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Runes and Reiki and Crystals, Oh My !

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 9/5/24 | 9/5/24

GILBOA — Catskill region residents will have a chance to find out what fascinated—and consoled—mid-to-late nineteenth century individuals about spiritualism, the belief that the living can communicate with the dead, at the Fifth Annual Gilboa Historical Society’s Psychic and Crafts Fundraising Fair. The Fair, to be held on Sunday, September 15, 11 am-4 pm when a group of well-known area psychics, mediums and intuitives gather together under one roof at the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center on Stryker Road in Gilboa to engage with the public and offer their services. 

Loss and grief are hallmarks of our lives. Not knowing how to cope, many of us turn to religion and spirituality for comfort  and to reconnect to lost loved ones. The desire to communicate with the dead is as old as Time but it really took hold in the nineteenth century when spiritualism and seances were common. The Civil War brought people face-to-face with death in numbers that were staggering. By 1897, over eight million people in the United States and Europe were turning to spiritualism as a way to process their collective grief.

After the death of her beloved son, Willie, in 1862, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln turned to the Lauries, a well-known group of mediums to connect them with their lost son.  We’re no different today as we turn to “intuitives” to make connections with those who have gone before us. 

Featured psychics at the Gilboa Fair on Sept. 15th include Jo Anna McNally, Psychic Medium/Spiritual Intuitive, Teacher, Lecturer, Nationally/Internationally, renowned, as a straightforward reader who uses a crystal to tune into an individual’s guides and help direct their life’s path. 

“Alternative healing, meditation, and the use of crystals and other natural elements to promote well-being aren’t for everyone,” according to McNally.  “Some people find these practices helpful in their spiritual journeys, while others may not resonate with them. The spiritual is such a personal journey.”

Christina (Tina) Mercado comes from a line of priests from both the maternal and paternal side of her family. This spiritual aspect of her being intuitively guides her in her offering of energy healing combined with reiki to her clients. Each client is treated with empathetic compassion and warmth which facilitates their healing experience in a kind and gentle way. 

“I offer intuitive readings anchored in unconditional love that can help manifest the life you want and release old patterns,” said Mercado, who offers guided meditations, inner child work, energy balancing, and removal of attachments.

Other psychics attending the Gilboa Fair include Judi Jarvis, Shalimar, and Pedro Crotty, 

 Judi Jarvis has been doing psychic drawings since 1988.  a gift she has had all her life.  She has had many visitations from the spirit realm, communicates with other ancestors and has practiced reiki heals and crystal energy work for many years.  

Shalimar describes herself as a gifted lightworker who has been doing readings for 40 years. She is well known as a Prophetess, and for her Psychic, Medium and Archangel Readings. With a background in Counseling, as well as experience as the Director of a Crisis Intervention Center, and work in a Hospital Emergency Room Crisis Unit, which has “served her well for years of ministering to others.

“I try my best to be kind and compassionate and am sensitive to those who are in emotional pain,” said Shalimar. “With the help of Archangels, Beings of the Highest Energies of the Light and Love of God, I try to bring comfort, hope and healing to as many as possible.”

Pete “Pedro” Crotty, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist specializing in music therapy, has been studying/counseling tarot and astrology for 30 years. Pedro uses his innate psychic abilities, astrological alchemy, and tarot with his clients to guide his querents to seek clarity and take steps to their higher selves. Pedro  published his first book in Aug 2022 called “Create Your Own Horoscope- A Simple Guide to Astrology”, which will be available at the Gilboa Fair.

With such an incredible psychic line-up, the Annual Gilboa Fair promises to deliver an afternoon of spirit, mystery and delight with food, fun, and festivities. General Admission: $5

Don’t forget to visit the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center on Stryker Road in Gilboa where you’ll discover about 350 million year old tree fossils and view the Museum’s latest town exhibits.


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Sass Squash Makes Appearance at Gilboa Fundraiser

By Carolyn Bennett

GILBOA—Sasquatch, a large humanlike creature akin to the Abominable Snowman or Yeti and Bigfoot is believed by many to inhabit the deep woods of the United States, western Canada and even the unlikely environs of Gilboa, New York.  Add a few extra “s’s” and SassSquatch, becomes a crunchy, maple syrup and cranberry salad, a celebration of indigenous ingredients that honors the cultivators of Wisconsin’s past and present. It’s also the persona of sassy little zucchini-shaped squash in Wallrose Pictures’ animated short, a David-like vegetable  who isn’t afraid to battle a Goliath like the Abominable. 

