Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Tonight is $5 Fan Appreciation Night at Utica-Rome Speedway, with all divisions running and only five dollars for grandstand general admission.

 Some more positive news last week was the change in ownership of the Utica-Rome Speedway. As of Friday, June 28, as promoter Brett Deyo and local businessman Jason Broedel of Broedel Energy have completed the purchase from the Cole family and are now the new owners of the Vernon, N.Y. track.

 Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will present their 2023 Champions with their awards on Sunday, July 28. Rain or Shine at 12:00 noon at the Barn on the Hill at The Ridge.

 Wednesday July 3rd. at Fonda Speedway there were two big events for the Amsterdam Truck Center modified division. Thanks to the efforts of Shelly Shaffer, the Anagnostopulos family, and many supporters, over $8,000 was distributed to drivers competing in the Bill Ag Modified Elimination race and the Short Track Super Series-Firecracker 50.

Rocky Warner would claim the overall victory for the one on one Bill Ag match races, but it was Jack Lehner by virtue of winning the first three rounds that took the largest amount of money from the contest.  In the 50-lap Short Track Super Series Firecracker for the modifieds (with sail panels) it was Matt Sheppard collecting the $10,000 first place money, Mat Willaimson finished second and Anthony Perrego third. 

In the companion STSS 25-lap feature for the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman Payton Talbot earned the win over Brian Calabrese and Chad Edwards.

 On Independence Day Utica-Rome Speedway held the Bill Shea Memorial, a strong field of modifieds and sprint cars were in the pits. Stewart Friesen would earn the 30-lap feature for the modified division as he beat Tim Fuller and Marc Johnson to the finish line. In night number one of the Empire Super Sprint CNY Speedweek Stewart would also win the 360 winged sprint car 25-lap feature Jordan Poirier finished second and Danny Varin Third. The Taylor Trailers 25-lap crate 602 sportsman feature was won by Payton Talbot over Brian Calabrese and Matt Janczuk. And in the Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division 20-lap feature the top three were Cousin Luke Horning, A.J. Walters, and Bret Belden.

 Friday night Albany-Saratoga Speedway, In the NAPA DIRTcar big block modified division 35-lap feature Jessey Mueller took the win over Kolby Schroder and Matt Delorenzo. Ronnie Johnson scored the victory.

in the 25-lap feature for the DiCarlo’s Auto Body Shootout for the DIRTcar 358 modified division Walt Hammond and Marc Johnson filled the podium. Tim Hartman Jr. picked up the win in the DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature.

 Brewerton Speedway hosted the E.S.S. for their second night of Speedweek.  Jason Barney took the win in the 25-lap feature. Danny Varin finished fourth, Chase Moran 10th.

 Saturday night at Fonda Speedway there was a make-up race from May 25 for the Amsterdam Truck Center modified division. In that 30-lap feature Stewart Friesen claimed the win over Jack Lehner and Alex Yankowski. In this week's modified feature Jack Lehner would earn his first victory at Fonda in 2024 over Alex Yankowski and Brian Pessolano. In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature Brendan Gibbons took the checkers ahead of Payton Talbot and Chad Edwards.

 The Leatherstocking Credit Union prostock division 20-lap feature went to Kenny Gates as he beat Ivan Joslin and Jason Morrison to the finish line. The Montgomery County Office for Aging limited sportsman division also held a make-up race from May 25.  Corky Warner won that

feature as he beat  A.J. Greco and Jeff Bobilin to the checkered flag. 

In the regular feature for Saturday. Steve Wagoner claimed the win for the limited sportsman division. Walter Cook finished second and Lance Hill was third. The Fonda Fair 4 cylinder division feature was won by Jay Ingersoll in the dual cam division and Kenny Hollenbeck in the

single cam division. For Kenny Hollenbeck it was feature win number100 at the Track of Champions. 

