A Summer Success: 2024 AMR Open Studios Tour in Delaware County

Lynn Preston 

Erica Bradbury

Paul R Weil

Ken Hiratsuka 

Suzanne Ausnit

Joe Miller 

By Robert Brune

DELAWARE COUNTY — Hundreds of visitors spent the most beautiful weekend of the summer visiting over 60 artists in eight popular Eastern DelCo towns. 25 of these artists were new to the tour, though not new to the area. Success was measured not only in studio visits and art purchased, but also by new and old friendships cultivated, collaborations and commissions created, and by the overall sense of magic that visitors felt as they peered into the private studio spaces of the talented artists that dot these hills.

For those that don’t know, AMR Artists is a growing non-profit arts organization that supports a vibrant cultural life for the Delaware County community by promoting and advocating on behalf of the area’s artists and cultural institutions. AMR stands for Andes, Margaretville and Roxbury, the three original towns that kicked off the Open Studios Tour in 2012. The tour has since expanded to include Arkville, Bovina, Denver-Vega, Halcottsville, and Fleischmanns. 

(no byline credit here)

Lynn Preston of Andes, NY

“My work as an artist is conversational. I initiate something open-ended—a spontaneous gesture—and the art responds in unexpected ways, asking for some further response on my part,” says Lynn Preston of her artistic process. Encouraged and assisted by her friend Robin Kappy, a 2021 AMR Artist, Lynn participated in the Open Studios Tour for the very first time this year. Her work, as captivating as her smile and as colorful as her garden surroundings, most definitely illicit responses of surprise and delight with those who ventured to her Davis Hollow studio.

Paul R. Weil and Erica Bradbury of Margaretville, NY

Annex Art Supply and Gallery

Business partners in Annex, the newly opened Main Street Margaretville art supply store/gallery opened their space to dozens of visitors, friends and artists during the Open Studios Tour, as well as hosting a welcoming reception on Saturday. The artists were all smiles, as was their official greeter, Erica’s new puppy Mooney.  Weil poses with his latest piece, a commission in progress. Also pictured, is a painting by Erica, who is additionally the founder of the design and craft studio Species by the Thousands in Margaretville, NY.

Kenichi Hiratsuka of Andes, NY,

Sculptor “One Line Ken” as he is affectionately known by his fans and friends, is committed to art for everybody and has participated in the Open Studios Tour for many years. Every piece he creates, carves, etches and sculpts contains only one continuous line. This magnificent feat can only be appreciated in person at his Squid Farm sculpture garden on Rt. 28 on the way to Andes. “I want to help bring human beings together. In my art there are no social, economic, cultural or political distinctions. We are all one.” Here he is pictured within the walls of his immense barn studio. 

Suzanne Ausnit and Joe Miller of Bovina, NY

“I draw my inspiration from the natural world- both outside and inside - expressed through complex compositions that move me emotionally,” says Suzanne, a painter working mostly in watercolors. She shares a studio with her husband Joe Miller, whose work includes beguiling nudes and landscapes in pencil, charcoal, chalk and ink, as well as paintings in water media and gouache. Joe sums up his inspiration in this way, “I am inspired both by the complexity of the human figure and the beauty of the natural landscape of the Catskills.”

Photo credits and summaries by Robert Brune and Christein Aromando 

For more information on AMR Artists

See ww.amropenstudios.org

Richard McAfee of Roxbury, NY

A retired PhD chemist and grandfather, Richard McAfee only started painting six years ago and already has a significant body of work. Utilizing his science background, he introduces chemicals to create some of the cellular effects in his abstract work. McAfee’s paintings feel subtle and natural. “I don’t use any brushes. I use, weirdly enough, wet paper towels of different sizes.” 

Kathleen Sweeney of Roxbury, NY

Tucked away in her charming studio the woods, Kathleen Sweeney merges art with nature in her multi-media work. Sweeney, originally a digital artist working in video and photography, says she didn’t know she could paint, but it was “like a door punched open” when she moved to Roxbury just three short years ago. Inspired by her natural surroundings, she started exploring painting, using natural materials in her work (birch bark and branches, paper from wasp hives) and writing about this natural world. Join Sweeney at her photo book launch and art exhibition opening for The Book of Awe: Wandering and Rewilding, this Saturday, August 3rd at Diamond Hollow Books in Andes. 

