Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

Our post held its annual golf outing fundraiser, last Friday at Christman’s Windham House. It was a day of fun and at times, even some good golf. 

Speaking for my team, we were 2-under par which was 12 or so strokes off first place. With that said, our team had a great time, which is what it’s all about.

A “thank you” goes out to all who participated in the event and a special thanks to the sponsors who supported us with tee signs.

As always, our community supports the efforts of our organization. I also want to thank the entire staff at Christmans for all the work that they did to put this on for us. 

There is some mention going on in town regarding our post and at this time I would like to address it. We are having trouble membership-wise.

We need our existing members to come forward and take more interest in keeping our post moving forward.

We have members that do not attend our monthly business meetings, and no one comes forward offering to take officers positions that are imperative to operating our VFW as per our national by-laws. 

I, as commander, have been in the office much too long. We need change at the top and throughout all our officers.

No organization can operate without a group of members who work together for advancement in our goals to help other veterans.

Through members moving out of the area and the passing of our members, our membership is not growing but is declining. 

As commander, I have sent out letters to each member on our rolls to fully understand the situation we are in. At this point in the process, I am staying positive that we will be able to correct this.

We as a VFW post are a big part of our community. We have been here in Windham since 1928 for local veterans which I have documented in earlier articles. In the future I will keep progress updates for you all. 

It has been an honor to have the Windham Weekly allow me to inform you with information regarding veteran concerns and community activities we are involved with. 

This week the Bear Mountain Bridge honored Purple Heart recipients. The bridge was renamed in their honor in 2018. This is a very special honor for all who received this honor for being combat wounded. 

The Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Act is a comprehensive package that would provide healthcare and benefits for veterans, care givers and survivors.

This package has the support of both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate but lacks the support to receive a vote in the House of Representatives. 

This is because Democrats in the Houses have yet to signal support for this legislation that could provide life-altering and life-saving benefits. 

This bill is the result of a months-long compromise between varying stakeholders and is an example of how Washington, DC negotiations should work. 

Dozens of organizations that advocate on behalf of veterans, caregivers, and survivors support this important legislation, and it deserves bipartisan AND bicameral support. 

I ask you to Take action and tell your Congressional Representatives to support the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Act.

The Windham Rotary is holding their annual Car Show benefiting cancer research and aid at the Ashland Park this weekend. Come out and see all the cars and have fun, food and maybe even win the 50/50. 

During these troubling times please keep your thoughts and prayers with our still serving troops around the world. God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette – Commander VFW Post 1545.

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Dynamic violin and piano duo at the “Music at Grazhda” Festival

Fillip Pagody

Pavlo Gintov

On August 17th at 8 pm, prepare to be enraptured by the dynamic violin and piano duo of Filip Pogady and Pavlo Gintov.  The concert will take place at the Music and Art Center of Greene County “Music at Grazhda” Festival. Pogady, a Slovakian-American classical violinist of acclaimed stature, has graced prestigious stages such as the Slovak Philharmonic and appeared on renowned The Late Show with David Letterman. His numerous accolades include multiple victories at the Prima La Musica competition. Joining him is Pavlo Gintov, a distinguished Ukrainian-American pianist whose virtuosity has earned him the first prize at esteemed competitions such as the Takamatsu International Piano Competition, among many others. Together, they promise an evening of musical brilliance that will captivate audiences with their remarkable synergy and artistry performing masterpieces by Brahms, Beethoven, Ysaye, Vitali and Bizet -Waxman.

For information on location, time and tickets, go to the Music and Art Center of Greene County website:  http://www.GrazhdaMusicandArt.org

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Elka Park Resident Addresses Noise Ordinance Violation Hunter Meeting

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — Elka Park resident John Aizstrauts presented concerns over a recent violation of the Town of Hunter's noise ordinance during the Town Board meeting held in July. Aizstrauts detailed an incident during the Fourth of July when a local venue was rented to a group whose noise levels he described as "unacceptably and obnoxiously loud." "They literally brought in equipment that sounded like it was meant for a stadium. My windows shook," Aizstrauts stated. He had canvassed the neighborhood and received numerous comments from neighbors troubled by the noise, prompting him to review the Town's noise ordinance and nearby municipalities' noise ordinance laws.