The E.S.S. was at Fulton Speedway on Saturday. Davie Franek claimed the 25-lap feature victory Chase Moran was 16th. and Danny Varin lost an engine and was credited with finishing 24th. 

Sunday was a full night. Beginning with Glen Ridge Motorsports Park Brian Calabrese was victorious in the Callanan Industries DIRTcar 358 modified division 35-lap feature as he finished ahead of Tucker O'Connor and Brian Pessolano. In the Ted's Auto Body/ Next Generation GraphiX DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division 30-lap feature Cody Ochs scored the win over Taylor Wason and Kaden Hohensheldt. The Yurkewecz Auto Crushers DIRTcar pro stock division 20-lap feature was won by Chuck McSpirit over Cousin Luke Horning and Slater Baker. The 20-lap limited sportsman division feature went to Zach Graham over Tim Deffer and Owen Lewis. Jason Samrov scored the street stock division 10-lap feature ahead of Matt Mosher and Mark Lester. In the Leatherstocking Credit Union DIRTcar mini stock division 15-lap feature Jordan Ryder was the winner over Josh Reome and Billy Hillman. 

Weedsport Speedway hosted the DIRTcar 358 modified series Jimmy Phelps would claim that 50-lap feature. Also on the program was the Empire Super Sprints series. After changing engines due to a blown power plant from the night before at Fulton Speedway. Danny Varin of Fonda went from 10th. to first in claiming the 25-lap feature. Chase Moran of Fultonville finished 17th. and Chad Miller of Amsterdam finished 28th.

 Bridgeport Speedway  held the STSS South Jersey Shootout for the big block/small block modified division 50-lap feature. Alex Yankowski sat on the pole and led every lap, Danny Bouc and Anthony Perrego completed the podium. Stewart Friesen finished 11th. In the STSS crate 602 sportsman 25-lap feature Logan Watt was the winner Payton Talbot was second and Dylan Madsen was 11th. 

The F.X.Caprara Car Companies-Thunder on the Thruway Series returns to Fonda on Saturday. All weekly divisions will be in action, with the modified, crate 602 sportsman, and pro stock divisions competing for an increased purse and the valuable Thunder Series points. 

Lebanon Valley Speedway is celebrating promoter Howard Commander’s 80th. birthday tomorrow with The Commander, a 33-lap modified feature paying $8,000. All weekly divisions will be in action. 

Glen Ridge-Kids Club will present Bike Night this week on Sunday, July 14. 

Thursday, July 18 Utica-Rome Speedway will host the STSS Richie Evans Remembered 61 for modifieds. 

Tuesday, July 23 the Amsterdam Mohawks baseball team will host their annual NASCAR Night. There will be a number of local race car teams that will have their cars on site. Games are played at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam. Game time is 6:35 pm. 

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Blenheim Champions County Animal Control

By Joshua Walther

BLENHEIM — In the face of the ongoing dog control crisis within Schoharie County, Supervisor Don Airey took a moment during the Blenheim Town Board last Wednesday to talk about the need for a county-wide animal control officer. 

After briefly covering the latest violent dog attack in Richmondville and the failed inspection of the county shelter last month, Supervisor Airey gave his full support for the budding idea, saying that he will continue to fight to keep both people and animals free from harm.

As of now, the idea of a county-wide ACO is still prospective, and it will likely remain that way for some time as the County Law Committee deliberates on the need and value of the position. 

While Supervisor Airey is neither on the Law Committee nor the Ag and Markets board, he insists that the issue is an important one for more reasons than people may realize.

Firstly, adjoining municipalities will be able to communicate better with one another if animals cross town lines. On top of this, more oversight will lead to less people getting hurt and less incidents occurring, which is the main goal.

Secondly, the officer may be empowered to directly arrest those found with illegal possession of animals or abusers that cross into cruelty, much like a peace officer would.

And thirdly, Supervisor Airey pointed out that at the moment, towns only have jurisdiction over dogs, leading to the massive farm animal population of Schoharie County going unchecked.