Irina Grinevitsky of Halcottsville, NY

On the side of a red, weathered barn in Halcottsville, Russian-born multi-media artist, Irina Grinevitsky, displays her beautiful pastel and acrylic paintings that are inspired by nature. Her subdued palette and unique painting style draw you into her work. The elegance of the imagery captivates while the textures brought out in her technique make you want to come in for a closer look. See more of Grinevitsky’s work in her upcoming solo show Navy Yard In Daylight at Longyear Gallery, Opening Reception August 10th.

Ogden Kruger of Denver, NY

Ogden Kruger was a life-long rock collector when she retired from her education career ten years ago and started training in energy medicine. “One of the first things you have to do in Shamanism is find rocks, which of course I had thousands of them.” Nine years ago, she extended her work in collage and painting into rock wrapping, a process which is an art form unto itself. Kruger often uses embellishments in the wrapping such as gemstones, twigs, shells, or metal charms. Each rock is then ignited by Kruger with healing Reiki energy. You can see and feel the peaceful healing intention in her beautiful work. 

Oneida Hammond of Halcottsville, NY

Oneida Hammond is a true Catskill Mountains treasure. Her prolific work in watercolor has earned more than 200 awards and has been collected all over the world. Born in Panama, she received degrees in science and education before moving to the United States where she worked for NASA studying meteorites and moon rock. “It was a thrill to have the moon rock in my hands!” Her 80+ sketchbooks are something to behold, and at 84, she still paints every day. Look for Hammond’s work at the Annual AMR Exhibition at Margaretville’s Galli Curci Theater this fall.

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Huber to Join Meeting

Dr. Catherine Huber, ONC BOCES District Superintendent, will be joining the Roxbury CSD Board meeting on Wednesday, 8/14. Dr. Huber served on the NY State Education Department's Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures-- a multi-year process that involved much research and stakeholder input. We are delighted that she is joining us to present and discuss the Commission's recommendations. All are welcome to attend. The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Chorus Room.

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11th Annual Fire Tower Lighting Event

The NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association is pleased to announce the 11th Annual Lighting of the Fire Tower Event! Saturday, August 31st at 9:00 pm we hope to have a light begin to shine in the cab of many towers across NYS! 

Last year we had so many wonderful volunteers that we were able to light 37 towers!

We hope to increase that number this year. In the event of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, September 1st at 9:00pm. The event is done to honor the men and women who worked in these historic towers; protecting homes, businesses, communities and surrounding forests. The plan is to place a light in fire towers around the state from 9 to 9:30pm. We invite people to go to locations around the community (listed on our website) where they can look up, see the light on the horizon and remember that there was a fire tower there watching over them. 

Thank you to Doug Hamilton for this wonderful idea to honor the past! All Illuminators also read aloud the names of those who served in the towers as they turn on the light and that they include these names in local advertisements for the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to lauriejrankin@gmail.com and I will get you all the information you will need. We will close registration on August 19th to allow time for all Illuminators to get their advertisements out. Additional information can be found at the website: www.nysffla.org

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Are You Ready To LEAD?

DELHI — Leaderful Delaware, an initiative of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, is seeking people committed to community service who would benefit from strengthening leadership skills while developing a personal professional network.

The 2024-2025 program will start on October 10 with an in-person session in Delhi. We will continue to meet on the second Thursday of each month through May 2025. A graduation recognition will be celebrated at the Chamber’s Business and Breakfast event in June 2025.

Participants will learn about critical issues facing Delaware County and the Catskill Mountains region through lectures, discussion groups, personal introspection, and panel discussions featuring current community leaders. The innovative curriculum is based on scientific theories of organizational and community leadership. Leaderful Delaware offers an alternative to the traditional model and calls on leaders to be concurrent, collective, collaborative, and compassionate. Strategies include effective facilitation, dialogue skills, active listening skills, managing conflict, intercultural competence, leadership styles, and peer coaching.

Candidates will be selected based on their:

Commitment and motivation to community service.

Previous community service or desire to become involved in community activities.

Interest in public service and desire to learn more about public policy.

Potential to advance to a leadership position within their companies.

Commitment to remain in Delaware County.

Preference will be given to Delaware County residents but non-residents are encouraged to apply.

Applicants may be sponsored by a business or a community leader and provide references. Tuition is $595 and includes all program materials, meals, and fees. Applications are due September 27. 

More information, including an application for the Leaderful Delaware Emerging Leaders Program, is available under the Events & Programs tab at www.delawarecounty.org.