Cathy Fallon’s Sass Squash is quite a different thing altogether.

Fallon is an artist whose day job is Circulation Supervisor of the SUNY Onetona Library and teaches “stress relieving” art techniques to students on the side. Her Sass Squash painting started as a paint n pour.

 “I added to the painting, not sure of its  inspiration and it just sort of developed from there,” said Fallon. “I was doing a cross between a dragon and a sea creature and something with vines at that time. I had no idea I would use it in our business logo but it just sort of fit. We wanted different and this was different for a food truck.”

James and Cathy Fallon got married in July 2022 and together bought an old Salvation Army disaster vehicle, painted it parrot green and named it Sass Squash

“We were both drawn to the color at the same time in the paint store,” said Cathy Fallon. “James and I both reached for the same color sample at the same time so that decided it for us with no question,” said Cathy Fallon.

With lots of love and hard work, the Fallons turned their big green truck into the ’Sass Squash” Food Truck, which will be at the Gilboa Psychic & Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept. 15, 1-4 PM on the grounds of the Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History Center on Stryker Road in Gilboa.

Since opening in May of 2023 the Fallons have expanded their culinary business to “feed the masses” in five counties, taking pride in serving delicious food, generous quantities and a large menu to choose from. As their clientele increases, the Gilboa couple has plans to add another trailer and more menu choices. 

The Fallons truly enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces when they walk away from their truck with food that has been lovingly prepared. “We love filling people’s belly’s and watching them walk away from our truck with a smile,” James and Cathy agreed.


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When She’s Not Mowing the Lawn, Connie Spanhake is Writing, Writing, Writing


By Carolyn Bennett, Editor Emeritus

PRATTSVILLE — The police don’t believe her, her husband thinks she’s crazy, and people are trying to kill her. 

And that’s just for starters.

So opens Conesville author, Connie Spanhake’s most recent mystery novel, The Neighbors

No stranger to small towns or enigmatic neighbors, Spanhake has made a career of writing mysteries, romances, and children’s books based on her own rural experiences.

An elementary-math teacher by-day-and-award-winning-novelist-by night (or any time she can find the time) began her career as a children’s book author. She was raised in a military family and moved around for most of her childhood. Her traveling experiences are evident in her latest series, The Code. She has also written picture books that she hopes help children learn about adversity, respect, and diversity.

Spanhake moved from children’s book author to novelist in 2018. Her mystery novel, Finding Me, appeared in print that years and has since become an audiobook. The novel also placed as a Top Ten Finalist in the Author Academy Awards. Her second novel, Dark Secrets, came out in 2021, The Neighbors in 2023. Dark Secrets is a mystery with a heart of gold. The Neighbors is a taut thriller about the Paradise-Paradise Lost character of a small upstate New York town. Finding Me, her first mystery novel is a tale of college-age partying turned tragic.

The mystery novelist’s father was in the armed forces, resulting in frequent childhood moves. Her favorite time and place during those moves was the Island of Bermuda, which eventually became the inspiration for her latest book series, The Code.

The island of Bermuda is majestic,” said Spanhake. “Although it is only 24 miles long there was so much to do as a kid. My family and I would go to Sunday brunch where ice and butter sculptures would be on display. We would explore the Crystal Caves which had the most beautiful azure blue water or go to Botanical Gardens that had a vast array of colorful flowers and plants along with peacocks roaming about. Of course, I swam nearly every day and learned to water ski. What more could a child want?”

Spanhake began writing children’s books to address issues that her students faced every day. “I wanted to help other kids who also struggled with the same issues such as bullying or persevering through difficult times.” Somehow, that transitioned to writing a children’s book series, and then into writing adult mysteries which is where my niche seems to be at the moment.”

Now living in upstate New York, Spanhake writes in her home office.” It is peaceful and for the most part quiet,” said the author “I also have all my resources readily available when I need them so it’s very convenient. When I am stuck on a scene I can put on my shoes and go for a walk. By the time I arrive home I usually have it worked out in my head and know what I want to write.

“I know this sounds crazy but I get my best writing ideas on a lawnmower cutting the grass.  I am a person who is constantly in motion and I’m always doing something. Sitting on a lawnmower forces me to sit still and just think. I keep a small notebook with me and jot down notes as they come to me.”