However, many other municipalities do not have a stake in the dog control crisis and are left wondering why county-level authority is needed on the matter.

Responding to these criticisms, Supervisor Airey elaborated, saying “We’re fragmented, and we have more than just dogs running around,” citing that there is strength in unity. 

With his stance firm, Supervisor Airey finished by saying he hopes to see change for the better before his tenure in local politics is over, and invited supporters to make themselves known.

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Community Church Service Set for July 28 in M'burgh

MIDDLEBURGH - A Community Church Service, sponsored by the Middleburgh churches, will be held on Sunday, July 28 at 2pm at Timothy Murphy Park.

All are welcome and make sure to bring your lawn chair.

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Community Potluck July 21st

BLENHEIM — You are invited to a community-wide Worship and Potluck at the Middle Pavilion of Minekill State Park at 10a on July 21st.  Food is provided, but you can bring a dish to share if you want.  We will have activities for children during the worship.  This is a beautiful setting to experience worship, fellowship and God's creation.  If you want, you can bring a lawn chair, although there are picnic tables and seats provided.  All are welcome!  

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Conesville Welcomes New Code Enforcement Officer - Hears Requests Regarding 5K, Power Outages

By Matthew Avitabile

CONESVILLE — The Conesville Town Hall had a healthy crowd this Tuesday for the regular monthly meeting.

Resident Amy Wilson requested privilege of the floor to ask about the date of the next town of Conesville meeting. She requested to potentially increase the hours of Town of Clerk Carrie Sutton to help with changing the sign. The clerk said that the position is salaried but not hourly and said that the board could assist by increasing the position’s salary.

Resident Mary Keenan thanked multiple members of the community for their service to the community. She asked about outages along her road. While the outages were not the direct responsibility of the town board, she asked what could be done, including a petition. Supervisor Federice said that he was contacted several times and spent time speaking to someone involved with the power outage. There were several recent cases, including power lines being down due to weather or a vehicle hitting a pole.

“When you have an ice storm that knocks out power to the area,” it takes time to fix. During the outage last weekend, there were nine tickets. The power company is concerned about trees coming down, even out of the right-of-way. The power company cannot go onto other people’s property under those circumstances.

“There are programs for seniors and people with special circumstances,” he said. Federice said that in those circumstances, NYSEG would attempt to prioritize such situations. He added that he had several contacts, including at the office in Oneonta. While he was not always satisfied with such answers, he would continue such efforts. He said that he took “strong disagreement” with the idea that the town was not doing anything. While the town could not fix the lines itself, Federice said that the community would assist.

Town Assessor Marie Stuber reported in writing that the state agreed to accept the 100% valuation. In order to keep such a level, the town would have to review tax information each year. Such a proposition includes “a lot of extra work on my part” and is not a regular assignment for her position, Stuber wrote. She said that the state could disagree in the future and requested to know whether the town would like such a review for 2025 by the August meeting.

Supervisor Federice asked the board to affirm support for a valuation for 2025. He said that there is difficulty depending on the town that Conesville would be compared to. Gilboa or Broome would be more comparable, he said, especially compared to a town such as Windham. The discussion was tabled until the August meeting.

The new Code Enforcer Rob Giordano introduced himself to the board. He said that he was a Long Island transplant who had lived on Bush Road for the last eight years and had about 40 years’ experience as a general contractor. He said that he started his code enforcement classes and would complete them in the next four months or so.

“Welcome aboard,” said Federice.

Town Clerk Carrie Sutton reported two dog license renewals.

The sewer report indicated that there would be brush hogging and that there would be a video inspection of the collection system. The supervisor said that there was brush hogging last week and this week.

