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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THE LYSANDER PIANO TRIO PERFORMS IN HUNTER

Photo Credit:  Jiyang & Chen

Hunter –Catskill Mountain Foundation presents The Lysander Piano Trio concert at the Doctorow Center for the Arts this Saturday, August 10 at 7:00 PM. 

The Lysander Piano Trio has been praised by The Strad for its “incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colors” and by The Washington Post for “an uncommon degree of heart-on-the-sleeve emotional frankness” and “vivid engagement carried by soaring, ripely Romantic playing.” The group has developed a reputation for exciting programming, finding creative ways to connect well-known masterworks with pieces by lesser-known and underrepresented composers, discovering common threads across cultures and times.

The Lysander Trio concert will be at the Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter, NY on Saturday, August 10, 2024.  Get tickets at https://bit.ly/LysanderTrio , call 518-263-2063 or email boxoffice@catskillmtn.org. 

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.

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – August set off the summer events season in style. So much to do and so little time and/or energy.

Family and friends sent off Adam Brainard’s retirement in style with a party to send him on his way to a new chapter in his life. Adam officially retired from the Greene County Sheriff Department in July and making sure his family and friends could come up with a mutually convenient time and day for his party, it was finalized on August 3. Congratulations Adam and thank you for your many years in law enforcement and for keeping us safe. Adam already has plans for his retirement – he won’t be just sitting on the sofa. He and his wife Kelly already have a full schedule with their mini farm of assorted and numerous animals. The fauna and fowl assortment changes just about on a monthly bases. Keep busy and stay healthy.

The Joanne Dunphy family, including daughters Jill, Joy and Jodi, and their children and grandchildren, sent off cousin Alexis, Jill’s daughter, with a farewell party at the Conine Field on Saturday. Alexis will be moving to the western part of the United States and good wishes are sent her way.

It is true we never visit the sites nor attend all the events that are right in our own backyard. Case in point – The Gilboa Museum, and our own Zadock Pratt Museum and their attending speeches and exhibits. It was an eye opening experience to attend the Gilboa Museum with family from Pittsford, NY. Nancy Gurley Hodge grew up in Prattsville and with her husband Rick and parents Bob and Ginny, all visited the Gilboa Museum and fossil displays for the first time. The visit fitted in at the end of the afternoon after other activities and it spawned a need of another visit. Janette Reynolds – hello Janette – was our guide and advisor of all things. Thank you Janette, you did a good job. Our thanks also go out to Mr. Juried for his time, talent and treasure for making so much of this display possible. Of course Mother Nature had something to do with the rock fossils and the beginning of the separation of the earth’s mass into the seven continents. You are all encouraged to take some time and visit our friends’ display in Gilboa. Will definitely be making a return visit with extra time for more discoveries.

Still watching the Olympics and why not? You can enjoy the performances and cheer for the USA, sans controversy.

Heard from Connie Lane in Oneonta, our one time Prattsville resident, and ongoing friend. She relayed the news of her granddaughter’s and grandson-in-law’s damage to their two cars and mail box and attached planter. Now this happened less than a mile from us and we had to hear it from the Lanes in Oneonta. Jessica and John have worked so hard in beautifying their property on Route 23 it is a heartbreaking incident that happened last week. Thankfully the good news is no one was injured, including the driver of the pick-up truck doing the damage. Connie also gave some details on her recent health scare – reaction to an insect bite. Donnie, her husband of 66 years, came to her rescue, literally, called the rescue squad and doing the exact necessary life saving procedures. One of the EMTs said “he saved your life.” We wish Connie and Donnie many more healthy years of wedded bliss. How is Connie ever going to refuse him any favor? Stay well friends.

Bonnie and Lester Chase were doing some shopping in Oneonta on Monday.

Stanley and Mary Sutton are doing some rehab on their home in Jaeger Hollow. Young Stanley is home on leave and is also lending a helping hand. It was his birthday on August 3. Thank you for your service.

Got a chance to exchange family news with Suzette Stuppert Donisan. Her mom Elsie is still recovering from hip surgery and it is a slow and stressful time. Suzette had her niece at Jim’s doing some shopping for some of their delicious German cuisine. Still miss The Hideaway’s Restaurant menu. It was so convenient to make a last minute decision to eat out and make the 5 minute drive to their restaurant.

