Upcoming Events at the Mountain Top Library

Mountain Top Library

Ongoing Events - Summer 2024

Mondays

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

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

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

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

Wednesdays

2-4pm: Tech Time with Digital Navigators. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 518-589-5707.

3:30-4:30pm: Chair Yoga with Jessa: Wednesdays (through July 24th) Join us for a gentle, rejuvenating stretch. Chair Yoga is a great for everyone, and results in increased mobility & circulation. Thanks to The Friends of the Mountain Top Library.

Thursdays

10am: Joyful Yoga with Mary Cohen (starts August 1st) All levels welcome. Please bring a mat. Mary Jude Cohen has been practicing yoga in its many forms since she was 11 years old, and earned a 200-hour certification in 2015. She is also a certified Reiki practitioner and dedicated skier on Hunter Mountain.

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

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

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

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

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

Special Events - Summer 2024

July

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

Sat. 7/13-11am: Julius Caesar Book Club - Want to dive deeper into Julius Caesar? Join Catskill Mountain Shakespeare’s Education & Outreach Director for a fun and casual roundtable conversation focused on the thematic elements of the tragedy and its relevance today. A Study Guide will be provided. For more info: Email Carolyn at c.wright@catskillmountainshakespeare.com. To register for the event: Please call the library at (518) 589-5707or email Jaki at director@mountaintoplibrary.org

Mon. 7/15 - 11:30am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver Series- Part 1 of 3. “Building Foundations of Caregiving & Supporting Independence.”  This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register.

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

Thur. 7/18 – 10am-1pm: Unplugged & Transcendent: Led by educator, Amanda Graham, participants will discuss the literary roots & themes of transcendentalism. We will then venture into nature, and immerse ourselves in the tenets & motifs of the movement. When we return to the library, we will reflect on what the practice and motifs have given us, and create nature journals to carry with us.

Thank you CREATE for making this program possible.

Sat. 7/20 - 10am: Book Club with Bagels. Bagels, Baked Goods & Book Talk! “The Door-Man” by Peter M. Wheelwright is available to borrow. Reserve it today!

Mon. 7/22- 11:30 am: Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver Series- Part 2 of 3. “Communicating Effectively & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.”  This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register.

Mon. 7/22 - 12pm-5pm: Rock n’ Reptiles. An afternoon of games, exhibits, crafts & more!

Thank you Stewarts for making this program possible!

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

Thur. 7/25 – 10am-1pm: Unplugged & Transcendent: Led by educator, Amanda Graham, participants will discuss the literary roots & themes of transcendentalism. We will then venture into nature, and immerse ourselves in the tenets & motifs of the movement. When we return to the library, we will reflect on what the practice and motifs have given us, and create nature journals to carry with us.

Thank you CREATE for making this program possible.

Mon. 7/29 - 11:30- Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York: The Empowered Caregiver Series- Part 3 of 3. “Exploring Care and Support Services.” This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series.

Call 518-675-7214 to register.

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

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

August

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

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

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

Mon. 8/12 – 11am-12pm: “Summer in a Glass” Juicing with Deborah C. Smith. health and nutrition coach, Deborah C. Smith Shares Recipes & Samples of some of her favorite healthy juices! Produce is courtesy of our friends & neighbors at Fromer market Gardens. Registration Required, please call: 518-589-5707

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

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

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

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

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

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

September

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

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Towle to present Schoharie County Historical Society talk at the Gallupville House July 25th

GALLUPVILLE – Historians have referred to 1932 as the “cruelest year” of The Great Depression. It was also one of the most pivotal election years in American history, often remembered for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s landslide victory over incumbent Herbert Hoover, ushering in the era of The New Deal. But behind the other names and parties included on the 1932 election ballot are stories, events, and characters that offer a deeper understanding of a nation in crisis, the search for solutions, and the struggles associated with economic crisis. Join Bradley Towle for a closer look at the 1932 election year at The Gallupville House on Thursday, July 25th at 6:30 P.M. There will be a specific focus on Herbert Hoover, The Communist Party, and the Bonus Army. The presentation is a companion to Reds on the Ballot: Communists, The Bonus Army, and the 1932 Election, an article previously published in The Olde Stone Fort Newsletter and currently available on the museum’s website. https://theoldstonefort.org/2024/06/reds-on-the-ballot-communists-the-bonus-army-and-the-1932-election/. 

This program is brought to you by the Schoharie County Historical Society and hosted by The Gallupville House, 913 Route 443, Gallupville, NY. Additional parking is available at the Lutheran Church at School St. and Route 443.

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All About Racing

Assemblyman Chris Tague presented a NYS Assembly Citation to Denny and Debbie Tilison during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday at the Fonda Speedway Museum.  Biittig photo

Jamie Warner of Fonda celebrates his Four Cylinder win with a roof dance on Sunday at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park on Sunday.  Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

Our racing weekend started early and was packed full of racing in many directions.

Wednesday, July 3, Fonda held the STSS event, Firecracker 50 and a great field of racers showed up to compete.  Matt Sheppard of Savannah, NY took home the $10,000 top prize after he and Mat Williamson of Canada gave the crowd a hotly contested race to the checker.   

Other winners on Wednesday were Payton Talbot, 602 Sportsman and Chris Stalker in the special Stone Motorsports/Online Performance 20-lap event. 