Town Historian Kim Young reported that there were a number of public inquiries and that there was a review of the Couchman House. There was a request for a formal structural analysis that would be paid for by the Conesville Historical Society. The hope is that the attic would hold the material needed, including filing cabinets. She also reported that the Historical Society has been prepping for the upcoming 5K on Nov. 30. There would also be the Aug. 9 historical marker at the church. The marker was funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. There will be an ice cream social following the dedication.

The first official square dance will be on Aug. 10 at 7 pm at the firehouse.

The town approved the Historical Society to be able to use Route 990V from the intersection of Bear Kill Road and Robinson Road from 10:30 am to noon on Nov. 30 for the 5K. The supervisor said that he would also request access to part of Bear Kill Road with the County DPW. Councilman Bill Amend said that a turkey was added to the 5K logo, with the race being called the Turkey Trot. The next meeting regarding the race is set for Aug. 26. The group is hoping for about 50 participants. No decision has been made about a trophy or plaque for winners.

The board also approved the structural analysis.

Town Highway Superintendent Ward Apgar reported repairs after recent rainstorms. He also reported that several roads were being prepped for chip sealing, which should happen in the third week of August. The town also applied for a nuisance beaver permit to remove beavers from South Mountain and Cook Roads. Three have already been removed.

The supervisor said that things were going “well” at the county. He said that there was significant discussion regarding there was discussion regarding upgrading the physical security of the county building. He said that there are now metal detectors at the office. He said that other county offices have strict security, including Delaware County.

There were 32 knives and two handguns on the first day. The individuals were asked to place the items back in their cars.

“People tested it,” he said.

The report was duly approved.

The board approved a bond anticipation note for a Komatsu vehicle purchased three years ago. The rate is under four percent. The board approved the note for another year unanimously.

Supervisor Federice reported on a 14% increase in the town’s inland marine insurance rate. He said that he called a new person who works with NYMIR and found nearly-identical rates. 

“There’s really nothing we can do about that,” he said.

Giordano said that Allstate had a 22% increase and that 14% is good.

The supervisor requested a regular budget amendment, which he said was nothing significant other than to adjust for the increase in insurance costs. This was approved unanimously.

The Couchman House was again a point of conversation. The plumber can “see the finish line,” said the supervisor. He said that there was some remaining ARPA pandemic-era funding that could be used or encumbered for next year. He requested that there be an effort to clean up the building and secure it better. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:41.

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Drumming and Dancing at the Library

Visitors at the Middleburgh Library had fun Wednesday morning drumming and dancing with Zorkie Nelson.

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Fire Police Association Meeting July 18

MIDDLEBURGH — The Schoharie County Fire Police Association will hold its next meeting on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Middleburgh fire station at 7 pm.  All are welcome to attend.

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Jefferson Heritage Day This Saturday

By Liz Page

JEFFERSON –  It's a tradition many look forward to, with entertainment, fun, vendors and a parade. Jefferson Heritage Day will kick off this Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m. as Professor John Polito does some interesting science stuff under the big tent on the town green in Jefferson. That's where the action will be centered. 

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and marches from the south end of state Rt. 10 near the bus parking lot to Creamery Street and the town green. There are free activities for children, teens and adults throughout the day.

Some of the favorites include the Methodist Church where they have homemade pies and pie a'la mode for sale. There is also a quilt exhibit inside the church and there will be food and other vendors around the green.

The Jefferson Historical Society building will be open just down the street, where you can browse through some history or purchase a history book.

There will be antique cars on display, a live wildlife exhibition, children's games, face painting, a bounce house, and a slide.

Throughout the day there will be entertainment under the tent, including gospel singers, Patty and the Mygrains, and Mike Herman and the day will be capped off with Blues Maneuver and country rock band, sponsored by the Jefferson Historical Society. They will begin at 7:30 p.m..

There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

A  very small committee of volunteers works hard each year to bring Heritage Day together and are committed to bringing the townspeople of Jefferson and the surrounding area together to enjoy a day of free fun.  

