PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing to adopt the amended Town of Halcott Land Use Code will be held on October 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town of Halcott Grange Hall, Halcott Center, N.Y. Regular Town Board meeting to follow.
By order of the Town Board
Dated September 16, 2024
Patricia Warfield Town Clerk
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing to adopt the amended Town of Halcott Comprehensive Plan will be held on October 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town of Halcott Grange Hall, Halcott Center, N.Y. Regular Town Board meeting to follow.
By order of the Town Board
Dated September 16, 2024
Patricia Warfield Town Clerk
By Alexis Pencar
Hey Neighbors!
What a change in the weather we’ve had. The warmth over last weekend is already missed. This time of year always feels extra cold, especially to me as my ‘Florida blood’ takes longer to ‘thicken up’. Also, many are still holding out on starting the furnace or wood burning stove for as long as possible, myself included, which seems to be the norm. Get those sweaters out since our highs head into the 50s and even lows in the high 30s early next week.
Sharon Orchards is open for the Fall season! They are pressing apples 7 days a week and are making their famous apple cider donuts on the weekends! They are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and offer free cider samples too. Stop by and visit them at 573 Chestnut St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
The Sharon Springs Dance Festival is coming up on October 4th and 5th. This year’s festival features an exciting performance by Ephrat Asherie Dance and a full day of diverse dance workshops for all ages and skill levels. Please visit www.Klinkharthall.org/dance for more information.
Bison Harvest Fest is coming up on Saturday, October 12th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Bison Island Ranch. Purchase beer & wine, listen to music, play games, and more. Please visit www.bisonislandranch.com for more information.
Flu Clinic at Spa Ritz October 11th
Representatives from the Schoharie County Public Health Department will implement a public flu clinic on Friday October 11th from 11 AM to 1:00 PM at OFA’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Road. Individuals coming solely for flu shots are asked to enter through the side door on the right-hand side of the firehouse.
Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com.
Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your Fall needs AND The Outrageous Snack Snack is also now open Friday through Sundays from 10-4 PM serving up specialty handcrafted donuts and more! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC.
Sharon Springs Free Library News:
Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack.
The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.
For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.
The Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.
Worship Services
The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.
The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.
The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.
The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.
Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.
Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site
Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.
To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!
By Alexis Pencar
SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club will hold its Luncheon Meeting for October at 12 noon on Friday, October 11th. This monthly meeting is held at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” Meal Site at the Firehouse located at 137 Beechwood Road Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
The Silver & Gold Senior Club positively contributes to the lives of so many! Members of this social club come from surrounding areas including Sharon, Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Ames, and beyond.
With Seniors of all ages, this group is always open to new members! This is a great place to make new friends and catch up with the community! The after-lunch activities change monthly and are always something to mark the calendar for!
For the October Luncheon, expect a delicious and nutritious meal of American Goulash with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic green beans, cauliflower, bread, cookie and 1% milk served at noon. The club’s monthly business meeting will be conducted after lunch followed by an ever-popular chance auction.
Area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055. Those interested in attending the October 11th Luncheon meeting must call the Spa Ritz meal site by October 9th at (518) 284-2883 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday 10:00 - 2:00 PM.
Flu Clinic at Spa Ritz October 11th
Representatives from the Schoharie County Public Health Department will implement a public flu clinic on Friday October 11th from 11 AM to 1:00 PM at OFA’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Road. Individuals coming solely for flu shots are asked to enter through the side door on the right-hand side of the firehouse.
Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site
Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse (137 Beechwood Road) M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2:00 PM. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.
By Chris English
SCHOHARIE COUNTY _ A tentative 2025 budget for Schoharie County should be available for view on the county website on Oct. 15, county Administrator Korsah Akumfi said during a recent interview at his office.
From there, the county Board of Supervisors would hold a public hearing on the budget soon after Election Day (Nov. 5) and would likely be set to adopt the budget at their regular meeting on Nov. 15.
Akumfi did not want to speculate on the total amount of the 2025 budget at this time or whether or not there would be any tax increase. At a Sept. 10 meeting of the Conesville Town Board, town Supervisor and county BOS Chairman William Federice said the tentative county budget for 2025 stood at $88 million but that Akumfi and other county personnel were working to "trim it down."
