feeding her hummingbirds. 

Cherishing her life and love are her children: Thomas Wood, Jr. of New Orleans, LA, Douglas Wood of Middleburgh, Sandra Wood of Middleburgh, and Jodi Wood of Middleburgh; her grandchildren: Jennifer Wood, Randy Wood, II., Nathan Wood, Dezi Arredondo, Aimee Smalls, Erica Wood, Darcelle Jacobs, Amber Beretz, Douglas Wood, II., Kendall Morrell, Brittany Barker and Liam Wood; 25 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Janet Tinkler and brother-in-law: David Wood, both of Middleburgh.

Along with her parents and husband Tom, Jeanne was predeceased by her son: Randy Wood, her great-granddaughter: Avery Morrell and by her brother: John Dedrick.

All are invited to a visitation with Jeanne’s family from 5:00-7:00PM on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY. A Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the Funeral Home, with interment following in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Jeanne’s honor to the American Diabetes Assoc., PO Box 7023 Merrifield, VA. 22116-7023

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Book Battle in Middleburgh

Seven teams in grades 3-6 amazed onlookers with their knowledge of books and authors during the Battle of the Books at Middleburgh Elementary School. Special shoutout to the grade 3 Super Skittles for taking the top spot. A huge thank you to the school community volunteers and everyone who supports these enthusiastic young readers.

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Renaissance Faire in Middleburgh

Middleburgh Central School students hosted a Renaissance Faire to showcase their incredible projects inspired by the European Renaissance last week. With delicious foods and fun activities, it was a day of historical fun and learning.

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All About Racing

 Brian Pessolano was a Dave Lape fan and racing student of Lape so his win on Saturday in one of the Dave Lape twin 22-lap features was very special and emotional.  Biittig photo

 Alton and Carole Palmer were presented with their Hall of Fame plaque by NYSSCA rep, Bonnie Mortensen on Saturday at Fonda.  Ed Biittig had the honor of inducting the Palmers into the Hall of Fame.  Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

Our Saturday our racing was at Fonda and included the NYSSCA Hall of Fame inductions at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum prior to all the racing. It was a special night all around celebrating Dave Lape’s legacy at Fonda with the Dave Lape Memorial including the MVVDMS and NYSSCA Night.  It was a very busy night for all.   

Inducted at the ceremony in the Fonda Museum and Hall of Fame building were Alton and Carole Palmer, former Fonda promoter, Ric Lucia, and drivers, Jeff Trombley and John Kollar. 

Alton and Carole Palmer have made racing their life.  They met at Fonda, were married in 1976 and the rest is part of Fonda Speedway history. 

Alton sits atop the All-Time Win list in Sportsman with 56 wins and was Track Champion five times.  He won at other tracks in the Northeast, including a win at the NYS Fairground for the July 4,1999 race.

When Alton hung up his helmet, he and Carole remained heavily involved with car ownership and through their sponsorship.  Many other drivers in other divisions have benefited from the Palmer Service Center sponsorship in the past and currently.   

Jeff Trombley began his racing career in Go-Karts before moving to Mini Stocks at Albany-Saratoga where he recorded eight wins and the championship in 1983. 

Trombley made the move to Modifieds in 1984 at Fonda where he sits 11th on the all-time win list with 35 wins.  He won back-to-back track championships in 2001 and 2002.  Jeff also had wins at other tracks in the area. 

Jeff currently races with the CRSA Sprints where he has 13 wins and four championships.   

John Kollar first came to Fonda as a fan when he was a kid.

Kollar began racing in 1968 in his No. 10% Modified and recorded three wins during his time there. John was successful also at Utica-Rome, three wins; Devil’s Bowl, two wins; and two at Albany-Saratoga.

When John retired from racing, he became an owner of the No. 10% and currently has driver Chad Edwards behind the wheel.  The car has been very successful and John says he has only one thing left on his bucket list and that is to win at Super Dirt Week in Oswego.   

Ric Lucia became a race fan at Fonda.  He later began a brief racing career.  His racing career netted one feature win and third place in points and the Most Improved Driver Award as one of the highlights. 

In 1997, Ric submitted and was awarded the bid to run Fonda and then convinced his friend Marty Beberwyk to be his General Manager and the next 17 years he spent much of his time, first improving the facility with new bleachers in turn four, a concrete wall and catch fence along the front stretch.

He always prided himself in being visible and hands on as a promoter. 

The Dave Lape Memorial Night turned out to be a very emotional and exciting night for competitors and fans alike. 

Three different drivers celebrated first career wins Brian Pessolano, Modifieds; Mike Kalkbrenner, Crate 602 Sportsman and third generation driver, 13-year-old, Rocco Constantino, were all ecstatic to be on Checkerboard Square in victory lane at the Track of Champions.  It was only Constantino’s third time out for a race. 