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M'burgh Begins Legal Action on Abandoned "Chalet"

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - The fate of the "chalet" on Railroad Avenue in Middleburgh could be decided by a judge.

The brown two-story wooden building at 111 Railroad Avenue has been abandoned and owned by absentee landlords for years. It is now home to pigeons, other animals, and human intruders. The building, which was a dry goods and mercantile store 100 years ago, was the subject of a Mountain Eagle Forgotten Schoharie County feature last month.

Village codes enforcement officer Rick Fink told board members that he has issued violations, to no avail.

"It is a really disgusting house falling into disrepair," he said.

Trustee Kevin Young added, "It's full of pigeons, animals, you name it." He noted that the windows are sometimes open, and sometimes closed, which mean people go in the building.

It is sometimes listed on Zillow for sale and is quickly sold to someone (or some business) outside the area, he noted.

"It just remains decrepit and an eyesore," he said. 

The codes officer said he can continue to write violations, but "we're getting nowhere."

The companies that own the building may not "exist," officials said, and letters come back unanswered.

The building is currently owned by a dry cleaning company out of Patchogue, Long Island. The corporation, Full Moon Dry Cleaners LLC, located on 25 East Patchogue-Yaphank Road in Patchogue, Long Island, has owned it since January 2022. The deed was filed in April 2022 with a purchase price of $60,000, according to the Schoharie County Real Property Tax office. The office "red-flagged" the sale because of the purchase price. Attempts to contact the company have been fruitless.

In addition to the Mountain Eagle's attempts to contact Full Moon Dry Cleaners, the Village of Middleburgh has sent the owners tax bills and other letters for over two years. All have gone unanswered. The county Real Property Tax Office has reported that the 2023 town and county and 2022 school tax bills are delinquent. Water and sewer bills also are not being paid.

It is time to take legal action, Mr. Fink said. He has no legal right to enter the building and has only written violations based on the exterior. The building, he added, is unsafe to passersby and shingles are sometimes "all over the road" and the front balcony is "sketchy."

"It's an unsafe building," he said.

The building was condemned 10 to 12 years ago, according to officials.

The earliest that the village could take action in a tax sale would be 2028, Mayor Tim Knight said, and if the owners say "they want to pay" the back taxes, a tax sale would be delayed again.

"What do we do about that building?" Mayor Knight said. "It's a public eyesore." Trustee Young added, "It's gross."

Mayor Knight said he is not a big fan of eminent domain, in which a government agency takes over public property, but it may be the right answer in this case. IT (eminent domain) is there for a reason."

Trustee Bob Tinker noted that the village would be responsible to take the building down if it gains possession, and that could asbestos abatement, which could cost "mega thousands of dollars."

Grants could be available to help pay, the Mayor said.

Something has to be done, and soon, officials said.

"The balcony could come down," Trustee Tinker said.

"People are accessing this building," Mr. Fink said. "It's only a matter of time before something happens."

Village attorney Fred Mauhs said that the building is a "public nuisance." The village, he advised, should figure out how much it would cost to take the building down. Trustee Tinker recommended that the village have the building taken down immediately after taking ownership. "Take over and take down," he added.

ZBA head John Wingfield noted that the village would be responsible for the building after taking ownership.

Officials said how long it will take to legally take ownership needs to be investigated. It was noted that the county planning department and health department could be of assistance..

"We have a good case for court," Trustee Tinker said. "We have to do something. We can't do nothing."

Mr. Mauhs said action can be taken. The action, he noted, would be against a property and not against a person.

The board then referred the matter to the attorney. 

The wooden two-story building (with an attic), which has been nicknamed "the chalet" by some local residents because of its trim and siding, has had several owners over the past 20 years.

