STAMFORD — Stamford Central School will be holding parent/teacher conference day on November 22, 2024, appointments starting at 8:00 a.m. Parents of elementary students have been assigned a specific time to meet with their child’s teacher. Parents of junior high and senior high school students should call the guidance office for an appointment to meet with teachers. The guidance office phone number is 652-7661.
DELHI — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Jefferson Women on an Arrest Warrant.
On Friday, October 25th, 2024, members of the Delaware County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 35-year-old Renee L. Cortese on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Davenport Court. It is alleged that Cortese failed to appear for a court date out of the Town of Davenport Court in connection with charges of Petit Larceny and Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third degree, both Class A Misdemeanors in NYS Penal Law.
Cortese was later arraigned at the Delaware County Centralized Arraignment on the Warrant and was later released on her own recognizance. Cortese is scheduled to appear at the Town of Davenport Court at a later date to answer the charge.
Speaking on the arrest, Sheriff Craig DuMond commented “Only in New York State, where we have these ridiculous bail reform laws, does a defendant who is arrested for failing to appear in court, be released again with the expectation that he/she will appear in court the second time around.”
HARPERSFIELD — The Harpersfield United Methodist church, located at 343 Col Harper Dr, Harpersfield will be hosting a Service to honor our Veterans on November 14th at 6pm.
The service will be followed by a potluck.
All are welcome!
WALTON – Music on the Delaware is pleased to present singer/songwriter Sloan Wainwright as the November 17 performer at the Music on the Delaware Coffeehouse in the Walton Theatre. The free concert runs on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the second floor of the theatre, Sunday at 30 Gardiner Place, Walton.
Sloan is a songwriter, singer, performer, teacher, mentor and collaborator. A unique hybrid of pop, folk, jazz and blues, Wainwright’s music is unified by her melodious tone and rich, powerful contralto. Over the course of a 30-year career in music, she has played the great concert halls, the most storied listening rooms and top music festivals while also teaching at the nation’s leading music retreats. In addition, she has released 11 original CDs.
Most of all, Wainwright is an artist. As a member of an acclaimed family of artists (brother Loudon Wainwright, sister-in-law Kate McGarrigle, nephew Rufus Wainwright and nieces Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche), Wainwright has charted an artistic path all her own, one based in close observation, joy, and spiritual connection.
Sloan’s music can be found at www.sloanwainwright.com or on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxbeNFQvgH6NrtzUav3-BA.
Coffeehouse events are free, with donations for Music on the Delaware gratefully accepted. Desserts and coffee/tea will be available.
For more information on Music on the Delaware events, see www.musiconthedelaware.org. Coffeehouse concerts will continue in spring, beginning on January 19, 2025.
DELHI — As a major fundraising initiative to purchase a new, state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanner continues, O’Connor Hospital in Delhi is now utilizing a temporary CT scanner to ensure that there is no disruption to patient care.
The scanner, which is being rented from Alliance Healthcare, is located inside a mobile unit positioned directly beside the hospital building. When a patient enters the unit, they experience an environment that is identical to any other CT imaging suite, with all of the technology and equipment needed for the same friendly, local attending technicians to execute successful scans.
“The acquisition of this temporary CT scanner is critical for Delhi and the surrounding area,” said Susan Oakes Ferrucci, President of O’Connor Hospital. “It ensures that patients will continue to receive the imaging and diagnostic attention they require without the need to travel outside their local community.”
Now that the temporary scanner is operational, the suite inside O’Connor Hospital is being renovated, so that it is ready for the new CT scanner once it is acquired. Upgrades to the space will include those focused on controlling temperature and humidity, to create a comfortable experience for patients.
The fundraising effort for O’Connor Hospital’s new CT scanner began in August, with a goal of raising $750,000 by the end of 2024. $300,000 has been raised so far.
“The generosity of those who have donated has been nothing short of inspirational,” said Peter Hamilton, Chair of O’Connor Hospital’s Board of Trustees and Regional Vice President of Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Board of Trustees. “We are grateful to every person and organization that has shown their support. Upgrading our CT scanner is an important step in maintaining the standard of excellence that O’Connor Hospital is celebrated for.”
To learn more and support O’Connor Hospital’s CT scanner fundraising initiative, visit Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network at friendsofbassett.org or call (607) 547-6328. Interested supporters may also contact O’Connor Hospital directly at (607) 746-0326.
EAST MEREDITH — Join us for our final show of the season on Saturday 11/23. AJ’s Smokin’ BBQ will serve food starting at 6pm and the legendary The Bones of J.R. Jones will take the stage at 7pm. The Bones of J.R. Jones is the musical project of Jonathon Linaberry, an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful blend of blues, folk, and Americana. With a distinctive raw and gritty sound, Linaberry captivates audiences with his powerful vocals, skillful guitar playing, and dynamic one-man band performances. His music explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience, resonating with authenticity and emotion. The Bones of J.R. Jones has garnered acclaim for its compelling live performances and soul-stirring recordings, showcasing Linaberry’s ability to channel the spirit of traditional roots music while infusing it with a contemporary edge.
This is an indoor concert with general admission seating. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Members receive a 10% discount. Visit westkc.org to purchase tickets.
Event schedules and guidelines are subject to change. Call (607) 278-5454 or contact info@westkc.org with any questions.
2024 West Kortright Center arts and community programs are funded in part by our members, by contributors to the 2024 Program Fund Drive, by the Bert Santora Trust, the Tianaderrah Foundation, and by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, from the A. Lindsay & Olive B. O'Connor Foundation and the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation. Special thanks to Catskill Country Living for sponsoring our 2024 season.