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Bramley Mountain Fire Tower State Variance Approved

September Build Looks Reasonable

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - The Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower have been working for the past few years to resurrect the fire tower, decommissioned in 1970, at the mountain's summit. And construction could finally be in sight.

The group has run into several delays including the Delhi Council voting against signing liability agreements with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection - owners of the mountain property. Although Delaware County agreed to be the municipal entity to take liability responsibility the group still needs a permit from the town. 

Code Enforcement Officer Dale Downin required several variances including handicap access up the tower, an access road, permission for open stairs, and rise and run of stairs. The group had to go through the state to gain required variances. The state approved the variances last week and the group has re-submitted its permit application.

"We are hopeful we can have the tower up before the end of September," said Friends President Anne Roberti, "If we don't manage that, it will have to wait until next year, which would be very disappointing."

This goal might be within the group's grasp. According to Downin, the permit will be issued in the next few days. While there will be some administrative and operational conditions attached, Downin said, "There is nothing that would slow the process down."

Once approved, tower construction can commence. According to Roberti, the tower footers will be installed first which will take a few days and they need to be cured before other work can begin. Then, Roberti said, the tower can be installed, which will take between a week or a week and a half. "Of course, that is somewhat weather dependent too," she added. 

For more information on the group and their initiative visit bramleymountainfiretower.org.

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Felony DWAI Drugs Conviction

DELHI  – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Brian M. Canfield, of Greene, New York, pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a Class E Felony, in Delaware County Court on July 31, 2024. 

The defendant appeared in Delaware County Court on July 31, 2024, for a conference on his pending indictment. The Indictment charged the defendant with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. On February 17, 2024, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry observed a motor vehicle parked in the library parking lot after it was closed. Officer Terry further observed that the defendant was slumped over the steering wheel, and that the vehicle’s engine was running. A subsequent police investigation revealed that the defendant was under the influence of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. 

At the conclusion of the Court conference, the defendant pleaded guilty to Driving While Impaired by Drugs, a Class E Felony.  Prior to pleading guilty the defendant admitted that he was under the influence of drugs while in the vehicle at the date and time he was discovered by Officer Terry. The guilty plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition wherein it is anticipated that the defendant will be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision. The case was adjourned until September 23, 2024, for sentencing. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Village of Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry and State Trooper Timothy Murray- a certified Drug Recognition Expert- for their thorough investigation into this case. “Anytime a person drives a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they risk the lives of innocent motorists and pedestrians.  I will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that those drivers are held accountable for their illegal actions.” 

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.  

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Andes Man Arrested for Multiple Charges

DELHI — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of an Andes man for multiple charges, including assault, criminal mischief, public lewdness and possessing a controlled substance.

On July 29, 2024, Sheriffs Deputies were on patrol in the Village of Delhi and observed what appeared to be an altercation. Upon further investigation, Deputies found that the clerk at the Speedway Gas Station was attempting to ask an intoxicated patron to leave the property after urinating on the building, and while doing so, was assaulted. 

Deputies arrested John E. Coss Jr, age 25, of Andes for one count of Assault in the Third Degree, one count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and one count Public Lewdness.  A pat search of Coss was done by Deputies and he was found to have a quantity of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in his possession. Coss was additionally charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree.

Coss was processed and turned over to the Delaware County Correctional Facility for arraignment. 

Deputies were assisted on scene by the Village of Delhi Police and SUNY Delhi Police. 

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County Chamber to Host Insider View of Cannabis Business

DELHI — Area residents can get a behind-the-scenes look at the emerging cannabis cultivation industry in Delaware County during an event sponsored by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Hosted at Ravens View Genetics in Delhi, the Chamber’s Business After Hours program on Thursday, August 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, allows visitors to learn more about local products and services, share the owner’s passion for the mission, view facilities that may not be generally open to the public, and make new business connections.

Ravens View Genetics (RVG) is a New York State licensed cannabis cultivation facility that specializes in the cultivation of various rare Landrace strains on cannabis as well as plans for breeding of proprietary strains of flower and seeds using pure, heirloom genetics. RVG is particularly focused on environmental sustainability and equal opportunity engagement.

The event is free to attend and advance registration is strongly encouraged.  More information, including registration, is available under the Events tab at DelawareCounty.org.

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DEC Seeks Participants for 2024 Summer Turkey Survey

ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in the State’s annual survey for wild turkeys this summer.  