These days Scrivener is Connie Spanhake’s main writing program. “This program allows me to insert and delete chapters while keeping everything organized. I have a place where I can keep a summary of each chapter. It also helps me to develop my characters as well as save websites when I need to do research,” said the author.

And research she does: from what it’s like to be arrested to the body’s reaction to mixing medications and alcohol. 

Spanhake is currently working on her latest mystery novel, as yet untitled, the second book in a series of The Neighbors. The mystery begins with Neighbors’ main character, Jess accepting an offer to help find a little girl, Callie, who had disappeared several years before. As secrets begin to unravel, Jess gets closer to revealing what happened to the little girl. But sometimes the answer isn't what it seems. What really happened that fateful night when Callie disappeared? And most importantly, is she alive?

Move over, Frieda McFadden.

Mett Author Connie Spanhake at the Gilboa Historical Society’s Psychic & Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 am-4 pm. Stryker Road, Gilboa, NY  General Admission: $5.  Admission to the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center is free (suggested donation appreciated). All funds are used to support the Gilboa Historical Society and its activities.

Don’f forget to visit the Gilboa Museum & Juried History Center while you’re there !


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All About Racing

Tyler Rapp of East Berne celebrated his first win of the season, second at the track, in Limited Sportsman at Albany-Saratoga on Friday.  Biittig photo


 

Beau Ballard and family of Stamford had reason to celebrate again this week.  On Friday Ballard was crowned Pro Stock Championship for 2024 at Albany-Saratoga.  Biittig photo


By Ed & Betty Biittig

Friday at Albany-Saratoga it was championship night in the Modified and Pro Stock divisions and the first time wins for some of the next generation of drivers in other divisions. 

Winners were Marc Johnson, Modifieds; Tyler Rapp, 602 Sportsman; Colton Emigh, Limited Sportsman; Kyle Hoard, Pro Stocks; PJ Cram, Jr., Street Stocks; Adam Montville, dual cam, Four Cylinder, Kyle Lanfear, single cam.

Champions crowned on Friday were Peter Britten, Modifieds; Tim Hartman, 602 Sportsman; Beau Ballard, Pro Stocks.  For Britten it was his second title at Malta, Hartman’s was his fifth.

Beau Ballard of Stamford captured the Pro Stock Championship in his first year of competition at the “Great Race Place”.  Beau’s eight consecutive weeks of top five finishes are what help propel him to the title.  The Pro Stock division at Malta are some of the best and most experienced drivers and veterans of our sport in the division.  Going into Friday night’s race, Ballard was eight points ahead of Brandon Emigh, so it wasn’t a walk in the park for Ballard.  It was his championship to hold onto and he did with his sixth-place finish over Emigh who finished tenth. 

The winner in the Crate Sportsman feature was Tyler Rapp, driver of the No. 2A.  The win was Tyler’s second at Malta and his first this year. 

Tyler says he has been racing for eight years and only races at Albany-Saratoga.  He lives in East Berne and is a financial advisor by day.  He said this year has been tough and it felt great to be in victory lane.  

When we asked about the BDR Speed on the rear quarter panels, he said Brett Deyo came forward last year when he really needed it.  Other sponsors are Trinity Construction, Inc., and Broadway Advisor Group. 

The Modified champion was pretty much settled as soon as Peter Britten came out for the feature.  The closest driver in points to Peter was Marc Johnson.  Marc won the feature, which was the most he could do but it was still Britten that got the title.  Britten was also champion in 2017 at Malta.  Marc Johnson has two championships at the track and is now tied for tenth on the all-time win list with the legendary Dave Lape with 25. 

With over 40 Modifieds in the pit area on Saturday for the SDS, Mr. Dirt Track USA at Lebanon Valley, Mother Nature took control and now as of this writing the track is still trying to work something out and requests that those in attendance hang onto your tickets, wristbands and/or 50/50 raffle tickets.  There will be an announcement soon.

What was clear is the Pro Stock class has finished their 2024 season.  Zach Sorrentino entered what was supposed to be the season finale Saturday night with a two-point lead over Nick Hilt.  The rainout means that Sorrentino will claim his first Pro Stock championship. 

There is one more week of racing at Lebanon Valley Speedway scheduled for Sept. 7.  The champions in the 358 Modified, Sportsman, Limited Sportsman, Super Street Stock and 4-Cylinder classes will officially be crowned.

This Friday at Albany-Saratoga the $10,000 to win Pro Stock Autism Awareness event, plus 358 Modified Shootout, and a change to the original schedule will bring the Modifieds, Sportsman, Limited Sportsman.  NO Four Cylinders or RUSH Late Models.