Remember The Auto Show on Sunday, August 11, at the Ashland Town Park, for the benefit of Greene County cancer patients in need. This annual event is sponsored by the Windham Rotary Club. Thank you. This is a fun event with prizes given out in different categories and nostalgia in full glory.

Congratulations to Taylor and Kyle Thorington on their marriage on August 7, taking place on family property in Huntersfield. Our very best to all

Happy Birthday to Skyler Blain on August 10. On August 11 it is Happy Birthday to Eric Lane. And to Beth Ballard, Happy Birthday on August 14. Sending Happy Birthday wishes to Mary Mundy on August 15. Brett Olsen is wishes a very Happy Birthday on August 16. To Kelly and Adam Brainard, Happy Anniversary on August 10. We send Happy Anniversary wishes to friends Lenore and Al Olivieri in Tannersville.

News? Send to gurleyrv@gmail.com or 518-299-3219.   

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - DREAMING

There are so many possibilities inherent in this eight letter word.

I might conjure up something that I greatly fantasized about when I was much younger.

You might entertain the thought of having indulged in a long held desire to achieve a goal. I’m curious though, do we as Baby Boomers still allow ourselves to continue to indulge in dreaming as we age? This question came to mind recently after innocently overhearing a conversation while dining out. Seriously, I never meant to intrude.

There was a lovely older couple enjoying a meal at the next table. They were enthusiastically chatting over a glass of wine and their positive energy was simply contagious. I wanted to just pull up a chair, but alas I am able stop myself from being that intrusive. Sometimes.

Instead, it was easy enough to hear them excitedly discussing plans for a cruise. They used the word “dream”  often and that’s what sparked my curiosity about my own ability to dream my world into being.

Before getting any further on with this story, let’s take a second to focus on the use of the word itself in its forms as a noun and a verb.

I love to dig deep into the use of the English language and so here’s my take on dreaming and to dream from my vantage point of 70 years.

As young children, dreaming was often spoken of after waking from a terrifying “bad dream.” Kids are always highly sensitive to sensory input and Lord knows, back in the 50’s through late 60’s there was lots of scary stuff that contributed to fears without our parents even realizing we were adversely impacted. 

Case in point for me was looking up at the sky at age 8, hearing  a plane  overhead, wondering if it might’ve been in our area to drop bombs on us. This reference is to the Cuban Missile crisis from back in the day.

In school, that’s what we were told and why we had to have drills where we hid under our desks or covered our heads in the school hallway.  No one was really explaining much to us. And so…we conjured up scary thoughts and processed the possible outcomes in our dream states at night.

Conversely, the idea “to dream” was much more docile and embracing as we became adults.  We began to understand the concept of anticipation and then reward from the process of dreaming as we planned our weddings or for the purchase of that new house.

This brings me back to the original question of dreaming.

Do we allow ourselves to dream now the way we used to? 

Might the concerns about health issues contribute to anxieties that seep into our dreams?

Do we tend to live in fear of the future and disregard the possibilities of what a new chapter could mean for us?…Sit a moment and consider this important question.

Just for argument's sake, let’s consider dreaming about the prospect of what you’d like your world to look like in 6 months from now.

Imagine it, see it, focus on your place in that future world.

Have some fun with the ideas that come to mind. Create as positive an outcome as you can in this day dream and drift into the possibility of holding that vision. This creates a barrier preventing anxieties to seep in, especially catching you off guard at inopportune moments.

Best of all,  perhaps during those nights when sleep eludes you, you can pick up on that idea and dream bigger than you even imagined. Not from a place of worry but to a night time dream state that takes you on an enjoyable journey.

Okay, back to the couple at the next table before I conclude. 

I actually learned something that I hadn’t even considered as an essential part of the story that added another terrific element to all this eavesdropping. 

This couple focused on contributing to their final decision by meeting each other halfway as they shared their plans, their hopes and dreams.  Combining their individual dreams about their goal for this cruise made it easier to finalize their resolution to book the trip that they had been dreaming of.

So my final takeaway was this. Dreaming is still a very important component of living  our best lives as we age….sharing that dream makes it so much more tangible when we do so with family or friends. 

Sometimes we can learn a lot from others especially when we’re in the right place at the right time. I called it fate. My husband called it snooping. We compromised and I paid the bill for dinner. 

Pat Larsen lives, works and plays in Greene County NY with her husband, Christian of 50 years and their pup, Lily.