“DEC’s Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is a great opportunity for people to participate in wildlife science,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Anyone with internet access can participate, simply by reporting their observations while exploring the outdoors.” 

Throughout August, participants can record observed dates, locations, sex, and ages of wild turkeys by using an online form as they enjoy the State’s beautiful summer landscapes. The form can be filled out on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The survey form and instructions are available on DEC’s website. 

DEC has conducted the annual Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey with the help of the public since 1996. Many factors, including weather and habitat changes, can impact turkey reproduction and populations. By collecting observations of turkeys in August, DEC estimates how productive the turkey population is each year and compare reproductive success between years. Annual measures of poult production (number of young-of-the-year birds) are important data that help biologists manage wild turkey populations. 

Citizen or community science opportunities like the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey cultivate a collaborative partnership between the public and DEC while providing data that can be used to help manage wildlife species, including turkeys. Summary data from the survey is posted on the Fall Turkey Harvest and Productivity Dashboard on DEC’s website. 

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Franklin Stage Company Closes Season with An Iliad, by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, August 9–25

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Stage Company (FSC), Delaware County’s renowned professional summer theater, will present An Iliad, by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, based on Homer’s The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles. The play is the final offering in FSC’s 28th season, and runs from August 9–25 at Chapel Hall in Franklin, NY. “We’re so proud to present this moving piece, complete with live music, as we return to our roots of producing classically inspired work,” said Patricia Buckley, FSC’s Artistic Director. “This play became an instant classic when it premiered in New York in 2012.”

An Iliad is a timeless tale that features a compelling storyteller, perhaps Homer himself, who comes to tell the age-old story of war’s hold over the human race. Featuring Franklin Stage Company Associate Artist Charlie Kevin, with original music by Bassist Evan Jagels, the play uses modern language to recount the familiar tale of gods and goddesses, wars and battles, and humanity’s unending attraction to chaos. Speaking of portraying the eternal character of The Poet, Kevin said, “If lucky enough, an actor gets the opportunity to undertake such a role once in a career. I feel blessed that I’m able to do it at the place I call my theatrical home—FSC.”

Lauren Bone Noble, the play’s director, is a theater artist and Assistant Professor of Movement for the Actor at the University of Mississippi, and said of the piece: “An Iliad asks the audience to consider our fascination with war and its heroes. The power of this production is that it does not provide easy answers, but through the everyman character of The Poet offers us a meditation on the allure of conflict that stays with us long after we leave the theater.” 

Franklin Stage Company’s season runs through August 25 at Chapel Hall, 25 Institute Street in Franklin, NY. Please note all evening shows have a curtain time of 7:30 pm. An Iliad will also have Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm and Sunday shows at 5:00 pm. General Seating. Admission is free—suggested donation is $25 per person. For more information and reservations, visit www.franklinstagecompany.org. Programming at the Franklin Stage Company is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

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Man Arrested on Walton Warrant

WALTON — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Binghamton man for on an arrest warrant issued from the Town of Walton Court. 

On the afternoon of Friday, July 12th, 2024, the Broome County Sheriff’s Corrections Division notified the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office that 27-year-old Prince B. Johnson of Binghamton, was currently in their custody and had an active arrest warrant out of the Town of Walton Court, for the charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree a Class A Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law for an incident that occurred on April 19th 2023, where Johnson was found to be in possession of a firearm. 

Johnson was subsequently arrested and brought to Delaware County Central Arraignment where he was later released on his own recognizance and directed to appear to the Town of Walton Court at a later date to answer for the charges.

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Queen of the Catskills Golf Tournament

STAMFORD – There was a field of 64 players in Saturday's annual Queen of the Catskills women's golf tournament at the Stamford Golf Club.  The aunt and niece team of Janet Marnane and Nicole Hitchcock topped the field with a combined gross score of 66. First net honors went to Stephanie Brown and Robin Raco.