Utica-Rome is not racing for the next two Friday nights, September 6 and 13.  They will come back with the Empire State Showdown, two days of racing that includes 602 Crate Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Limited Sportsman, Four Cylinder, dual and single cam, Slingshots, All-Star and JR. 

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


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Alleged Drug Dealer Indicted

Schoharie - A six-month long investigation with the New York State Police Special Investigation Unit and the Schoharie County District Attorney, Susan J. MAllery led to the indictment and arrest of Scott Kossow, 38, of MIddleburgh, New York. Mr. Kossow was indicted in a 39-count indictment by the Schoharie County Grand Jury for the following charges: Four (4) counts Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, One-Half (1/2) Ounce or More Containing Methamphetamine, a Class A-II Felony; Four (4) counts Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Five Grams or More of a Stimulant, a Class A-II Felony; Four (4) counts Criminal POssession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Ten (10) Grams or More of a Stimulant, a Class A-II Felony; One (1) count Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, One (1) Gram or More of a Stimulant, a Class B Felony; Four (4) counts Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, One-Half (1/2) OUnce or More COntaining Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony; Five (5) counst Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, One (1) Gram or More of a Stimulant, a Class C Felony; One (1) count Criminal Possession of a Controllede Substance in the Fifth Degree, Intent to Sell, a Class D Felony; Six (6) counts Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. 

It is alleged tha tthe accused, Scott Kossow was selling and possessing large amounts of methamphetamine in Schoharie County on multiple occasions. District Attorney Susan Mallery would like to thank the New York State Police SIU team for their time, resources, and investigation into the ongoing drug problems in our county and our local NYSP for their help in the investigation. 

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 


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County Likely Moving Forward with Revamped Website

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — A proposal from a Michigan company for a revamped website has gone over well with Schoharie County officials and it appears they are moving forward with the idea.

At the Thursday, Aug. 29 meeting of the county's Economic Development Committee, members approved a motion from Chair Werner Hampel of Cobleskill to use $44,600 from county sales tax money set aside for economic development on the proposal from Revize Web Services. It made a presentation at the Aug. 16 Board of Supervisors meeting.

The $44,600 represents the first year's costs from Revize, which would then charge $6,900 a year for the next four years after the first. The motion approved at the Aug. 29 meeting now moves on to the county Finance Committee and from there to the full Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.

"An updated website would have a very good way of reaching out to people," Hampel said at the Aug. 29 meeting. "It will help bring us into the 21st Century."

Fellow county Supervisor and Economic Development Committee member Donald Airey of Blenheim agreed and said it's probably time for a new and fresh county website.

"I was impressed with their presentation and it seemed like the cost for what they are offering is quite reasonable," he said. "I think the website really does need updating and needs to be a lot more user-friendly. I am all for it."

In other news from the Aug. 29 committee meeting, county Economic Development Coordinator John Crescimanno brought members up to date on the status of various grant applications and initiatives.

He said a contract not to exceed $65,000 awarded to MIDTEL of Middleburgh for Wi-Fi installation and five-year system operation in the Village of Middleburgh has been delayed. Crescimanno said the reason for the delay is that New York State stepped in and said the county needed to make double sure it was giving minority and women-owned businesses a fair shot at the contract.

"It's just their process now," he explained. Crescimanno said revised requests for proposals have already gone out and are expected back soon.

"This should only push things back about a month," he said.

A county request for $30 million from the state's Municipal Infrastructure Program for broadband buildout in Schoharie County is still pending, Crescimanno said. It is hoped that the $30 million, if granted, would lead to 100 percent broadband coverage in the county, he added.

A note on the Aug. 29 meeting agenda regarding the MIP request read "Have not heard a response in some time. Believe a decision is coming soon. More to follow."

Crescimanno said he is working with Schoharie County Public Transportation Director Christine Kraemer on a grant application that will hopefully fund a study on public transportation in the county and how it can be improved.


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NYS DMV Commissioner Visits County Clerk and Team


Back, from left:  Clerk Liaison Cathy Sharkey, DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder, Schoharie DMV Rep Supervisor Annette McFarland, & County Clerk Larry Caza. Front, from left: Nicole, Ayiana, Tracy, Jamie, and Kim


            

SCHOHARIE — State DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder recently came out from Albany to visit with our County Clerk Larry Caza and to meet his team and tour the offices. “I am always happy to meet up with Clerk Caza and his staff. I try to get out to visit with all of the county clerks around the state whenever I have a chance,” said the NYS DMV Commissioner & Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “The clerks are important Partners in the work we do every day at DMV, including helping to get New Yorkers signed up as part of the Organ Donor Registry, and maintaining those relationships is something that has been very important to me in my time as Commissioner.” 