There were make-up races from previous rain outs and NYSSCA Night with money given out to the top two finishing members across the line in each division plus a wild card.

NYSCCA bonus winners were: Modifieds Brian Pessolano and Jessica Friesen; Sportsman, Mike Kalkbrenner and Dylan Madsen; Pro Stock, Ivan Joslin and Devon Camenga; Limited Sportsman, Tim Wilmot and AJ Greco; Four Cylinder, Jay Ingersoll and Ken Hollenbeck and Randy Cosselman, the Wild Card.

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

 

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Local Business Focus - Live Free Outfitters

By Tori Edwards 

SCHOHARIE — In Schoharie, Live Free Outfitters, an outdoor navigation and survivalist training center was established by founder Bill Haley. Haley is a NYS Licensed Guide, and his mission is to educate people with outdoor awareness. His goal is to better prepare people with skills to help mitigate emergency situations in the wilderness. Bill teaches his skills through survival classes and Adventure Excursions. 

At Live Free Outfitters destinations, you can book your outdoor experiences with an authentic survivalist to learn more about the wilderness frontier. 

You can reach them on Facebook at Live Free Outfitters, and at their website at Ifo-usa.com, or you can call them at (518)595-9894. Activity options for an Adventure Excursion are canoe trips, hikes, remote camping, winter camping, snowshoeing, custom survival challenges, or combine 2 activities for a full day of fun! They also hold basic survival and navigation classes! 

Just contact the Adventurers of Live Free Outfitters for pricing and booking information. You won't regret it! The essence of life is outside your front door, explore an experience of a lifetime and learn key survival skills with Bill Haley. 

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Area Residents Enjoy Jefferson History Day

A model of the old Charlotteville School House that was on display at Jefferson History Day Saturday, June 8. Photos by Chris English.

Jefferson Historical Society President Kevin Berner (center) leads a walking tour of West Main Street businesses and community buildings during Jefferson History Day on Saturday, June 8.

Visitors take in the displays at Jefferson History Day on Saturday, June 8.

By Chris English

JEFFERSON — Luke VanCleef decided to boost his knowledge of local history on a recent weekend morning, and he wasn't disappointed.

The Jefferson resident, his wife Jennifer and daughter Brielle were among dozens of area residents who dropped in on Jefferson History Day Saturday, June 8 at Col.Stephen Judd Hall and other locations in the town. The event featured displays from more than a dozen local historical societies and museums.

"I think they've done a great job," said VanCleef. "Very nice displays. It's very nice to honor the history of the town. I think it would be great to do it every year, would be a nice way to draw people in."

That's the plan, said Kevin Berner, president of the Jefferson Historical Society that organized Saturday's event.

"We decided over the winter we wanted to have a gathering of a wider variety of historical groups here," he explained. "It's a good way to get historians together and people who are interested in history in general. It's also a means of getting people to visit the museum upstairs."

Berner was referring to the Nicholas J. Juried Museum of Jefferson History, on the second floor of Judd Hall.

This was essentially the first annual Jefferson History Day, Berner added, and said the hope is for the event go be held every year and grow bigger.

"Many years ago we did something at the Maple Museum," he noted. "Next year, we will probably do it at the Maple Museum but we couldn't this year because there was construction scheduled there and we didn't know exactly when that would be."

Among the many groups represented at Jefferson History Day were historical societies from Jefferson, Stamford, Schoharie, Middleburgh, Esperance, Charlotteville, Sharon, Sharon Springs, Harpersfield, Carlisle, Schoharie County, Schoharie County Colonial Heritage Associaton, and the Gilboa Museum and Iroquois Museum in Howe's Cave. Included in the many items on display were dozens of old photographs and other historical materials depicting various phases of local history, and a model of the old Charlotteville School House that operated from 1894 to 1951.

In addition to the displays and activities at Judd Hall, Berner led a walking tour of West Main Street businesses and community buildings, with each participant provided literature with capsule histories of each building and other information. Keynote speaker Dr. Charles Ver Straeten, Curator of Sedimentary Rocks at the New York State Museum, gave a talk on local history at the Jefferson Methodist Church.

Gilboa Historical Society President Gerry Stoner, representing the Gilboa Museum, talked to people about the rich variety of fossils and other items of interest at the museum. Next to Stoner's display was one staffed by Vic DiSanto of the Iroquois Museum that featured coin bronze duplicates of medals given to Iroquois code talkers of World Wars I and II, an Iroquois headdress and otter, beaver and muskrat pelts.

"This outfit is unbelievable," said Stoner, pointing to DiSanto and the Iroquois Museum table. Stoner added he thought Jefferson History Day was a great event he hoped would become an annual tradition.

Jefferson Heritage Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 13. The event is billed in a sign in front of Judd Hall as an "all day fun filled free event, rain or shine."

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