Supervisor Mahoney confirmed receiving a detailed letter from Aizstrauts about the Town's and surrounding municipalities' noise ordinance laws, calling it "an excellent letter." Aizstrauts emphasized the importance of language in these laws and urged the Town to strengthen its noise ordinance. He quoted his letter: "The desired benefit of reviewing the Town ordinance is to ensure it is sufficiently vigorous to proactively and preemptively stop violations."

During his presentation, Aizstrauts cited the Town's Comprehensive Plan, highlighting that one of the Town's most valued resources is its rural peace and quiet. He urged the Board to consider enhancing the current noise ordinance to protect residents' quality of life and the area's attractiveness. "We're the taxpayers, we're the residents. We deserve to live in an environment suitable to us," Aizstrauts said, offering his assistance in revising the law.

The incident occurred at the Latvian Summer Camp in Elka Park and has reportedly been an issue for several years. "It was as if God was yelling at us; the noise was so loud," Aizstrauts remarked.

Supervisor Mahoney said that the Town's Short Term Rental would apply to this situation but that it would be outside the purview of Granicus, the company that the Town hired to help with STRs. Mahoney explained, "If this group was staying at this property for less than 30 days, and if they left, and another group came and stayed for less than 30 days, that's the definition of a short-term rental." He noted that short-term rental regulations could apply in this scenario but acknowledged the debate on updating the noise ordinance's impact.

Referring to measures taken by the Town of Jewett, Mahoney mentioned their purchase of a decibel meter, which had proven ineffective. "It's difficult to enforce the noise ordinance," he said, pointing out that while the ordinance allows police to intervene, it did not yield the desired outcome in Aizstrauts' case.

Aizstrauts proposed moving the start time of the noise ordinance from 10 p.m. to 9 p.m. and suggested including more actionable language applicable 24/7. "If it's midday on a weekday and you're blaring something so loud that I can tell from a half mile away, that's intrusive and objectionable," he explained.

Councilperson Ernie Reale noted that since the Latvian Camp doesn't advertise on Airbnb, it's not under the Town's short-term rental law. However, Mahoney clarified that the law does apply and is enforced by the Town's Code Enforcement department. Mahoney assured that the Town is seeking to bolster this department to handle such complaints effectively. "We have to find balance," Mahoney added.

Aizstrauts voiced his frustration with the Latvian Camp management, stating, "I've never had an issue with the people at the Camp – it's the people who come up to rent it out. I'm disappointed that the Camp hasn't taken it to heart that there have been multiple complaints over multiple years." Despite contacting the camp manager, Aizstrauts noted that the noise only subsided temporarily.

Supervisor Mahoney was amenable to revisiting the Town's noise ordinance, adopted in 1981. He welcomed Aizstrauts' suggestions and invited him to participate in a publicly-held workshop in the near future to review and compare noise ordinances from other municipalities. "This requires work and effort on the part of the Board to do that," Mahoney said, expressing his openness to Aizstrauts' involvement in the process.

Aizstrauts concluded, "We're here to protect our way of life." Mahoney then thanked him for his dedication and detailed letter.

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Hunter July Board Meeting Highlights

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The Town of Hunter Board convened on July 23 to discuss various community matters and developments. Key points from the meeting are summarized below.

The EMS monthly report highlighted 49 calls, including 19 Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls. The police report for June included:

111 calls

Five arrests with seven charges levied

59 non-criminal complaints

52 traffic tickets

55 parking tickets

"It seems to be working," commented Sergeant Haines regarding towing on the mountain road.

Sergeant Haines addressed the staffing situation for the Laurel House Road parking lot, noting, "They're not super excited about it," referring to the two assistant rangers. With only three full-time Rangers in Greene County, one is permanently assigned to North/South Lake. Haines also mentioned volunteers from the Catskill Center, led by Jeff Senterman, who have been effective at trailheads in Platte Clove. "We haven't had any issues there, which is good," Haines said.

Councilperson Ernie Reale raised concerns about the impound lot size at Town Hall, which affects an upcoming stone carving event led by Kevin VanHentenryck. Haines and Supervisor Sean Mahoney discussed reducing the lot size, with Mahoney noting that Town Highway Superintendent Robert Blain is amenable to the change.