Comm. Schroeder truly believes in MBWA {Management By Walking Around} and never hesitates to get out and see the local county offices for himself. Traveling with his County Clerk Liaison, Cathy Sharkey, Commissioner Schroeder works to continually shatter the old perceptions of what the “DMV” is. “Our Mission Statement is to Safely, Securely and Professionally ‘Drive you Forward’. One of my key goals is to propel everyone: staff, customers, vendors, toward growth – success – and fulfillment.”     

Schoharie County Clerk Caza, himself a twenty-year veteran of the Clerk’s office & the local DMV couldn’t agree more: “I am so proud of the staff here and how they work hard every day to provide the best service and explain the often-complex rules and procedures our customers have to deal with. It can be very tough to tell someone there’s an issue with their paperwork or their driving record. More often than not, our staff here can help folks understand what the best path forward is to get their issues resolved & have the customer leaving with a ‘way-more-positive-attitude’ than when they came to the counter.” Caza was elected County Clerk last November and started his first term in January of this year, but he’s been working in the office since April of 2004 when he was appointed as Deputy County Clerk. According to Clerk Caza, “The Core values of the State DMV line-up quite well with our own: Respect – Empowerment – Inclusion – Integrity – and Innovation.”


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Gilboa-Conesville Ready for the New School Year

Staff Report

GILBOA – There were 10 new people to help welcome students back at Gilboa-Conesville Central School yesterday, Sept. 5 and a new canine addition is being trained, according to the school newsletter.

Superintendent Bonnie Johnson has a year under her belt now and is looking forward to the new school year. The top priority remains providing a supportive, inclusive, and innovative educational environment for all students.

Several programs will be continued this year, and include the FUSE-STEAM curriculum for grades 4-8, the Wildcat Wonders monthly celebration for PreK students, Parent Square in a new program replacing Thrillshare, and SchoolTool is providing a new student management system.

Among the 10 new staff members, are: Ayla Boggs - Functional Academic Classroom; Aurora Cookhouse, library media specialist; Candice Gockel, instructional technology; Melissa Graham, instrumental music; Katrina Grave, mechanic helper; Courtney Hasenkopt, fourth grade; Mary Hinkley, 7-12 principal/director of special educations; Casey Smith, business office; William Sprossel, bus driver and Derek VonLangen, 7-12 science.

Johnson's philosophy of involving families in the education of their children continues. She urges parents and guardians to reach out to teachers, administrators, or the district office with any concerns.

She said all of the "exceptional staff" is in place and ready to inspire, challenge and support each student.

New this year will be merged sports teams. Gilboa-Conesville and Roxbury have combined for their sports teams this season, due to a steady decline in enrollments. The two communities are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible, which includes the merged teams.  After discussion by the boards of education, it was determined the merger of the two teams was the best way to provide those opportunities for students in both districts.

There will be a unified varsity, junior varsity, and modified teams with the exception of golf and skiing. Providing all three levels ensures students will be playing at the proper level. They will be known as GCR with both the Rocket and Wildcat in the logo.

Murphy, a black Labrador Retriever puppy is in training to become the school facility dog. He is being trained to provide comfort, and support and will eventually go to work with his handlers to assist with academic and social/emotional interventions. He is in training with Paws 2 Connect and will be tested to become a therapy dog as well as a Canine Good Citizen. In the school newsletter, Johnson indicates there is excitement about all of the ways this program will benefit the students.


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Registration Now Open for the 2024 Conesville Historical Society Turkey Trot

CONESVILLE — On Saturday, November 30, Come run or walk a 5K or 3.1 mile trail in historic Conesville, NY a few days after Thanksgiving!!  It’ll help YOU burn off that awesome turkey dinner and help US raise money for the Conesville Historical Society!  We have many fun and interesting presentations we’d like to bring your way in 2025.

Register at: conesvillehistoricalsocietyturkeytrot.itsyourrace.com or contact John Riedl at jriedl665@gmail.com / 607-588-7711.  Visit us at Conesville Turkey Trot 5K on Facebook. **To receive a t-shirt, you MUST pre-register by Nov.4**

Start time: 10 am

Meet at:  The Conesville Recreational Field next to the firehouse on 990v in Conesville, NY 12076

Rain or Shine!!  Trot, run, or walk……have fun!