Complete tournament results were, as follows:

First Fllight

First Gross - Janet Marnane & Nicole Hitchcock (66)  

Seconnd Gross - Kara Dumas & Libby Lamport (73)

Third Gross - Mary Diefendorf & Betsy Baker (75)

First Net - Stephanie Brown & Robin Raco (59)

Second Net -   Sandy Poole & Bonnie Lockett (60)

Third Net - Alexa & Isabella DuBois (62)

Second Flight

First Gross - Bea Morra-Hull & Danielle Hull (72)

Second Gross - JoAnn & Barb Rockefeller (80)

Third Gross - Susan Dovi & Sandy Kutkiewicz (85)

First Net - Elaine Jaycox & Sally Gray (58)

Second Net - Ricky Gabriel & Susan Smith (60)

Third Net - Paula Herdman & Cheryl Thomas (67)

Third Flight

First Gross - Nikkie Brandt & Andrea Miner (79)

Second Gross - Toni Nyberg & Faye Whitaker (83)  

Third Gross - Pam Wilber & Joye Lamb (89)

First Net - Kacie Button & Taylor Mason (57)

Second Net - Leslie Gayette & Nancy Hein (59)

Third Net - Annette Hinkley & Denise Kinney (64)

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August Opens With Memorial Benefits, Block Party

By Liz Page

If you thought July was a busy month, August may be even busier and kicks off this weekend with a pair of benefits in the village of Stamford.

First up is the annual Mom McGrail Memorial 5K Race, then the John's Tavern Memorial Motorcycle Run for St. Jude, and finally, a block party.

The 5K was established by the Catherine "Kathleen" McGrail family as an event to bring people in the community together for a good time in her memory. Proceeds of the race go to the Mom McGrail Scholarship Fund to provide academic scholarships to local students. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded to students chosen from 11 local school districts each year. Donations may be mailed to the Mom McGrail Foundation, P.O. Box 26, Stamford, NY 12167.  Please make checks payable to the Mom McGrail Foundation.

The date coincides with the time of Mom McGrail's birthday. This year's race is being dedicated to a dear friend of the family, Bill Montrose, who was also known as the Kit Kat Man.

The race starts and ends at Veterans Memorial Park, located at the corner of Main St. and Railroad Ave.. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. and registration opens at 8 a.m. at the park. Registration fee is $30 for adults; $20 for students and under 10 free. Also, participants of Girls on the Run are invited to run for free. Please wear your GOTR t-shirt to registration and during the race. 

This is a fun event. It will be timed for the serious racers, but everyone from those pushing strollers and the family dog participate and do the distance in their own time. Fun is the key word.

The Memorial Bike Run to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital was started in memory of a dear friend battling cancer and continues to raise money for a worthy cause. It starts and ends at John's Tavern, located at 87 Main St. in Stamford. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with kickstands up at 11 a.m.. All vehicles are welcome. Cost is $25 per bike or $10 per rider. All proceeds go to St. Judes. The event raised more than $8,000 last year.

The St. Jude run this year will be going to the Peppercorn in Charlotteville, the Blackthorn in Durham, then to the Prattsville Hotel, returning to Johns around fourish, a distance of 110 miles. There are plans to have a gas can at the Peppercorn so the peanut tanks can top off. Come enjoy a great day for a great cause. Dinner is included in the rider registration and includes a BBQ. There will be raffles at each stop.

The day will end with a Block Party from 4-9 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. There will be free music and entertainment. The Fisher Cats are on tap.  There will also be food, beer, and wine for purchase. Special thanks go to the Stamford Wellness Center, KPd Events, plus others.

Saturday is also Charlotteville Community Day at 102 Bindery Lane, starting at noon. There will be food trucks, vendors and entertainment. There is music beginning at 5 p.m.

Yard sales are set for Aug. 3 in Conesville. The Everything Shoppe will be open and maps of the sales are available at the Conesville Fire House. There will be a Chicken BBQ take out at the United Methodist Church.

If you would like to see a game of vintage baseball, the Canton Cornshuckers vs. the Bovina Dairymen is set for Creamery Field in Bovina Aug. 4. The Michigan team is touring the east and Sunday features games at 10 a.m. and noon. Admission is free. The field is located at 1396 County Highway 6 in Bovina.

The Stamford NY Farmer and Artisan Market is open from 1-4 p.m. at Mama Maria's Restaurant in Stamford.

The 87th annual Men's Invitational Golf Tournament will be taking place Aug. 9-11 at the Stamford Golf Club. It draws many golfers to the area. It's always fun to see who returns home to compete for the Jack Maxwell trophy.

The Annual Stamford Yard Sale Day is Aug. 10 from  8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 50 sales registered. Maps and restrooms will be available at the Stamford Fire House, 111 Main St., Stamford. For information, call 607-652-3609 or to register your sale.

