Celebrity Chefs Get Ready for Annual Cooking with Love Dinner to Benefit People With Disabilities

Schoharie - Legacy of Love, the fundraising committee for The Arc Lexington in Schoharie, will host their 2024 Cooking with Love celebrity chef dinner on Sunday, November 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Settles Hill Banquet Center (Tree Farm) in Altamont, NY.  The cost to attend is $40 per person. 

Celebrity chefs, representing a variety of professions and community affiliations, will delight guests with an array of homemade appetizers, entrees, soups and desserts to raise money for people and with disabilities and programs supported by The Arc Lexington in Schoharie County. Chefs will also be competing for the “Golden Oven Mitt Award” given to the chef who raises the most funds for Legacy of Love and the “Silver Spoon Award” given to the chef whose dish was voted the crowd favorite. 

Chefs participating in this year’s event include:  WTEN news personality, Ryan Peterson; NYS Principal of the Year, Matt Sloane; Matt and Glenn Brisley; Jim Brooks, Michael Brooks; Kevin Calacone; Joshua Christiana; James Cramer; Alfred D’Alauro; George Grosse; Floyd Guernsey; Peter Hyrniak; Terrance Johnson; Mike Jorgensen;  

Steve Largeteau; Tyrone Mitchell; Jamie Petrin; Jim Presley; Wink Sandler; John Seebold; Isaac Simeon; Bob Stevenot and Mike Willman.  

In addition to the opportunity to sample the chef’s delicacies, the event will also feature an art show, musical entertainment and more.  The event will conclude with the announcement of chef award winners.  

For more information, please refer to Legacy of Love-Schoharie County’s Facebook page facebook.com/LegacyofLoveSchoharie or call Tammy Ruise at (518) 702-4515

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Busy November Planned at Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association

By Jennifer Patterson

SCHOHARIE — After wrapping up two fundraisers in late September – the annual Model Train Show and the 48th annual Fall Antiques in Schoharie – there’s more in store at Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum will host local author Dana Cudmore, who will discuss his new book, “The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns & Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice,” in the Creamery Building at 143 Depot Lane in Schoharie. 

The presentation is free, but donations will be accepted. Refreshments will also be served.

“We’re looking forward to hosting this presentation by Dana Cudmore, who has published a few books on caverns and caves in Schoharie County,” said Thom Fries, director of the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum, which is part of the nonprofit Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association. “We hope people take this opportunity to come and hear about the disaster in the caverns.”

As a college-age tour guide at Howe Caverns during the 1970s, Cudmore was often asked the question – did anybody die down there? Unknown to many, the answer is yes.

Cudmore’s new book chronicles the April 1930 tragedy at Howe Caverns and legal battle that sought to hold those believed accountable. Part David vs. Goliath, and part mystery, courtroom drama and travelogue through the underground realm of the caverns, the book reveals a little-known episode from the famous tourist destination’s past. 

A 1972 graduate of Schoharie High School, Cudmore has written four books on the caves and limestone quarries of New York’s “cave country.”

Cudmore’s professional career included stints as a reporter, news and book editor, public relations director at SUNY Cobleskill, and head of his own communications agency. A resident of Cobleskill, he retired in 2020 after a dozen years as an external affairs officer for FEMA.

In addition to Cudmore’s presentation, the Fill the Bakery Cupboard Committee has issued a call for baked goods for the upcoming 47th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22-24, at 143 Depot Lane in Schoharie.

Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association is seeking donations of sweet and savory delights from local bakers, which can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, or on Friday, Nov. 22.

The nonprofit association uses the funds it raises at the Holiday Craft Bazaar to operate the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum, the 1743 Palatine House Museum (Schoharie County’s oldest building), and the Children’s Summer Theater Program.

Some of that money comes from selling donated homemade desserts. Volunteers (many of whom have been soliciting baked goods for decades) have been hitting the phones to get the word out that the SCHA Bakery Cupboard is in need of donations.

“Holiday Craft Bazaar shoppers look forward to our made-from-scratch menu, especially topping their choices off with a wee bit of something sweet,” the Fill the Bakery Cupboard Committee said in an email. “We love showcasing our local bakers’ talents and welcome your donated, mouthwatering cookies, brownies, pies and cakes for our upcoming event.” 

The committee also reached out to local businesses like The Carrot Barn, 518-295-7139, and Apple Barrel, 518-295-7179 (Apple Barrel orders must be placed by Saturday, Nov. 2) who said they would have pies available for purchase, which can then be donated to Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.