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Schoharie Looking to Change 'School Climate"

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - As the new school year begins, Schoharie school officials are looking at different ways to improve the "school climate."

With a new high school principal and assistant principal in place, officials are looking at suspension rates and other information, Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members at their August meeting.

Schoharie is strict on discipline, Mr. Blanchard stressed.

"We are not soft on discipline," he told board members. "The principals do not ignore bad behavior." He noted that there were 274 one-day in-school suspensions during the 2023-24 school year and 127 out-of-school suspensions.

Suspensions are the end product, Mr. Blanchard explained.

"Suspension isn't the answer. We have to work more on restorative practices," the Superintendent said.

"We can't suspend our way out of this problem. We have to come up with alternatives."

Both the new principal, David Russell, who previously served as assistant principal, and the assistant principal Carley Ryan, know about the issues and "are working on it," Mr. Blanchard added.

Board members also approved the 2024-25 district-wide safety plan at their August meeting.

The board received a letter from a parent who complained about the increase in bullying in the district. The letter, which was read at the meeting, did not specify which building or grade the parent was referring to. 

The parent wrote, in part, "We have to do better...Bullying has gotten out of hand. Something has to be done."

The parent also complained that there was "a lot of bias" in the district and adults are "not listening."

Another complaint was that when the victim of bullying fights back, they get in trouble, the parent wrote.

The letter was in response to the district-wide safety plan, which was published for review by the public.


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SCS Family Engagement Committee Ready to Form

SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie Central School District is seeking members of the school community for their new Family Engagement Committee. 

The district is looking to enhance our connections with families. To help us achieve this goal, they are holding an initial meeting of the committee at 3:15 p.m., on September 4, at the school.

Anyone who is interested in serving on this committee should contact Barbara Maland at (518) 295-6679 or bmaland@schoharieschools.org for more information and to reserve a spot on the committee.

The committee will help the district guide its work as they seek to improve their connection with district families and the community in general.

Family engagement is vital to the success of students, both inside and outside of the classroom. Please consider joining this committee. Members of the community who do not have children currently attending school are also welcome to participate.


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SCS Hoping to Retain Interest in Clubs Despite Busing Changes

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - The move to one bus run at Schoharie Central School may create some challenges for high school advisors to maintain interest in the numerous clubs at the school.

After having two bus runs in the past few years, the district is switching back to one bus run with the school day starting at 8am and ending at 2:34pm. This matches most of the neighboring districts and schools in the Capital District. 

Schoharie has built up a big interest in clubs, activities, and intramurals in the past few years, Superintendent David Blanchard. Clubs met during a "flex" period, which was the last period of the day.

Officials do not want the interest in clubs to wane this school year, he told school board members at their August meeting.

In order to maintain that interest, the district is planning two late buses for after-school activities and they will still run the 5:30pm bus for athletics, Mr. Blanchard said.

"We are hoping there will be enough interest generated," he told board members. If not, officials may have to look at a mid-day flex period to maintain participation for clubs and activities. "That remains to be seen."

The transition to one bus run will take some time, he added.

"It's going to be a challenge for a few days, but there is always a challenge, but once we get into the flow of one bus run will be better," Mr. Blanchard said. 

The number of bus runs have been reduced but there was still a need for two more drivers, as of mid-August, Mr. Blanchard added, "Two more drivers would be ideal. We have the buses."

Mr. Blanchard also noted that because of the shift to one bus run and one start time for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, as well as a general trend of having more families in recent years drop off students in the morning in their personal vehicles, officials anticipate a very busy first few mornings of school. 

To ensure the safety of students and families, officials outlined the following busing instructions and suggestions:

Allow for an extra 10 minutes before and after the scheduled pick-up time, as bus drivers get used to new routes.

Elementary students will be required to sit in the front of the bus. High School students will be required to sit in the back of the bus. If younger and older siblings wish to sit together, they may do so in the middle of the bus.

Buses will hold students in the parking lot until 8 a.m.

The 3:30pm late bus run will start later in September. More details will be available later. The 5:30pm late bus will begin on September 5.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will not be released from a bus in the afternoon unless there is an adult present at the drop-off location. 

For more on student busing, please visit the district transportation page on the district website.


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