Before being purchased by the Full Moon Dry Cleaners (no phone number listed), which filed the deed in April 2022, it was owned by DTH Roe Inc. of Austin, Texas. DTH Roe bought the building from Deutsche Bank National Trust Company of West Palm Beach Florida  (and a post office box in Texas) in February 2017. Deutsche Bank bought it from Gerald Morales in April 2016, according to the county Real Property Tax Office. Mr. Morales purchased it from Snyder Proper LLC, which was incorporated in October 1998. The oldest deed for the building is listed as Albert Bliss in the early 1900s from Carr Sheldon for the lot off of Sheldon Avenue. Members of the Bliss family said the property was deeded to Frank Bliss in 1895 and was in the Snyder family until 2005.

The building served as a dry goods and mercantile store for many years, selling Pillsbury Flour among other items on a dirt street.

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M'burgh FD Welcomes Four New Members

MIDDLEBURGH - The Middleburgh Fire Department welcomed four new members to the department last week. From left are, Savannah Trombley, John Jurcek, Ethan Trombley and Evan Trombley. All were sworn in last Monday night by President Don Guest. Thank you for your service and dedication.

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M'burgh Names 250th Committee to Celebrate America's Birthday

MIDDLEBURGH - It is still two years away, Middleburgh officials are getting to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday.

The village board last week named members of the 250th committee. 

Mayor Tim Knight said the issue was first broached at the joint village-town meeting in June.

Named to the committee were: village: Mayor Knight, Trustee Sheryl Adams, and resident Matthew Lacy; town: Supervisor John Youmans, Councilwoman Sue Makely; and Town of Fulton: Councilman Richard Mix.

The committee is hoping to have one big celebration instead of smaller ones.

It was noted that Mr. Lacy's late father, former Supervisor Lee Lacy, was a member of the 200th committee.

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M'burgh to Apply for Grant to Upgrade Main Street

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh village officials agreed last week to apply for a $50,000 state grant to improve its downtown.

The village will apply for the Community Development Block Grant through its engineering firm, Delaware Engineering. Mayor Tim Knight said the village hopes to get the funds to help pay for the village to prepare engineering plans for new sidewalks, water lines on Main Street, new trees, and other street improvements.

The grant is open to low-income communities.

The grant application is due by the end of July and winners will be announced by November or December.

Village officials called it "a good beginning."

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

* Approved applications for three new Middleburgh Fire Department members: Evan and Savanna Trombley, and John Jurcek. Chief Darwyn Gregory said the three had been members in other departments.

* Heard Chief Gregory says there had been eight calls for June.

* Heard Mayor Knight say at the July meeting of the county board, that supervisors are set to approve public WiFi in the village. The free WiFi will probably be available in the fall. The Mayor said money had been left over from a grant that provided free WiFi in the Village of Schoharie.

* Heard the code officer Rick Fink say that he had to put on a stop work order on a garage on Main Street. The owners were supposed to get the proper permits.

* Heard that Gorge Road, Griebel Lane, and Pleasant Avenue were due to be paved last Wednesday. Residents on those streets were notified of the work.

* Were interrupted at the end of their meeting by a speech by President Biden that was being transmitted by someone listening to the meeting virtually. 

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NYPA Hosts Annual Antique Auto Show at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center on July 14

NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host the 53rd annual Antique Auto Show, a free community event organized by the Schoharie Valley Region Antique Automobile Club of America, at the visitors center for the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project on Sunday, July 14, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

More than 150 antique cars will be on display spanning decades of design and innovation. To highlight new advancements in zero-emission vehicle technology, an electric vehicle (EV) class has been added to the auto show. New York EV drivers are encouraged to register their vehicle for the event, and those who do so will be eligible to win a Drive Clean New York award and a NYPA gift bag.

The event will also feature food trucks, arts and crafts, and other activities. Car registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the event will occur rain or shine.

The Blenheim-Gilboa visitors center is housed in a restored 19th-century dairy barn and is part of the Lansing Manor complex. The center features a wide range of interactive exhibits on such subjects as: the basics of electricity, uses of electricity, and the operation of the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project. The Blenheim-Gilboa visitors center is open daily for tours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Blenheim-Gilboa visitors center is located on Route 30, 17 miles south of Middleburgh five miles north of Grand Gorge, and about one hour from Albany.