Pat is a syndicated columnist. She just published her first book of stories and musings under the title of Reflections…Anything But an Ordinary Life, available on Amazon.com.

Pat can be contacted at 518-275-8686 to chat.

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U.S. Chef Ski Club to Discuss Legacy

The founding members of the U.S. Chef Ski Club, Jacky Ruette, Jean Pierre Foucart, Gerard Uhrik, and friends of the club, will sit down with Town of Hunter Supervisor, Sean Mahoney to discuss their 50-year legacy at Hunter Mountain and around the world.

The U.S. Chef SKi Club was first sparked by the first chefs race on Hunter Mountain in 1975. Karl Plattner, Hunter Mountain ski school instructor, Jacky Ruette, Hunter Mountain Blue Angels ski instructor and restauranter, Chef André Soltner of Lutèce, and Pastry Chef extraordinaire Michel Keller, organized the event. They invited their New York City hospitality colleagues to Hunter Mountain to race in honor of their friend, Jacques Pépin, who had been in a devastating vehicle accident. And as they say, the rest is history.

The panel will discuss their history as a club, as friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, and as mountain top community members. This group witnessed and influenced the boom of the ski culture at Hunter Mountain and carries on a long tradition of tourism and hospitality in the Catskill Mountains. We look forward to learning more about them and help them begin their celebration of 50 years of "Camaraderie, Hospitality, and Skiing." You can also read a bit about them in our Summer 2023 Hemlock, on our website, https://mths.org/the-hemlock/

This program will take place at the MTHS’s Ulster & Delaware Train Station.

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Vets Cover Over 25 Miles of Rough Terrain in ASF's WIM Mountain Biking Program

WINDHAM — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) took five U.S. veterans on a three-day mountain biking excursion this week from July 30-August 1 in its latest Warriors in Motion (WIM) event. 

“This is a wonderful program, and the instructors are fabulous,” said retired Navy veteran Richard Mills. “I feel like I’ve gone from a novice mountain biker to an intermediate in the matter of two and a half days. I’m very appreciative and I’ll be coming back.” 

The five warriors came to the ASF’s Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday at noon to meet with the ASF staff and volunteers before sitting down for a lunch and receiving their bikes and safety equipment for the week. Once all of the participants were comfortable with their rides, the WIM group went to CD Lane Park in nearby Maplecrest to ride the trails behind the lake. The bikers entered the park through the Peck Road entrance and got the hang of their bikes before heading through the wooded paths. After the first trek of the week, the veterans were able to check into their hotels and wash up before enjoying a catered dinner at the ASF lodge.

The ASF took all of the participants on location for its long biking day on Wednesday, as the WIM group visited Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. The park boasted beautiful views of New York’s Capital District and several different hiking and biking trails. One of the popular features among the WIM participants was the park’s mountain bike skills area, where the veterans were able to take the mountain biking techniques they learned from ASF Program Director Tony Vasile and the ASF volunteers and put them to the test. This skills area not only was a safe place to try new things, but it also built confidence in the riders before heading into the forest for a more intense ride. The group took a break for lunch near the park’s overlook before riding a little more. Just as the last participant entered the ASF shuttle bus to head back to Windham, the skies opened up and the rain began to fall. The veterans were dropped off at their hotels to rest a little bit before they enjoyed another dinner at the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center.

On Thursday morning the WIM group stayed more local, as they headed to the Tannersville Bike Park for some laps on its popular “Thriller” trail. “Thriller” is a downhill trail that roams over humps, rocks and roots, a fun trek for all of the participants. The group spent several hours ripping through the woods before heading back to Windham for lunch and departures. 

Not only did the veterans battle wooded terrain, but they also covered a great distance in the woods of Upstate New York. In total, the ASF mountain bikers travelled over 25 miles through rocky and rooted paths.

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Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra to Hold Final Performance Aug. 17

Photo Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Foundation

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra (WFCO) will hold its final performance as a group on August 17, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville. Under the baton of conductor Robert Manno, the concert will feature soprano Melissa Wimbish and baritone Andrew Garland.

Program:

Manno: Portrait of Millay for Soprano & String Orchestra on Five Sonnets by Edna St. Vincent Millay (Premiere)

Manno: Fern Hill (Dylan Thomas) for Baritone & Chamber Orchestra (Premiere of Orchestra Version)

Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence for String Orchestra

Scott Joplin: Three Rags for Chamber Orchestra (arr. Skoryk/Manno)

Formed in 2000 by Robert Manno, the Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra has become a fixture in the Catskill Mountain region, performing at the Windham Civic Center and the Doctorow Center for the Arts. Composed of top-tier musicians from the New York area, including members of world-renowned orchestras and ensembles, the WFCO has delighted audiences for over two decades.