"At the moment, numbers are still developing," Akumfi said during the interview. "We're looking at producing a budget that is reasonable and can be supported by the financial conditions we live in. The board will decide on any tax increase (if there is one).
"We have significant projects in the county we are evaluating to see if we will be able to actually commence."
One of those is replacement of the county's Bridge Street Bridge in Schoharie estimated to cost anywhere from $8 million to $12 million, according to Akumfi. He added the county has applied for up to $15 million in federal grant money for the project.
"We hope to get something rolling next year (on the bridge)," Akumfi said. Also still being discussed is redevelopment of the former county jail in Schoharie, which has been unused since flooding in 2011.
"A couple of months ago the board decided to explore alternatives for the old jail," Akumfi explained. "There is a reality we all face in terms of the homeless situation and housing situation. The board has been exploring the use of that jail to resolve some of our problems. We identified a company who can basically transform it into housing."
That possible transformation could take the form of either a renovation or tearing down the existing structure and putting up an entirely new one, the administrator continued. Whether redevelopment of the former jail involves the spending of any county funds has yet to be determined, he added.
"Discussions are ongoing," Akumfi noted. "If we can agree to terms, we would basically hand the jail over to them to develop. The first thing is to get an agreement with the developer, and then the developer would make decisions around the way to proceed. We hope to get something moving in 2025."
Also scheduled for next year is a total of around $2 million for improvements/repairs to the county office building, courthouse and other facilities, he added.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The Schoharie County American Legion would like to extend an invitation to all Schoharie County Students, either high school or home-schooled students in grades 9 - 12, who would like to participate in the Annual Schoharie County American Legion Oratorical Contest, which will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Students must present an 8–10-minute original oration, without notes or amplification, on any aspect of the Constitution. This is a national contest, and students who win at the county level can advance to further levels, including the District, Zone, State, and National Levels. The grand prize is $25,000.00, which can be used toward their college education.
The American Legion hopes to see students from all Schoharie County Schools and Homeschooled Students participate.
For more information, please contact: Chair Person Tina Wellman at 518-992-9594
By Alexis Pencar
SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Check out the October schedule of events provided by the Schoharie County Veterans’ Service Agency! This group is operated by Peer-to-Peer Veteran Advocate Kris Hofeller. Kris goes above and beyond in this position and attends nearly every event!
From Kris:
Happy Hunting Season!!!!! I hope everyone is gifted to supply food for the family this year and help out with Wildlife Conservation this year. We have a lot of brothers and sisters out here that love Venison but don’t have the time to get out there, so don’t waste let others taste. We have Venison Donation spots all around Schoharie! It has been reported that there is an overabundance of deer up in these hills, so do your part, have a fun and safe Season with friends and family!! Remember there are no Hostiles out there so use Safe Gun Handling techniques! SAFETY FIRST, SECOND, THIRD AND ALWAYS. See you out there! Oct 26 will be the last Veterans Range Day till Spring; the range is still open so partner up with a club member or become one yourself! Coby/Richmondville Bulldogs are still Trap shooting and the Club has started their own Club Trap Day! Come Join us!
If you have questions, want to get involved, or just need to talk, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kris Hofeller at (518) 295-8360, Cell: (518) 929-2832, or email Kristian.Hofeller@co.schoharie.ny.us.