The Bill Ag Match Race winners were Jack Lehner who won the first three matches with Alex Yankowski winning match race four and Rocky Warner winning the fifth and final match race.

Thursday July 4th, Utica-Rome held the second annual Bill Shea Memorial to honor the former promoter and all-around great guy.  Stewart Friesen of Sprakers was the big winner, picking up both the ESS Sprint main event worth $2500 and the Modified 30-lap event paying $4000. 

Friday, July 5, Albany-Saratoga held the 358-Modified Shoot Out event and Ronnie Johnson of Duanesburg picked up his first win of the season at the Malta oval.  Jessey Mueller of Plattsburgh picked up his second win of the season. 

Saturday, July 6, it was back to Fonda for Hall of Fame Night sponsored by Palmer’s Service Center owned by Alton and Carole Palmer.  Palmers sponsored the night and are also big sponsors for a number of racers at the track. 

The winner of the night’s Modified main event was Jack Lehner of Saratoga Springs and winner of the make-up feature from May 25 was Stewart Friesen.  Other winners were Brendan Gibbons, 602 Sportsman; Kenny Gates, Pro Stocks; Steve Wagoner, Limited Sportsman; Jay Ingersoll (dual cam) and Kenny Hollenbeck (single came) Four Cylinder.  The win for Hollenbeck marked his 100th win at the track. 

Corky Warner’s win in the make-up Limited Sportsman event from 5/25 was his first win at Fonda joining his grandfather, Don, father, Rocky and brother Tanner in the win column at Fonda Speedway. 

Prior to racing at 2 pm on Saturday, the Fonda Museum held their annual Hall of Fame inductions and those being honored were race officials, Denny and Debbie Tilison; driver, Jeff Trombley, driver and pit steward, Steve Burega, track fire safety, Tim Healy and media, Jim Ellis.  The 7th Annual Bruce Dostal Dedication to Fonda Speedway Museum awards went to Royce Gage and Mike Jackson. 

Sunday at Glen Ridge the winners were Brian Calabrese, 358 Mods; Cody Ochs, 602 Sportsman; Zachary Graham, Limited Sportsman; Chuck McSpirit, Pro Stocks; Jason Samrov, Street Stocks.

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Antique Franklin Cars to Visit Schoharie Village

SCHOHARIE – On Wednesday, July 31, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association will be hosting the Franklin Car Club. They will be traveling with over thirty vintage Franklin automobiles, and will be visiting historic sites in the Village of Schoharie, and beyond. Make plans to stop and view these antique cars. They will be located on Depot Lane and Main Street, Schoharie, from about 10:30am till 3:00 pm. They will also be driving to the Old Stone Fort, the 1743 Palatine House Museum, the Schoharie valley Railroad museum, and the Doctor Best House in Middleburgh.

The HH Franklin Automobile Company was founded in Syracuse NY in 1902 and produced cars until 1934.  Franklin cars are unique in the fact that they are all air-cooled.  All Franklins until 1928 had wooden frames.  Wood was used instead of steel due to its light weight and flexibility.  All Franklins also used full elliptic springs such as was used by buggies in the horse drawn carriage days.  This produced a very smooth ride.  Franklins were mid-priced cars competing with Buicks and the lower priced Packards.  They were favored by doctors because in the colder climates, they did not have to worry about a radiator freezing because there was no radiator!

The HH Franklin Club was founded in the 1950’s by a group of Franklin owners who wanted to keep the spirit alive and to share stories and parts as well as have a good time.  The Franklin Club is a “driving” club in that they would rather drive their cars than judge their cars at a show.

Each year the Club has an annual meet called a Trek.  For over 50 years it was held at Cazenovia College, which is located just south of Syracuse.  Unfortunately, the College closed.  The Trek is now headquartered at Union College in Schenectady.  Most days of the week that the Trek is held, the members drive the Franklins to different local sites.  They are looking forward to learning more about the Schoharie Valley’s rich history and the scenic drive to get there!  

Members of the HH Franklin Club are located throughout the US, Canada and overseas as well.  This year they expect folks from as far as Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, New England, New York, Virginia, Maryland, California, and many more plus Canada.  The oldest car coming to visit the Trek this year is a 1906 Franklin, and the newest will be a 1933.  They expect about 30 Franklins to come to visit Schoharie. The Trek starts on July 27th and runs through August 3rd.  Most Franklins will be trailered here, but some local NY folks will be driving them.  At least one family will be driving from Long Island in their Franklin.  

Mark your calendars. Make a visit to Schoharie Village. This will be a unique opportunity to view these magnificent antique Franklin automobiles.

A vintage 1930 Franklin Automobile. Photo courtesy Dick Roth, Franklin Car Club.

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Aspiring Teachers Earn Scholarships at Capital Region BOCES

ALBANY – A pair of aspiring teachers are recipients of the Barbara Zimmerman scholarship at Capital Region BOCES.

Skyllar Fleming from Guilderland and Mataiah Lindsey from Schoharie were recognized during the first-ever Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus Awards and Scholarship celebration earlier this month.

Fleming will attend Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C. this fall and Lindsey will attend SUNY Cobleskill. Both graduates are pursuing an early childhood education degree.

The graduates praised their time at Capital Region BOCES.

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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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