"Magdalena and I are eternally grateful for all the support we've received over the past 27 years from the Mountain Top Community,” said Manno. "So many donors, volunteers, and loyal concert-goers! In Windham, we could not have existed without the support of Larry Tompkins and Carole Spear and the very generous grant support from Peter & Cynthia Kellogg, Bill and Suzy Vogler, and the Willow Springs Charitable Trust. Likewise, in Hunter and Tannersville since 2003, the generosity and support of Peter & Sarah Finn, Pam Weisberg, and the staff of the Catskill Mountain Foundation made it possible to continue our performances in both Hunter and Tannersville."

The concert promises a mix of classics and premieres, including Manno's compositions, "Portrait of Millay" and "Fern Hill," alongside Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir de Florence" and an arrangement of Scott Joplin's "Three Rags."

In addition to the evening performance, there will be an open rehearsal at 10:30 am and a pre-concert talk at 6:45 pm on the same day.

The WFCO was established shortly after Manno and Golczewski retired from the Metropolitan Opera in 2000 and 2001. Their collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Foundation (CMF) brought world-class music to the region and cultivated a strong community of classical music enthusiasts.

CMF co-founders Peter and Sarah Finn praised Manno and Golczewski for contributing to the area's artistic landscape over the last two-plus decades. “We have loved working with Bob and Magdalena for so many years,” said Peter and Sarah in a joint quote. “They have been wonderful arts partners and also very good friends. They have made extraordinary contributions to the classical music audiences on the Mountaintop and beyond. We are working with Bob on a possible succession plan, and appreciate their continued friendship and support.”

Looking Ahead

As Manno and Golczewski prepare for their final bow, they express gratitude for their journey and excitement for the future. Manno plans to focus on composing and enjoying the rich music scene as an active listener. The couple remains committed to supporting the Catskill Mountain Foundation and the region's artistic endeavors.

The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra presents "Music by Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin, and Robert Manno" on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. A free open rehearsal will occur at 10:30 am, and a pre-concert talk will begin at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $7 for students, with processing fees applicable. Given the anticipated high demand, early reservations are encouraged. Tickets can be purchased at catskillmtn.org or by calling 518-263-2063.

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Obituary - Eileen Wilber

Schoharie: Eileen Wilber 95, of Schoharie Hill Road passed away Saturday August 3rd at her home under the care of hospice and her daughter.

Eileen was born August 31, 1928 in the Bronx, NY, a daughter of Claude W. and Anna K. (Brack) Davidson.  She was educated in North Harpersfield and Schoharie Schools after moving to Schoharie in 1941.  She had worked for various businesses in Schoharie and also cleaned private homes.  She was a  member of the Schoharie County Historical Society, the American Legion Post #1261 Auxiliary and the Schoharie Fifty Plus Club.

She married Ralph W. Wilber on February 8, 1947.   He predeceased her on January 1, 2009.  Survivors include: four daughters; Dolores Brown, Claudette Wainwright, Terry Wilber and Leslie Spotford, four grandchildren; Charles Jr., Belinda, Letitia, and Jason, four great-grandchildren; Jessiqua, Vanessa, Keegan, and Mason.  She was predeceased by her brother, Harold Davidson.

A graveside service will be held at 10AM on Friday, August 16th at the Old Stone Fort Cemetery in Schoharie.  Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eileen to Scho-Wright Ambulance Service, PO Box 325, Schoharie, NY 12157 OR the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092 or to a charity of one's choice.

The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill are assisting the Wilber family.  Please visit www.langanfuneralhome.com  for further information or to leave a special message for Eileen’s family and friends.

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Obituary - Joyce Hoerz

Joyce Hoerz died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 30, 2024 after a short illness.  She loved deeply and was loved immensely by all who were fortunate enough to call her a sister, mother, nana, aunt, friend, or colleague.