Councilperson Dolph Semenza noted the significant trash buildup around Fawn's Leap. Haines reported that the Town was not towing during the week and highlighted the difficulty of enforcing the cliff-jumping ban. "Unfortunately, nobody is paying attention to the [ban] on cliff jumping. I've seen tons of people there," he said.

Haines also observed more people using the Trolley to reach swimming holes and Kaaterskill Falls. Both Haines and Reale recounted seeing a woman in a wheelchair being lifted over the guard rail at Fawn's Leap, emphasizing the need for better safety measures.

The state has placed signage banning cliff jumping at Fawn's Leap around the area, including fines for littering. Having spoken to an anonymous source who was cliff jumping a few weeks ago, this source said that despite his cliff jumping and others in front of a state Forest Ranger, they were not fined.  

Village of Tannersville councilperson George Kelly expressed frustration over littering at the area's swimming holes and asked about fines. Mahoney stated it was a $500 fine, but Reale pointed out the enforcement challenges due to the limited ranger presence. "We were supposed to have six rangers in this area, now we have only three," Reale said.

The Board discussed purchasing a new police vehicle and approved a motion to buy a Dodge Durango not exceeding $41,000. Body cameras for officers were also considered, with Haines presenting a quote from Axon for a 4-5-year contract at $26,544.36 for four cameras. The Board voted to proceed with Axon, highlighting its comprehensive system and seamless integration.

For June, the Town received nine building permit applications and four Short-Term Rental (STR) permits. Code Enforcement Officer Rose Santiago noted that STR permit applications seemed to be "simmering down." The Town is drafting a letter to address STR law violations.

The Board acknowledged the resignations of three police officers: Andrew Poladian, Richard Ryan, and Joseph Murray. Mahoney commented on the normalcy of staff transitions and expressed gratitude for their service. Supervisor Mahoney said of the resignations, "Most of these officers have not performed shifts in some time. Each of these individuals has other full-time commitments that limit their availability to serve Hunter's needs. While staff transitions are a normal part of any organization, we remain grateful for their service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors." Additionally, John Ferguson was reappointed to the Grievance Board for a five-year term ending in 2029, and Marquis Williams was approved for active membership with Lanesville's H.D. Lane Volunteer Fire Company.

Greene County secured a $25,000 grant for the Kaaterskill Rail Trail, for which Mahoney thanked them. The Mountain Top Historical Society requested $5,000 for general operations, but Mahoney clarified this as a budget consideration rather than an immediate check. Reale suggested the Society implement a reliable parking fee system.

The Town of Hunter Board continues to address community needs and improvements, balancing immediate concerns with long-term planning.

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Intermunicipal Water Agreement

The possibility of Country Estates Mobile Home Park in So. Cairo being connected to Catskill municipal water is looking increasingly likely.  At the fourth meeting in as many weeks, representatives from Cairo and Catskill, Greene County, the NYS Department of Health, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Environmental Protection Agency talked over the available options, including the EPA paying for the costs of extending the Catskill water main onto the Estates’ property and possibly elsewhere.

At the heart of the matter is the former American Thermostat Company located on Route 23B in Catskill. In 1981, the Thermostat was discovered to be incorrectly disposing of toxic waste containing volatile organic compounds (VOC) including dumping it on the grounds and into sewer drains that discharged into a tributary of the Catskill Creek. Two years later it made the National Priorities List (NPL) of waste sites making it eligible for Federal Superfunds. 

The EPA initiated clean-up of the site including the surface water, groundwater, soil, and the onsite buildings. In 1992, it funded and constructed a 3.5-mile water-main extension from the Village of Catskill down 23B to affected and potentially affected locations including Country Estates. The park owner, at the time, declined an extension onto Estates’ property reportedly citing concerns over passing on water costs to the residents and increased taxes. There was no evidence of contamination at Country Estates until the late 1990s, according to the EPA, which then installed a Point of Entry Treatment system for the two water supply wells there. That POET system has been in continuous operation since then. Water samples are collected every three months, pre-, mid-, and post-treatment and meet DOH and DEC drinking water standards. The next testing is scheduled for September. POETS installed on individual wells in the surrounding area were removed after multiple years of testing for site-related contaminants showed that the concentration of VOCs had decreased to levels meeting DOH public water supply standards. Recipients of those wells had the option of keeping the systems and providing their own maintenance. 