Admission to the visitors center and Lansing Manor is always free. School groups and community organizations are welcome. For further information and a complete calendar of events, please call 1-800-724-0309 or visit www.nypa.gov.

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Unspoken Art Photography Company Raises $3,000 for Animal Shelter

What: Pooch Playoffs

Where: Middleburgh Winery

When: July 6-7

Details: $99 entry fee donated to Saratoga County Animal Shelter

Sponsors: Steve Meyers Construction, Locomotions Bar & Grill, Colonie Center, Curtis Lumber, Matthews Auto, Middleburgh Winery

Unspoken Art, a photo & video company owned by Kyle & Shannon Fossé, has teamed up with Middleburgh Winery to fundraise for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter—through an event called POOCH PLAYOFFS.

Owners brought their dogs out to the Middleburgh Winery this past weekend to have their dog’s portrait taken, with their $99 session fee being entirely donated to the shelter. Unspoken Art has raised $3,000 total so far, including round one of POOCH PLAYOFFS held at Colonie Center earlier this year. 

“We have deeply appreciated the support of local businesses in this fundraising endeavor, including our newest sponsors Steve Meyers Construction and Locomotions Bar & Grill! Many businesses have donated goods that we have been able to gift to the dog’s owners in swag bags. And we’ve been delighted by the enthusiasm of the dog owners who have participated! We’ve met some excellent people and created some beautiful art pieces with them. It’s been truly good for the soul to see everyone’s willingness to give of themselves for POOCH PLAYOFFS,” says Shannon Fossé.

Unspoken Art still has space for two more dogs in POOCH PLAYOFFS! Email Shannon at shannon@unspokenartmedia.com to enter. 

(The dog featured here, “Dandy,” is available for adoption through Safe at Last Animal Rescue)

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Kasterine Returning to SEEC July 13

Running man, St. Mark's Square, 1962. Photograph by Dmitri Kasterine

SCHOHARIE — Renowned photographer Dmitri Kasterine returns to the SEEC Gallery at 287 Main Street on July 13th for "The Search for Faces: A Talk by Dmitri Kasterine." Attendees will join Mr. Kasterine and his wife, Caroline, as they move through the gallery, currently hosting photographs from his 70-year career. The talk will focus on the talk will be about how Mr. Kasterine traveled Europe and North and South America, photographing mid-twentieth-century cultural celebrities for British and American magazines. "I shall also talk about the photographs of famous and less famous people that I initiated myself," writes Mr. Kasterine. "And how my approach to photographing those who were famous or less well known differs." Anyone who has visited the SEEC Gallery to view Mr. Kasterine's work knows that the portraits include well-known faces like Mick Jagger and Queen Elizabeth alongside unfamiliar faces. Mr. Katerine has stories about each of them. 

This will be Mr. and Mrs. Kasterine's second return to the SEEC Gallery for a talk since the exhibit opened on June 7th. "From the moment we entered the gallery for the first time, we were impressed by the simple yet attractive way the place, previously a bank, had been designed and decorated by keeping the main features that were already there, particularly the safe," writes Mr. Kasterine. "Then the staff are most helpful and have allowed us the run of the place, encouraging us to put my photographs anywhere we want and giving us access to the gallery for talks and screenings at the weekends. Could not hope for more from the staff to make my show a success." Mrs. Kasterine also spoke highly of the experience. "I don't think Dmitri's photographs have been displayed in such a beautiful space. SEEC's gallery is a gem, especially the upper floor." The Kasterines encourage attendees to bring five or six photographs of their own for discussion during Saturday's talk. "The Search for Faces: A Talk by Dmitri Kasterine" will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13th at 2 p.m. at the SEEC Gallery in Schoharie. 

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