Joyce was born and raised in Middleburgh and would spend the majority of her life living and raising a family in the town she adored so much.  Joyce lived life with a full heart but always had room for more.  She worked at the Department of Tax & Finance for 38 years making many lifelong friendships that continued well into her retirement.  Joyce was always ready for an adventure which she began right on time, with a smile on her face, and usually behind the wheel going just slightly faster than the posted speed limit.  Joyce will be most remembered for her jaunts with the sisters, her compassion and care for her family, being a superhero to her sons, a supportive mother-in-law, the world’s best nana, and for being our kingpin.

She was predeceased by her parents: Brendan and Edith Jones and her mother-in-law: Eleanor Spencer. Joyce is survived by the three loves of her life, her sisters: Carol (Frank) Fuchs, Brenda Jones and Maureen Taikowski; her two sons and daughters-in-law: Tyler and Lisa Hoerz and Adam and Erica Hoerz; the greatest joys of her life, her grandsons: Cooper and Chase Hoerz; her father-in-law: James Spencer; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Stephen and Vicki Hoerz, Kim Smith, Alan Spencer and Lane and Brenda Spencer; her nieces and nephews: Michael Fuchs (Lindsey), Joshua Hoerz (Sierra), Benjamin Smith (Marjaana), Emilie Smith (Kyle), Ryan Smith, Nichole Gallagher (Josh), Michelle Bickford (Andrew), Jimmy Smith, and the family of Chris and Sarah Lloyd.

Never one to make a fuss, Joyce wished for a private interment.  The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Peter’s hospital for the tremendous care they provided to her.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, however, the best way to honor Joyce is to be selfless, compassionate, and kind.   

Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Joyce’s family.

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Obituary - William (Bill) M. Smith Jr.

William (Bill) M. Smith Jr., of Hub Cap Heaven in Middleburgh, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Albany Medical Center after a long battle with COPD.

Bill was born in Yonkers, NY on February 12, 1947, at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, to William M. and Lynne (Polowitz) Smith.  He graduated from Saunders Trades & Technical High School on June 28, 1966.  He created Bill’s Auto & Commercial Towing, Inc. in 1968 in Yonkers and operated there until 1987 when he moved his family and business to Middleburgh for a better and safer way of life.  Bill’s Auto Hub Cap Heaven soon became an icon of Middleburgh and served many customers for over 37 years.  Prior to creating his own business, Bill was a mechanic at a Sinclair Gas Station in Yonkers where he met his wife of over 50 years, Catherine (Vogler) Smith, aka Kitty.  

Bill is survived by his wife Kitty; his son: William “Bill” M. Smith III (C.J.), and the pride and joy of his life, his two grandsons: William “Billy” M. Smith, IV and Nicholas Smith.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law: Michael Abruzese; nephews: Michael and Eric Abruzese and niece: Kimberly Magnon. Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sister: Barbara Abruzese.

All are invited to a visitation with Bill’s family from 6:00 – 8:00PM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY.  A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC with inurnment following in the Middleburgh Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Bill's honor may be sent to the Middleburgh Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 778, Middleburgh, NY 12122

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Schoharie Artist Shows “Art Inspired by Art Inspired by Nature” at the Berne Public Library

Connie Mosher has been creating art for the past 8 decades. “I wanted to draw as soon as I could hold a pencil and have been doing some form of art ever since,” says the artist, who is showing her work at the Berne Public Library for the month of August.

Ms. Mosher works mainly in oil, but also uses watercolor, pastels and colored pencil.  Her more unconventional projects include experiments with “flower scanning”, placing fresh flowers face down on the printer and scanning them to make live still lifes; and Polaroid transfers.  She became intrigued with the process of taking fresh Polaroid prints and transferring them to watercolor paper, which creates little painterly images.

Since moving to Schoharie three years ago, Ms. Mosher has learned many more ways to make art, mostly at workshops at the Schoharie Library or the Studio for Art and Craft in Cobleskill.  These include making colorful fused glass art, making block prints, and learning needle-felting, which she calls “painting with wool”. 

Ms. Mosher was born and grew up in Old Forge, NY, where she was inspired by the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains, lakes, and forests. She attended SUNY New Paltz and earned a BS in Art Education. Aside from a few years in Utah, England, and California, she spent most of her life in Western New York, where she and her husband raised their family. Throughout that time, she continued to explore the natural world and develop her artistic pursuits. She had several solo shows and participated in numerous group shows.  She also exhibited at the Cooperstown Artisan Festival and at VIEW, the Arts Center in Old Forge, where one of her paintings is in their permanent collection.  Here in Schoharie, she exhibited for two years at the Arts In Bloom Festival.