September Schedule:
SUNY EQUINE every Thursday 4:00-6:00 PM Riding Arena
SUNY EQUINE Yoga every Thursday 6:00 PM Riding Arena
Oct 2 - 7:30 PM Richmondville Fish & Game range meeting
Oct 3 - 4 PM Schoharie Rabies Clinic @ Cobleskill Fairgrounds
Oct 5 - Veterans Honor Flight to Washington DC
Oct 5 - 2:00 - 5:00 PM Trunk or Treat Cemetery walk @ Old Stone Fort
Oct 8 - 6:30 PM Veterans Camaraderie meeting at 3673 NY 145
Oct 9 - 9:00 AM Veterans Breakfast at Cobleskill Diner
Oct 9 - 7:00 PM Ridgerunners of Middleburgh Club Meeting at Pasta Grill
Oct 16 - 12:00 PM Veteran Lunch at the Gathering Place
Oct 17 - 10:00 AM Conesville country store Veterans Breakfast
Oct 25-27th - Homeward Bound Adirondacks Massawepie Retreat
Oct 26 - 2:00 - 5:00 PM Trunk or Treat Community Event, live music, kiddos fun: 1455 State Rd 7 Richmondville, NY 12149
Oct 26 - 12:00 PM Richmondville Veterans Range Day
SUNY Equine - Carolyn (518) 225-5900
The Gathering Place Luncheon - Kim (518) 823-4338
Homeward Bound Adirondacks - Shane (518) 618-7776
Richmondville Range - Emmett (518) 657-9067
Ridgerunners Middleburgh Club -Doug Handy (518) 231-0970
For any general questions, please contact The Veterans’ Service Agency Office. They are located at 284 Main Street 3rd Floor Schoharie, NY 12157 or call (518) 295-8360.
By Diane Dobry
TIME TRAVEL THROUGH A BOOK STORE
COBLESKILL — At a wooden storefront with white-framed bay windows on Main Street in Cobleskill, a screen door rings a cowbell when opened to announce my arrival. Painted on the front windows in old-timey fonts are the words “Catnap Books, Used & Antiquarian” with random words representing the types of books to be found inside. That old-time theme continues inside as soothing 1940’s music plays softly on Satellite radio behind the counter. The labyrinth of book shelves surrounding every step of the wood-floor path into the shop serves to draw customers further in to explore the thousands of used, new, and collectible books filling the shelves and expanding into piles on the floor. This legendary location is a 30-year establishment that, as a cat is believed to have nine lives, has survived and thrived through many ups and downs of changes in the area as well as through the lockdown of the recent pandemic.
SENSING A NEED
In the early 1990s, owners Jim and Roberta Brooks were both working full-time jobs when Jim, a teacher of special education in Cobleskill and Gilboa, noticed a “for rent” sign on a small shop on Main Street in Cobleskill. His love of books prompted him to take a chance on converting his home business selling used and collectible books, which he sold out of an antique center in Oneonta, into a storefront in Cobleskill. With the help of a relative, Jim set out to line the shop, which was originally only half the size it is today, with as many shelves as would comfortably fit. When the shop next door became vacant, the landlord opened up an entryway between them so Catnap could expand.
Jim’s original idea was “to sell a combination of used and rare hard-cover fiction books.” Back then, Roberta explained, a box of used books could be purchased for a few dollars.
“Most people thought we were crazy,” she said, because they did not expect a book store to be a hit in a rural community. “But we wanted to give it a try.” Being in Cobleskill, they decided to also sell recent, used books at a lower price. Their overall inventory includes a combination of used and rare books, with paperbacks generally selling for $1 and hard cover fiction for $5.
At first, friends helped out overseeing the shop, which had shorter hours at the time. By 1998, Roberta, who worked as an adult protective supervisor in Delaware County at the time, quit her job to work full-time at the shop.
WORD SPREADS FAR AND WIDE
Catnap’s reputation spreads via word-of-mouth recommendations. “We’re not on any social media,” Jim said, though they do sell books online and have reviews on sites like Yelp! “When you own a bookstore, you meet interesting people.” Anyone famous? I wonder. “Andy Rooney was here many years ago,” Jim said. “Otherwise, none that we know of.”
Local authors who write about local history, sometimes ask if they can do a book signing there when they release a new publication. For a while, the store hosted popular Catnap Chats, talks on book collecting, but they soon ran out of room. “Sometimes a local historical society will invite us to give a chat, and we talk about book collecting,” Roberta noted, explaining that they describe what makes a book collectible, different genres of collectible books--such as literature and the classics, what to look for as far as condition, and how to determine if it is a first edition.
Roberta noted that they have been in the homes of many collectors, to buy books, and that their customers travel from outside the area—as near as New York City and as far as Canada--to buy “boxes and boxes of books.”