To donate your homemade bakery item or local pie order, email sadbramer@gmail.com, donnabbott2008@yahoo.com or bsharpe2@nycap.rr.com. 

For information about the presentation, contact Fries at 518-569-3395, or go to https://www.schoharieheritage.org.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

SCS Juniors Go to Washington

SCHOHARIE/WASHINGTON D.C. - Over the course of four days last week the Schoharie high school junior class went to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg. 

While there, they went to several museums, such as the National Museum of African American History, American and National History Museum, Holocaust Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, Ford's Theatre, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. 

One of the students found a family member honored on the Vietnam War Memorial. Students had the opportunity to watch the Capitals play the Vegas Nights at a professional hockey game and were recognized on the Jumbotron. Additionally students learned all about the Civil War at Arlington Cemetery and the battlefields of Gettysburg. It was four full days, students were exhausted but enriched.

It was the second annual trip by the SCS junior class.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Songs of Appalachia Music performance at Schoharie Crossing

FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host the ever-talented Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they perform Songs of Appalachia on Sunday, November 3rd at 1:00PM inside the Enders House on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter. This hour-long program includes ten historic songs with an interesting narrative woven throughout. 

The Appalachian Mountains stretch from Georgia to Maine and were considered the new frontier when settled by the Scots-Irish and Germans in the early days of America. These groups sought freedom from government and prejudice, as well as cheaper land. Their history is both charming and dark as they struggled to survive and bring their culture with them, especially their music! 

Gibson and Staudle have researched the history of that region as well as the music. They are award winning songwriters and singers that live near the Adirondacks in upstate New York. As a duo, they have been performing for nearly twenty years, and tour both regionally as well as nationally. Together they play originals and fan favorites with a variety of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica.  They can be heard in many settings such as festivals, concert series, livestreams, on the radio and at community events.

Program begins at 1pm, there will be light refreshments after the performance.  This performance is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Schoharie Crossing via email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov or call (518) 829-7516.    

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Joins us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

“Co-Creations on the Farm with Lady Cannabis” Workshop & Exhibition at Bushel

DELHI — Bushel is pleased to present “Co-Creations on the Farm with Lady Cannabis,” a workshop and exhibition on Saturday, November 9. The workshop takes place 5–7 pm, followed by the exhibition opening reception, 7–9 pm. Bushel is located at 106 Main Street, Delhi.

This exhibition and accompanying workshop are presented by Plant Pioneers, a project of Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower and collaborators, and highlights the group’s work with the vegetal landscape in the upstate New York farming community of Delaware County, where they explore the co-creative process between Plant and Farmer.

In their project, Plant Pioneers strive to look beyond the human-centered farming value system towards one that is mutual, emerging, evolving, and co-creative. Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower explains, “We inquire with the vegetals themselves. Would they, Plants, have preferences? Do they, Plants, already orchestrate farming activities? If so, how? Do they have impressions that offer guidance to farmer, gardener, Plant nursery person, arborists or even township road crews?” Using this approach, Plant Pioneers hope to create new Plant-Farmer partnerships in ways that are inter-relational, cyclical, and inter-regenerative.

Exhibition works include photographs and a video documenting the week-to-week process of communing with Lady Cannabis on the farm through capturing hydro-glyphs, plant acoustics, and written recordings, as well as drawings by Plant Pioneers members. Live plants will populate the space and at various times can be listened to through a Music of the Plants sonic device. 

Directly preceding the opening reception (7–9 pm) for the exhibition, Plant Pioneers will lead a workshop (5–7 pm) guiding participants in Plant relation techniques. Participants will be introduced to key practices that wake up our innate intelligence to connect and communicate with Nature on deeper levels. The workshop is free with advance registration; however donations of $10 to $25 are very welcome. To register, please email Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower at 3moonsisters@gmail.com.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

New York State Election Information Everyone Should Know

Presented by the Delaware County, NY Board of Elections

Q: How can a voter update their registration

(change of name, address, party enrollment)?

A: Voters may use the online voter registration (OVR) portal on the State Board’s web page or a voter registration form downloaded from our county’s website to update their registration.

 Notices of change of name or address from registered voters must be received at least 15 days before an election by the County Board of Elections. An application to change one's party enrollment in any year must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than February 14th in order to vote in that party’s Primary Election(s) for that year.

Q: How are the voter rolls maintained in New York State to ensure they are updated and accurate?

A: County Boards of Elections use approved voter registration systems and software to 

maintain and update the voter registration records of voters within the county. List

Maintenance is one of the most important functions of the County Boards of Elections. 