ROXBURY — The Roxbury Arts Group is excited to invite photographers of all abilities to enter their annual Community Photo Show at the Headwaters Arts Center, located at 66 Main Street in Stamford. This annual exhibit is a celebration of local creativity where photographers of all kinds can show and sell their work! Community members of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. In past years, dozens of photographers submitted over 100 photos to the exhibition each year and participants ranged in age from 3 years old to 80+.
Interested in showing your work? Any individual can submit up to three unframed photographs to be included in the show. There is no fee to participate and entry forms can be found on the Roxbury Arts Group website at roxburyartsgroup.org or hard-copies will available at the Headwaters Arts Center to be completed on site. Photos can be dropped off to the Headwaters Arts Center, with a completed entry form from 10a – 3p on the following dates:
Friday, November 1, Saturday, November 2, Wednesday, November 6, Thursday, November 7,
Friday, November 8, Saturday, November 9
The Community Photo Show will open with an Artist Reception at the Headwaters Arts Center,
66 Main Street in Stamford, on Saturday, November 16 from 3-5p. This event is free and open to all and the photo show will be on view until January 11, 2025. For complete details about this and all events offered by the Roxbury Arts Group, visit roxburyartsgroup.org or call the Headwaters Arts Center at 607.214.6040.
This event is sponsored by Roxbury Wine and Spirits. All programs offered by the Roxbury Arts Group are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature, the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, the Tianaderrah Foundation, Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and The Delaware National Bank of Delhi.
MARGARETVILLE — Robin Factor and Mary McFerran have come to a deep appreciation of the Catskills and as artists, have found ways to interpret landscape through their art, each in their distinctive way. Multidimensional pieces, earthy color palettes, and found materials weave a contemporary vision of the beauty and fragility of planet earth.
Factor explores interior and exterior landscapes, and the uneasy duality between viewing and memory to form fragments of our own internal landscape. These deconstructed landscapes are her way of creating a conversation between formal elements as they respond and react to each other, and between the viewer and the piece as they explore their own landscape point of view.
McFerran gathers plants and rocks from her home landscape and creates eco dyes on repurposed fabric. She also prints with rusted objects and assembles sculptural combinations with the elements. The works are often bound together with twine in order to connect them physically and symbolically. Culled directly from earth’s bounty, these forms remind us of our interdependence with the environment.
November 1- December 1, 2024
Opening Reception Friday, Nov 1, 4-7pm, 746 Main St Unit 4, Margaretville
Artist Talk. Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Contact: Patrilore@aol.com
Tannersville – At a Village of Tannersville Board meeting on Tuesday evening, concerns were raised about growing anti-Semitic sentiments in the community. According to the Board, several residents have visited Village Hall to express their frustration about what they perceive as an unequal number of tax-exempt properties owned by the Jewish community, particularly on Park Lane, Spring Street, and the Villa Vosilla property, according to Village Clerk Robin Dumont, who fielded the above mentioned concerns from members of the community. This sparked outrage among Village officials, who immediately addressed the claims.
It appears that a few residents of our fair Village were not well-informed.
In response, the Village Board compiled a list of all tax-exempt properties within the Village. Their findings revealed that out of the 29 tax-exempt parcels in Tannersville, only three are owned by the Jewish community. In fact, there is just one tax-exempt property on Park Lane, and it is owned by the Tannersville Joint Fire District.
Breaking down the numbers, Village Mayor David Schneider said, "Currently, we have 29 parcels that are tax-exempt, of which 17 are Village-owned properties, the Town of Hunter owns one, one is Tannersville Housing, one is the Mountain Top Library, one is the Village Fire Department, two are for the Methodist Church, one is the Hebrew Congregation, one is the school, two are the Catskill Mountain Foundation, and two others are owned by religious organizations. As you can see, most tax-exempt properties are Town or Village-owned municipal properties."
Village Trustee George Kelly, addressing the misconceptions, stated, "I've heard every accusation in the book. Out of 29 tax-exempt properties, just three are Jewish organizations." He described a recent conversation with a local business owner, who referred to what they called "the Jewish problem" in the Village. Kelly made it clear that such remarks stem from anti-Semitism. "These people came to Robin and based their concerns on rumors that every Jew that comes up here pays no taxes. As you can see, there are three tax-exempt Jewish houses of worship. That's one-tenth of the tax-exempt properties in the Village," he added.
In a strongly worded rebuke, Kelly compared the situation to pre-Holocaust Germany, stating, "1938 is not going to be repeated in the Village of Tannersville. One-third of this Village comprises Jewish-owned homes—whether you like the Jewish community or not, don't espouse anti-semitism in my Village. I'm sick of the comments and will defend all my constituents. I know it's a delicate subject, but the Jewish community pays their taxes and are here three months out of the year as homeowners."
While Kelly acknowledged that not everyone in the community harbors anti-Semitic views, he warned that the situation is worsening and must be addressed. "We will not tolerate intolerance," he concluded.
The Board remains uncertain about the origins of these sentiments, with Mayor Schneider suggesting that it could be the work of someone deliberately trying to incite trouble. Trustee Kelly also addressed the upcoming potential dissolution of the Village, rejecting the notion that the anti-Semitic comments are linked to concerns over the dissolution vote, which could include absentee ballots from Jewish residents and ultimately decide the fate of the Village. "I'm not going to sit back and have any religion picked on or accept us being accused of favoritism. This office will not tolerate it. I hope we can continue this dialogue to stop this, which has been happening for years."
Kelly also referenced a recent hate crime in the Village, where a note saying "Jews Get Out" was left on someone's windshield earlier this year. He stated that the incident is under investigation by the State Police, adding, "Something odd is going on up here."
Mayor Schneider reaffirmed the Village's commitment to standing against hate, saying, "There's no place in this Village for this type of rhetoric. We won't accept it, and we will defend all Village constituents. It is unacceptable, and we will not put up with this."
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
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