“We have customers that have interesting and obscure collections,” Roberta reports. These may include topics from World War II to local histories. They find the most popular cover local history, agriculture, nature, sci-fi, religion, and children’s books.
In addition to books, the shop sells ephemera from historic documents, maps, and almanacs, to advertisements, and catalogs, but they stay away from cards and comics. As an example, they showed me a Cobleskill report card from 1919 and mentioned that sometimes they even come across historic diaries.
MEETING READING NEEDS DURING LOCKDOWN
It may be that being a bookshop was a lucky thing during the lockdown. Though some may have binge-watched series and movies, book lovers had a chance, and a hankering, to fill their days devouring new titles and topics. With book lovers from New York City escaping to the countryside and flocking to the shop to stock up on material to fulfill their hunger for reading material, Catnap shut down even before the county required it.
“While we were closed, we had customers get in touch with us asking us to send them books or gift certificates,” Roberta said. Counties required businesses to come up with a plan for keeping customers safe upon reopening, and the series of X-shaped tape markers on the floor remain as part of that history. After opening again, business thrived as there was still not much for people to do.
TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
Outside of the shop, the couple participates in antiquarian fairs and antique shows from New York City to Maine as well as local antique shows, such as the Cooperstown book show in June and The Colonial Heritage Association at the Schoharie Depot in September.
SHARING IS CARING
Jim and Roberta partnered with nearby Brick House Bakery in past years between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day; customers who spent $15 at Catnap got a coupon for a large hot beverage, two cookies, and two doughnuts. When collectors come to the bookshop for their day out, they want to find a place to eat and drink, so Catnap wanted to support a local business that met that need.
They also give the library discounted gift certificates young people when there are special events for kids. Locals also look forward to the times that the shop culls books from their shelves and put them out for free on tables in front of the store which helps “find a book a home without putting it into the recycling bin.”
WHERE AND WHEN
Come visit Jim and Roberta’s Catnap Books at 574 Main Street, Cobleskill, NY. Hours in spring, summer, and fall are every day from 10 am to 5 p.m. In winter they are closed on Sundays. Reach them by phone at 518-234-4514.
By Lei Pollard
ESPERANCE — Preservation of native flora is a crucial part of maintaining the local ecosystem. With forty acres, and the help of many volunteers, the Landis Arboretum in Esperance excels at this mission. The Landis Arboretum is a private non-for-profit organization, run by the committee's president, Jim Paley, alongside executive director, Fred Breglia, and the volunteer coordinator, Susan Strangia, many staff, and many volunteers. With a new addition at the Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House, including three new accessible bathrooms with showers, and sleeping quarters that could also be used in times of emergency, Landis also serves as the dedicated meeting location in the event of a declared emergency, such as a flood.
On Sunday, the Landis Arboretum held an appreciation luncheon for its numerous volunteers. The event began with a self-serve buffet of delicious food and transitioned to speeches given by Paley, followed by Breglia and Strangia.
Following the speeches, three awards were given to volunteers. The Fred Lape Award for Excellence in Art was given to Chandra Burhart, for her art projects decorating various buildings throughout the arboretum. Shayne Mitchell received the Volunteer of the Year award for his non-stop dedication year-round. The Great Oak Award was presented to Marian and Ken Hotopp for their continued dedication over the years.
Attending guests were able to ask the speakers questions about various goals. Paley answered all questions concisely. The event concluded with Paley showing guests the newest pavilion, and a brief tour of the preserve.
The committee is very grateful for those who have volunteered, and the folks who have signed off on grants, including community philanthropist Nick Juried, allowing for the impressive upgrades already in place.
Jim Paley says he has many plans for the Landis Arboretum. He would like to update the architecture of some buildings, as well as adding a paved walking trail to increase accessibility for those with strollers or mobility impairments. Paley also has plans to update the newly-added pavilion by adding lights.
Landis is also expanding its potential revenue sources by renting out sections for events and venues, to make up for changes in plant sales. Landis will happily take new volunteers to help keep up with the rapidly expanding number of first-timers, especially since only eighty to a hundred out of the recorded two hundred and fifty volunteers signed up are currently active.