The current exhibit displays Connie Mosher’s latest series of “wool paintings,“ along with the oil paintings and works in other mediums that inspired them, all inspired by the beauty of nature.  She says, “This is the reason the show is called, ART INSPIRED BY ART INSPIRED BY NATURE.”

The Berne Public Library is located at 1763 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY 12023. Hours are Monday: 2-8pm, Tuesday: 10am-8pm, Wednesday: 12-8pm, Thursday: 2-8pm,  Friday: 2pm- 6:00pm, Saturday: 9am - 3:00pm. The library is closed on Sundays.

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All About Racing

Brian Pessolano of Canajoharie celebrates with his crew, his second win of the season in the Modified division at Fonda on Saturday. Biittig photo

Demetrios Drellos of Queensbury celebrates in victory lane with his son Paxton after winning the M2 Metals Late Model feature at Fonda on Saturday night.  Biittig photo

By Ed & Betty Biittig

John Grady Memorial night at Albany-Saratoga was cancelled by the forecast of bad weather and rescheduled for September 13.  As we looked at schedules throughout New York State, the same weather-related cancellations began to stack up leaving us searching for something to watch on FloRacing, DirtVision or DTDTV. 

We picked up some Super DIRT Week news in the pits at Fonda on Saturday.  The familiar No. 76 owned by Alton and Carole Palmer will be driven by Billy Pauch, Jr. The car is scheduled to be painted and lettered this coming week.

What will happen to JaMike Sowle, their current driver at Fonda and Utica-Rome?  Well, with his family expanding, and a business to run, young Sowle only has time to race one night a week so both Sowle and Palmer’s agreed that if the team planned on going to Super DIRT Week in October it would be best to retain a different driver for the prestigious event, this year the 52nd and the 7th year held at Oswego Speedway.  If you’re checking our math, 2020 there was no race due to the pandemic. 

During the drivers meeting on Saturday at Fonda promoter, Brett Deyo addressed the rumor regarding the Fonda 200 and said the Fonda 200 will be happening and when the season ends the plan is to remove the redone surface and try again with a different surface.

Fonda Fair Board, President, Mark Wilmot and Secretary, Mary Ellen Wilmot, were at the drivers’ meeting on Saturday night to confirm the message from Deyo, that he was not going anywhere and would be at Fonda for the extent of his contract.  President, Wilmot also said that Deyo is in good standing with the Board despite all that was being said in the rumor mill.  The speedway is important to the Fonda community in many ways and brings in revenue each Saturday night to business and community organizations.

Fonda 2023 Modified Track Champion, Demetrios Drellos was back at the track on Saturday night to race with the M2 Metals Late Model group and showed that his years of going to Fonda as a fan and racing there was beneficial in knowing the track and its ability to change from week to week.

Drellos picked up the win in the 25-lap M2 Metals Late Model feature and became the 33rd driver to do so in the Late Model division at the Track of Champions. 

Late Models were a regular division at Fonda from 1968-1982 with Dick Schoonover on top of the All-Time Win list with 32 wins.  The Lucas Oil Late Models ran twice at Fonda in 2010-2011 and Jimmy Owens was the winner of both.  The World of Outlaw Late Models also ran twice at Fonda during the years from 2013-2015 and Tim McCreadie and Shane Clanton shared the wins.

Winners on Saturday at Fonda were, Brian Pessolano, Modifieds, Payton Talbot, 602 Crate Sportsman, Kenny Gates, Pro Stocks, AJ Greco, Limited Sportsman, Ken Hollenbeck, single cam, Four Cylinder, Jay Ingersoll, dual cam, Four Cylinder and Demetrios Drellos, Late Model. 

At Glen Ridge on Sunday, it was New York State Stock Car Association (NYSSCA) Night and Hall of Fame induction for NYSSCA.  Those inducted were car owners, Tommy Spencer and Jake Spraker, car owner and driver, Bill and Erik Nelson. 

Winners at Glen Ridge on Sunday were Carter Gibbons, 358 Modifieds, Cody Ochs, 602 Crate Sportsman, Nick Brundige, Limited Sportsman, Charles McSpirit, Pro Stocks, Josh Samrov, Street Stocks, Bruce Liddle, Mini Stocks, single cam, Jordan Ryder, Mini Stocks, dual cam, Braxton Dembek, All Star Slingshots and EJ Hatch, JR Slingshots. 

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

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