August is fair month, with the annual Schoharie County Sunshine Fair set to open on Tuesday, Aug. 6 and run through Sunday, Aug.11, followed by the Delaware County Fair Aug. 12-17.

Opening day in Cobleskill features Immortal Championship Wrestling event, Last One Standing, a micro match between Rob the Giant and Short Sleeve Sampson. County music star  Josh Turner, know for hit songs Your Man, Long Black Train, Why Don't We Just Dance, Hometown Girl and more will be performing on Aug. 7. Chubby Checker will be twisting away in the entertainment tent. The dock diving dogs are also returning and includes an opportunity for local dogs to enter. To get a full schedule of events and a list of the excitement, visit: sunshinefair.org.

The Delaware County Fair is one of the largest agricultural fairs and features kids showing their prized animals and pets. There is a large variety of animals and contests taking place all week long. 

If you haven't visited the local fair, it is a cornucopia of everything the county has to offer. There are contests and competitions, rides, educational exhibits, animals, food, commercial exhibits and information, all sorts of entertainment and so much more.

There is no other place where you can see a tractor pull, the latest model cars, racing pigs, marvel at a model train exhibit, watch kids show their animals, ride the ferris wheel, eat taffy, fried dough and a bunch of other good stuff, all in the same place. The best of the best is found at the local fair and should be a must do on the to-do list this summer.

Delaware County has a horse pull in the horse show ring on Friday evening at 6 p.m.. It is fascinating to watch. The demo derby is also a major draw.

On Saturday, Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. is the Blenheim-Gilboa Touch a Truck and Safety Fair at the New York Power Authority

The Jefferson Historical Society Music and More Series will be hosting the Fisher Cats from 7-9 p.m..

The Gilboa Historical Society will hold its annual ice cream social on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. with music by the Fisher Cats.

Later in the month, the Hobart Rotary Club is ready to host its annual Sausage and Brew Festival from 1-7 p.m. at the Stamford Town Hall, 101 Maple Ave, Hobart. It's a time of good food and entertainment. This year they have added vendors and children's activities.

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Level Up Marks Five Years

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – Sharing an office with a "computer guy" has a lot of advantages, and people in the community are realizing the "computer guy" can be very helpful to those without technological savvy.

On August 1, C. J. Karcher, will be celebrating his fifth year of taking the plunge to establish Level Up Tech Support LLC. Although he initially had a partner, he is now solo in the business, making repairs and designing computer systems. He covers the soup to nuts of support from servicing or repairing personal computers to designing and installing customized systems to suit an individual or  business's needs.

Technology has fascinated him since he was a kid and has been working on computers since he was a teenager. Eventually he decided it was what he wanted to do with his future and took computer courses at BOCES. He has been making his living with computers and technology ever since.

Prior to Level Up, he worked for ISD in Oneonta and another company, APOGEE,  that provided services for local colleges. Eventually he began taking side jobs and on Aug. 1, 2019 Level Up Tech Support went live. He now has 20 years of experience and many people swear by him.

Starting out with four clients, doing on-site and remote visits, he now has more than 200 clients, including municipal  accounts, not-for-profits and individuals, not to mention those who walk in or  call with a question. As a matter of fact, he has thought of providing information to the public to help steer them away from scams and things that cause computer problems.

He moved into the Mountain Eagle office at 9 Railroad Ave in Stamford in November of 2021. Prior to that he had space in Hobart for about eight months. The location in Stamford allows for those walk-in customers and it has allowed him to increase the inventory he has on hand. He offers new and used computers.

Karcher is proud to say that Level Up survived the tough times of starting up a business's during an pandemic.

While some customers apologize for not having all the technical savvy necessary to stay away from scams and computer viruses, he explains, troubleshooting helps keep him in business and sometimes very busy. "If they knew what they were doing, they wouldn't have to call me," he laughs.

"I'm very grateful for all the clients who have made my business a success. I've connected with many of them on a friends-like basis."

As a way of celebrating his first five years, he is offering a give-away. From August 1-31, stop in to enter a drawing for a giveaway IPad or Samsung Tablet. Go to the Level Up Facebook page or stop by for more details.

Some of his clients describe him as friendly and very patient.

Level Up does computer repair, network design and installation, data recovery and security solutions.

Karcher's office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. You can walk in and ask him a question, get a quote, or bring in your ailing computer. The phone number is 607-727-7213 or look up Level Up on Facebook.

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