Local concerns were raised recently when the EPA reported that groundwater contaminants at the factory site had remained elevated despite more than 25 years of extracting and cleaning it. At a public meeting held in early July to get community input on the new testing schedule and cleanup plan – one that could take 3 to 5 years to complete – the audience made it clear it wasn’t willing to wait. It wanted a permanent solution: hookup to a municipal water main.

While the EPA has indicated that Country Estates is eligible for funding, it must first complete an analysis of water treatment options. It will also need to complete testing for contamination to see if the lines can be extended elsewhere in that general area. EPA attorneys are looking into the possibility of using Superfund money to extend water lines to areas with past contamination in contrast to initial reports that it could only be used for wells currently affected. However, even a single extension by the EPA into the Estates would likely be several years down the line due to Federal procurement policies and regulations. 

Local and county officials are not waiting around and are prepping to move forward. In a rather unusual display of inter-municipality cooperation, the towns of Catskill and Cairo have agreed to work together to provide Catskill Village water to Cairo residents. Catskill Town Supervisor Patrick McCulloch is setting up a meeting with Delaware Engineering to design plans for the lateral that will be installed from the water pipe on Route 23B to Country Estates. Those plans must then be approved and submitted to the DOH for additional review and then go out for bid. The entire process, handled locally, would take 10-12 months.

Conversations between Cairo and Catskill on forming a special water district have already begun. Water meters will also need to be installed at each of the 61 homes in the Estates. McCulloch reports that the actual installation of the waterline is unlikely to take more than a week once it’s begun. 

While the Village of Catskill will own and maintain the lines, if the project ends up requiring a short-term bond the responsibility for the debt will be on the Town of Cairo. An early estimate of costs from the DEC ran around $320,000 but local officials believe that figure is high. Minimum cost for municipal water for those special district residents will be the same as for any residents located outside of the Village of Catskill, currently a minimum of $125 per quarter. 

Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden, vocal in his disapproval of any “acceptable” level of site-related contaminants, has been reaching out to state representatives including Senator Hinchey and Congressman Molinaro to see what if any grants are available to offset the costs. At the recent meeting held in the legislative building in Catskill, Groden also asked about the possibility of reimbursement if the municipalities take on the costs of the project to move it along more quickly. EPA representative Joel Singerman, via Zoom, agreed to check with counsel on that possibility.  However, reimbursement will require adherence to “the funders’ procurement policies,” according to Deputy County Administrator Warren Hart.

In the meantime, the DOH reports that recent testing of some private wells “in this area of interest” is negative for site-related contaminants. It is offering testing to additional area residents including those on Scotch Rock Road, some 20+ homes. Cairo Deputy Supervisor Debra Bogins (one of the local officials who, along with the County, pushed for meetings with state and federal agencies) and County Legislator Sherry True requested additional testing amid health concerns reported by So. Cairo residents. Bogins and Cairo Board members Mike Flaherty and Tim Murphy, will be “hitting the ground running,” going door to door with DOH letters giving information to, and asking permission of, residents whose wells may have previously gone untested. There is no charge to homeowners.

In response to questioning, the DOH says it has not done a cancer assessment. A Public Health Assessment was done in 1989 with further review in 1994, however “nothing jumped out.” At the latest meeting, DOH said additional health studies may bear looking into, but later communication indicates that “based on available information” nothing is currently planned. Anyone with “exposure and health issues” should contact Public Health Specialist Angela Martin individually. 

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OMNY TAIKO DRUMMERS RETURNS TO TANNERSVILLE AND WINDHAM

Japanese Traditional Drumming

Hunter – The Catskill Mountain Foundation and the Windham Foundation have collaborated to present two performances by OMNY Taiko Drummers:  on Saturday, August 10 at 6:00 pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville, and on Sunday, August 11 at 2:00 pm at the Windham Civic Center in Windham.

OMNY Taiko Drummers returns to the mountaintop to present their eagerly anticipated performance. OMNY Taiko’s mission is to foster a culture of community and support through the art of Japanese taiko drumming to impact and connect our global society. The sound of the taiko drum is as pure and as fundamental as the heartbeat and has the power to connect ourselves with those around us and with the universe at large. OMNY Taiko Drummers seek to develop their abilities as taiko players—rhythm, movement, teamwork, and spirit—and to promote taiko drumming through performances in the New York area and beyond. 