For more information, please contact the Landis Arboretum at 174 Lape Road or call (518) 875-6935.
By Tori Edwards
SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Spartans just celebrated their spirit week! The athletic teams and band members kicked off their homecoming weekend with a parade for all grade levels! Later in the evening they celebrated with a bonfire at the soccer fields with team introductions.
The elementary students participated in their first Morning Program on Friday congratulating students who show respect, work hard, and make positive choices while helping others. These students are Holly Simpson, Caison Starr, Julia Raggi, Lucinda Radliff, Jaydon Detweiler, Timmy Simpson, Daniel Richards, and Madailein Saunders. Congratulations Students!
SSCS FFA Students competed at Suny Cobleskill on September 27th for several agricultural contests that took place at the college. Winners will be announced soon!
The Sharon Springs PTO is back with their Annual Costume Swap at The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church. The hours of operation are 9-10:30am and 5-6:30pm on October 10th, 17th, and 24th. Drop offs of new or gently used and washed costumes for donation may be donated on October 1st –October 9th at the Sharon Springs Methodist Church. They need to be labeled with SSCS PTO on the packages. These will be used for local children to choose and use on Halloween.
The Annual Trunk or Treat provided by the SSCS PTO and After School Program will be held on October 31st from 5pm – 7pm. Registration to Trunk or Treat is available on SSCSPTO@SHARONSPRINGS.ORG This event is not hosted by the school, but will be at the driveway in front of the school. The harvest dinner is on October 10th at 4 pm – 6:30pm to sponsor the class of 2026. Price is $10 for adults and $9 for senior citizens & students.
Keep it up Students! Let’s go Spartans!
Exhibition to display 114 pieces by the arts center’s member artists.
Gloversville, NY – The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts will unveil its 2024 Nigra Arts Center Membership Art Show on Friday, October 4. This exhibition, open exclusively to members of the Nigra Arts Center, will feature the work of more than 40 New York artists.
The 119 pieces on display represent a wide variety of themes and media, including oil, acrylic and gouache paintings; graphite, colored pencil and pastel drawings; photography, fabric arts, mixed media pieces, digital works, woodworks, encaustics, collages and more.
Featured artists in this show include Jazmin Balleza, Casey Battisti, Christopher Battles, Tina Bockrath, Dan Bridge, Donna Britton, Joshua Brooks, Deborah Bryk, Ross Carangelo, James Doremus, Charles Felder, Leslie Ford, Carol M. Hesselink, Jack Horning, André Jones, Molly Jones, Melissa Kahl, Elizabeth Knapp, Marion Kratky, Sharon Krutz, Phyllis Lapi, Gary Larsen, Michael Lattanzio, Sarah Medwid, Kathleen Miles, Jonathan Moore, Susan Morse, Lynda Naske, Rachael Paz, Caroline Pendlebury, Richard Penhardt, Andrea Petro, Marina Petro, Regina B. Quinn, Sarah J. Ralston, Barbara Riede, Kathleen Simmons, Patrick Subik, Paul Valovic, Sean Walmsley, Jerry Wein and Janet Marie Yeates.
The Nigra Arts Center will host a Meet the Artists Opening Reception on Thursday, October 10, from 4-7 p.m. All are invited to this free event to browse the artwork, meet some of the featured artists and vote on their favorite pieces. Award winners will be announced at the reception and on the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/
The gallery is open for public viewing free of charge weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville.
The Nigra Arts Center offers annual memberships to anyone who seeks to support the arts and community events at the Center. Membership levels start at just $25 per year and carry benefits such as discounted admission to classes and art exhibitions, mailing list access, invitations to special events, charitable tax deductions and more. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, please visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.
CHERRY VALLEY — During a night game under the lights, Laurens/Milford defeated the combined Sharon Springs / Cherry Valley-Springfield boys soccer team 2-1 last Thursday.
Aidan Mertz and Nick DeBoer each had one goal for Laurens/Milford. Cole Williams and Chris Cohn added one assist each.
Kris Cade found the net in the loss for CV-S/SS.
Special thanks to Cyle Conley for the information.
Posts
All Comments