Voter records are constantly changing as new voters are registered, voters update their

records, statuses of voters change, and voters are purged after moving, dying, becoming

 incarcerated, etc. All list maintenance is conducted by bipartisan teams to ensure the

 process is fair, safe and accurate.~

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Dry Conditions Lead To No Burning Advisories In the Region

CATSKILL REGION - As drier than normal conditions continue, even with some rain on Tuesday, burn bans have been issued  in several counties, including Delaware, Greene and Schoharie counties. Delaware has issued the ban until further notice.

Delaware County Chairman Tina Molé issued a State of Emergency and instituted a countywide burn ban effective from Oct. 25 and continuing until rescinded by the Chairman of the Board.

In Schoharie County, Supervisor Chairman Bill Federice issued a ban until Nov. 1.

"A prolonged lack of rainfall has caused abnormally dry environmental conditions, and extended forecasting shows the lack of precipitation to continue at least over the next few days. Conditions include dry ground cover which has increased substantially with the time of year, leading to a significantly elevated risk of wildfires. Therefore, in the interest of public safety, a county-wide burn ban is being instated.

"The very dry environmental conditions exist, leading to the rapid spread of any open
fires. This burn ban is in effect for all open burning, including, but not limited to campfires, brush piles, burn barrels, wood stove ash dumping, leaf/yard debris, and
torches or other devices containing an open flame.

"Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense to wit; Class B misdemeanor, punishable by law under the NYS Executive Law, Article 2-B, the release states."

Those who may be dumping ashes from a wood stove are advised to put them in water and make sure there are no remaining embers.

Since the ban, some fire departments have been called to extinguish controlled burns and fire last week burned down a second home when the owners dumped ashes into a compost pile and despite dousing it with water, those embers still smoldering started to burn, spreading to the cabin and a shed and threatening the woods.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

The Roxbury Arts Group Announces 2024 Community Photo Show

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 share as well as  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.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Community Potluck at Harpersfield UMC

HARPERSFIELD — Harpersfield UMC is hosting this month's Community Potluck.  It will take place at the Harpersfield Grange Hall 170 Wilcox Road, Harpersfield.  There will be a variety of types of chili, salads, breads and desserts. This month's donation will go toward the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which helps Veteran's with a variety of services.  All are welcome to come for great food and fellowship!

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

County Chamber Launches National Civics Bee

DELHI — The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce recently announced the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools from across New York State are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a panel of judges review the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Delaware County Chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. 

Participants in the National Civics Bee will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills, and compete for prestigious prizes, including a $500 cash prize for the county champion. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.

Winners from each of the local competitions across New York will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the Fall of 2025. 

“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

More information, including student and teacher resources and an online portal for essay submission, is available under the Event and Programs tab at www.DelawareCounty.org.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

DA Reviewing Potential Out-of-District Enrollment

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - The Delaware Academy Central School District (DA) Policy Committee is reviewing a potential adjustment to the out-of-district enrollment policy. The district currently has a "no-tuition" policy that prohibits individuals outside of the district boundary from attending. Superintendent Carey Shultz said the committee has prepared a draft policy but has no plans to present it to the Board of Education (BOE). "It's still in discussion," he said.

The possible adjustment was suggested after former Superintendent Kelly Zimmerman received several requests for enrollment. In April the BOE decided the topic warranted further investigation and tasked the policy committee with exploring options. The board further agreed that the community, students, and staff should all be included in such conversation.

During the October meeting, policy committee members invited school principals to ask questions and express concerns. There was some concern regarding rising mental health issues in students, Shultz reported. He added that there was some positive feedback as well. The committee presented findings from meeting with principals to BOE members during an executive session on Oct. 28. 

BOE members previously expressed concerns with enrollment numbers if an out-of-district policy were permitted. Schultz said the draft policy does not include an enrollment cap but contains safeguards including no increase in district costs and language on class sizes. 

When asked how many students the enrollment policy might serve, Shults said it is difficult to determine. Neighboring districts that have initiated a similar program in the past had "a handful" of student participation, he noted. Participation will likely be dependent on tuition rates, he said. Transportation can be a hindrance to the program as it is not provided, Shults added. 

While the committee is still exploring tuition rates, Shultz does not anticipate many changes to the draft policy. Before presenting to the BOE, Shultz said the committee would like to review the outcomes of a few State happenings.

The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) has employed the Rockefeller Institute of Government for a regionalization survey. Regionalization is a State initiative that seeks to congregate local districts to share resources and exchange effective practices to develop equal educational opportunities. The survey, prompted in September, will identify opportunities for collaboration resulting in cost efficiencies or greater educational opportunities. The survey is expected to be completed by Dec. 6. 