Taiko drumming includes barrel-shaped drums of various sizes and is believed to have military, mythological or religious origins. “Taiko” means “a drum” in Japanese. This ancient art form, with its dramatic and energetic athleticism, combines the dynamics of a percussion ensemble with vocal expression. 

For the August 10 performance at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, tickets are $10 each. Get tickets at catskillmtn.org, call 518-263-2063 or email boxoffice@catskillmtn.org. The August 11 performance at the Windham Civic Center is free and seating is on a first come, first served basis. 

About Catskill Mountain Foundation
The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s (CMF) aim is to provide educational opportunities in the arts for youth and lifelong learners, to bring the experience of the arts to the Catskill community, and to support artists and art organizations in the development of their work through residencies. Since its founding in 1998, CMF has presented hundreds of music, dance, and theater performances; screened over 1,000 films to tens of thousands of audience members; provided studio arts classes to thousands of students of all ages; and served thousands of art-loving patrons in the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop.

Since 1998, CMF has raised, generated, and invested close to $16 million in facility development and an excess of $42 million in programming operations, for a total investment in the Catskill community of over $58 million. CMF believes that the arts can transform the lives of those touched by it and can transform the community. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

About Windham Foundation

Our mission is to preserve and enrich Windham and the people who live, work, and visit here. We are a 501c3 grants-based organization, funding programs in education, recreation, the arts, and community initiatives.  For more information or to donate, contact us at https://www.windhamfoundation.org/online-donation/.

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Construction Progresses at Rip Van Winkle Lake's Upper Lake Park

Photo by Max Oppen

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — Construction at Upper Lake Park, Rip Van Winkle Lake, has made significant strides since its inception this past spring. Visible changes underscore the transformation of this community space, which aims to enhance recreational offerings and natural beauty.

According to Robin Dumont, the Village of Tannersville Court Clerk, the general contractor, Blue Spruce Landscape and Design, is scheduled to erect the pavilion within the next few days. This will mark another milestone in the $1.3 million project funded through a New York State Department of State grant.

The revitalization plan includes developing multiple parking areas, a playground, an amphitheater, a fire pit, light posts, a dock, walkways, picnic tables, wildflowers, bike racks, and bird nesting boxes. The existing arsenic treatment plant will remain operational.

Village of Tannersville Mayor David Schneider expressed optimism about the project's progress, stating, "The park is on schedule and budget. As always with municipal projects, there are hiccups, but we are delighted with the contractors and can't wait to see the project finished."

This comprehensive facelift is designed to boost the area's tourism, benefiting local businesses and residents. Improved waterfront access and enhanced recreational facilities are expected to transform Upper Lake Park into a vibrant community hub. The project is expected to be finished by approximately late fall.

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Purple Loosestrife: A Beautiful Yet Prohibited Invasive Species in New York

A large patch of Purple Loosestrife near Tops in Tannersville. Photo by Max Oppen.

By Max Oppen

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has taken a proactive stance in identifying and managing Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) as a prohibited invasive species. Despite its striking beauty, this herbaceous perennial poses a significant threat to the state's ecosystems.

Growing between 3 to 7 feet tall, Purple Loosestrife is easily recognized by its vibrant magenta flowers, which bloom from July to September. The deep purple hue adds a touch of color to the landscape, making its invasive status all the more unfortunate, yet its beauty is undeniable.

The plant's journey to North America likely began as early as 1869, potentially via contaminated solid cargo ship ballasts, especially in the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario. Purple Loosestrife may also have been imported deliberately as an ornamental plant or an herbal remedy for digestive ailments.

Invasive species like Purple Loosestrife can severely disrupt natural communities and systems. They out-compete native species, reduce biological diversity, alter community structures, and in some cases, transform entire ecosystems. The presence of invasive species threatens New York's agriculture, wildlife, fish, shellfish, landscaping, parks, gardens, recreation resources, and even the health of pets, animals, and humans. This urgent issue affects all New Yorkers.

The DEC maintains a comprehensive list of both prohibited and regulated invasive species. Prohibited species, including Purple Loosestrife, cannot be knowingly possessed, sold, imported, purchased, transported, or introduced. Conversely, regulated species cannot be introduced into a free-living state but can be legally possessed, sold, bought, propagated, and transported.

To control the spread of Purple Loosestrife, the DEC recommends several management strategies:

Biological Control: The DEC may release beetles and weevils native to Europe and Asia to suppress the growth and reproduction of Purple Loosestrife. The leaf-eating beetles Galerucella calmariensis, and G. pusilla target the leaves and new shoots, while the weevils Nanophyes marmoratus and Hylobius transversovittatus consume seeds, flower buds, roots, and foliage. These insects are most effective when released in the summer during the loosestrife's active growth period.

Chemical Control: Glyphosate herbicides can manage Purple Loosestrife, but an aquatic formulation is necessary for treatments near or on water. Spraying should be performed in the summer when the plants are flowering.

Mechanical Control: Mowing or cutting can prevent Purple Loosestrife from flowering, although it will not kill the plants. Small or light infestations can be eradicated early in the season.

Despite its invasive nature, the Purple Loosestrife's purple palette holds a certain charm, especially during the dog days of summer. Its contrast with the Yellow Goldenrod, green grasses, and blue skies brings many smiles, reminding us of the warm days we yearn for in the depths of winter.

Though it is one of many invasive species in New York State, the beauty of Purple Loosestrife is undeniable, even as efforts continue to manage its spread and protect the local ecosystems.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Windham Rotary Foundation 12th Annual Cancer Patient Car Show is Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ashland Town Park.  There will be food vendors, music, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and WRIP 97.9.  Registration is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., $15 minimum donation per vehicle entered.  Spectators are free.  Open to all years, makes, models and motorcycles; trophies, $500 best in show “classic,” sponsored by Martinez Auto Body.  Funds raised support cancer patients in Greene County through Greene County Women’s League.

Sunday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m., is worship service in the Methodist Church, 65 Spruceton Road in West Kill.  All are welcomed. 

Happy birthday to Nancy Dippold on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Saturday, Aug. 10 is Ray Clinton’s birthday.

Happy 44th wedding anniversary to Gretchen and Jim Milton, Aug. 10.

Happy birthday wishes on Monday, Aug. 12 to Lorraine Banks.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 is Dr. Laura Bartner’s birthday.

Best wishes to all.

The Greene County Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Aug. 12 – Aug. 16 is as follows:  Monday—Chili Dogs, baked beans, carrots, tropical fruit; Tuesday—Chicken Parmesan, Italian green beans, whole wheat pasta, pears; Wednesday—Salmon with dill sauce, Brussels sprouts, rice pilaf, banana pudding; Thursday—Meatloaf with gravy, baked potato, California vegetable mix, carrot cake; Friday—Seafood pasta salad, mixed greens, coleslaw, macaroni salad, cranberry juice, fresh fruit.  All persons age 60 and older and spouses are invited to join for lunch.  Suggested donation is $4 per meal.  Congregate dining reservations are required at least a day in advance by noon by calling the appropriate centers.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

Hunter Public Library’s monthly Coffee Klatch, Tuesday, Aug. 13 is held 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., with light refreshments.  All are invited.

The Soup and Fellowship Kitchen, Tuesday, Aug. 13, is open to all from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church, 5942 Main Street, Tannersville on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.  Come and enjoy the fellowship and a free bowl of soup and sandwich.

Ladies Auxiliary of the Town of Lexington Fire/Rescue Company will meet in the Firemen’s room at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 for the monthly meeting.

The Hunter Stone Carving Seminar is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 12 through Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., classes every day except Sundays.  Come learn the ancient art of stone carving -  free.  Classes led by master sculpture Kevin VanHentenryck at the Bluestone Park, 57842 Route 23A, Tannersville.  Freehscs.com.  

The Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, Tannersville Village Hall, One Park Lane, Tannersville, is open Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The third Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. is for delivery to folks who do not have transportation.  Call 518-589-5787 if you need delivery which is contingent on volunteer availability.   If you would like to help Kaaterskill UMC Food Pantry, you can drop off food to Brave the Flames Restaurant when open and the Tannersville Village Hall during the week.

The 2024 Greene County Public Health Rabies Clinics will be held at the Angelo Canna Town Park, 82 Joseph D. Spencer Lane, Cairo on the Wednesday, Aug. 14 and Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The clinics are outdoor drive-up only and wear a face mask and remain inside your vehicles at all times.  Please be prepared with proper leashes, carriers and muzzles (if necessary) for your animals to keep them and others safe.  Bring record of pet’s vaccination—the certificate, not the tag—for three-year certificate.  If no record is present, pet will be given a one-year certificate.  Public Health Law requires all cats, dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies starting 12 weeks old.  If you are feeding a stray, please bring them to be vaccinated.  Please call to pre-register at 518-719-3600.  Donations please.  All proceeds go to Public Health.

The Lexington Film Fest has several showings coming up:  “Shutterbugs,” filmed in Schoharie County in 2020, Saturday, Friday, 16, 7 p.m. at Van Dusen’s, 4021 Route 42, Lexington.  Cast and crew will be present for the screening.  Seating limited to 25, tickets $10;  “Werewolves Within,” will be shown at the Phoenicia Diner, 5681 Route 28, Phoenicia, Saturday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.; “Come Home,” “The Art of Metaphor,” “All-American Ruins,” at the Mountain Cinema, 7971 Main Street Hunter, Sunday, Aug. 18.  CatskillMtn.org for info, purchase tickets and reserve seats.

The Thrift Store, 7889 Main Street, Hunter is open Tuesdays, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturdays, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. the West Kill Community Cemetery, Inc. will meet at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill for the annual meeting.

The Kaaterskill UMC is hosting a Roast Beef and Peach Shortcake Dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 20

from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Tannersville Rescue Squad Building.  Takeouts only and free will offering.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, veterans and actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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Second Tannersville Dissolution Meeting Set for Aug. 20

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE – The Village of Tannersville invites residents to join a virtual presentation and Q&A session on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. This Public Information Meeting will update the Village dissolution plan and allow residents to provide input and ask questions.

To participate in the meeting, attendees must register at www.labergegroup.com/tannersville/meetings. Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with details on joining the Zoom session. For those unable to access Zoom, the Village Hall will livestream the meeting.

The Village's first public meeting on the potential dissolution occurred earlier this year. The Village of Tannersville, alongside the Laberge Group, hired as dissolution consultants, convened a pivotal public meeting to discuss the prospect of dissolution. Residents gathered to gain insights and voice their concerns about this significant decision. The initial meeting was well-attended, with Ben Syden, Vice President of Laberge Group, and Kathleen Rooney, Local Government Specialist for Laberge Group, presenting the complex facets of the dissolution process. Their hour-long presentation, rich with data and analysis, aimed to empower residents with the necessary knowledge to navigate this intricate issue.

Since the first meeting, the Laberge Group has interviewed several Village department heads and met with town officials, providing reports to local officials. The discussion was framed within New York State's Article 17-A, enacted in 2010, outlining the legal framework for Village dissolution or consolidation. Tannersville's decision to pursue a Board-initiated process instead of a petition highlights a cautious approach, allowing ample time for research, planning, and community engagement.

Syden, leveraging Laberge Group's extensive experience, remarked, "This marks the 15th or 16th government reorganization process we've facilitated. We want to develop a dissolution plan that safeguards your community identity." He further explained that the group will address zoning disparities, as the Village has zoning regulations while the Town does not, and plan the future of village employees post-dissolution.

The Laberge Group has also created a dedicated Q&A website, including an FAQ page available at www.labergegroup/tannersville.com. This site is a repository for essential resources and facilitates community interaction, allowing members to submit questions and stay informed.

In the following steps, Laberge will draft a study document to be reviewed by the Village Board and then presented to the public. The Board must endorse the plan and hold a public hearing before deciding whether to bring the plan to a referendum. If Village residents vote against dissolution, the issue will be "dead for four years," according to Syden.

However, the Village could still explore consolidation with the Town or the neighboring Village of Hunter. Notably, this is the first dissolution process the Laberge Group has worked on involving a Town with two villages and a Village with a wastewater treatment plant agreement with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The upcoming virtual meeting is crucial for residents to stay informed and engage in decision-making. 

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