In addition, the State is again reviewing its school foundation aid formula. Foundation Aid determines how much each public school district will receive from state aid based on need. This is the main funding source for most districts. 

"We are on pause," said Shultz as the district awaits funding and regionalization information. 

Shultz noted the district has explored this policy change a few times in the past ten years. "I think they (policy committee and BOE members) are doing a good job of looking at all different angles," Shultz concluded.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Community Invited To Special Church Service for Veterans Nov. 14

HARPERSFIELD – on Nov. 14, the Harpersfield United Methodist Church invites everyone to the church for a special service for our veterans. We Have our regular service every Thursday evening at 6 p.m., followed by a potluck supper each week. We would love to have you come and join our church family on Thursday nights.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Benefit Chili Dinner Nov. 2 at Colonel Harper Grange

HARPERSFIELD – The Harpersfield United Methodist Church is holding a chili dinner, serving from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Colonel Harper Grange Hall. It is by donation and all the proceeds will go to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. Your donation will honor and help support our military, first responders, and their families, who have sacrificed so much for our country.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation has been helping American heroes since 9/11 by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget Sept. 11, 2001.

"Let's show our support to all our heroes who risk their lives for us each and every day.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Lady Rams Headed to Sectional Title Game

ONEONTA   – The Rams fans will be on the road Saturday and depending on what happened just after press time Wednesday, they could be rooting for two teams. The boys were set to play their semi final on Wednesday. Game times were not determined by press time.

The Lady Rams advanced from Tuesday's Section IV, Class D semifinal game as they defeated the defending champion Edmeston/Morris 1-0 at the Wright National Soccer Campus in Oneonta.

The two teams played to a 0-0 tie over the first half, but Annlyse Haynes broke the stalemate midway through the second half as she out-hustled the defense to find the goal. Addy Eckert kept Schenevus off the board as she put in an excellent defensive game inside the goal.

They will face Schenevus for the championship title this Saturday, Nov. 2, back at the Wright campus.

Schenevus, seeded ninth, got by Franklin on penalty kicks after the two teams battled to a 1-1 tie over two overtime periods.

SK/A advanced to the semifinal game after defeating league rival and league championship rival Charlotte Valley last Saturday. Jaylee Kelly found the mark on a breakaway play in the opening half and the Lady Rams were able to hang on to the one goal lead for the remainder of the game.

Charlotte Valley finishes the season at 10-6 and in first place in the Delaware League.

In their quarterfinal game, Windham fell to Franklin 2-1 last Saturday. Zeta Pitti scored on a penalty kick for WAJ. Windham was seeded fourth in the playoffs and will finish their season at 8-3-3.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Rams Advance to Sectional Semis

ONTONATA –The South Kortright Rams are the only Delaware League team still standing as Roxbury-Gilboa-Conesville lost 2-1 to Worcester in double overtime last Saturday.

South Kortright/Andes shutout Laurens/Milford 3-0 on Saturday to advance to Wednesday's semifinal game back at the Wright National Soccer Campus in Oneonta.

Boston Quarino, ColeThomas and JB Trimbell each connected on a goal, with Jack Byrne adding an assist to advance SK/A. Parker Popp kept L/M off the scoreboard as he put out 10 saves in the win.

SK/A scored two goals in the first half and added an insurance goal in the second half to bring home the win.

The Rams are the defending Sectional champions, defeating Edmeston last year for the title. The two teams could be rematched, depending on the outcome of Wednesday's semifinal games.

Worcester scored early in Saturday's quarterfinal with GCR, but GCR returned in the second half to even it 1-1 at the end of regulation. Derek Land scored the winning goal in the second overtime period off an assist from Spencer Head. Worcester's first goal was scored by Conner Land. 

GCR got its goal from Collin Lyke, off assists fro Gavin Bohringer.

GCR ended a highly successful season as they won first place, finishing league play perfectly at 7-0  in the Delaware League and were co-champions with Walton/Downsville.

Saturday's sectional title will be determined at the Wright National Soccer Campus. Depending on the outcome of Wednesday's pairing South Kortright and Edmeston could face off for the title once again.

Edmeston advanced with a 3-0 shutout over Cherry Valley-Springfield/Sharon Springs on Saturday and Elmira Notre Dame defeated Morris to advance to Wednesday's semifinal.

The SK/A girls are already headed to the championship game at Wright and the Rams fans were hoping they could root for two teams on Saturday. Game times have not yet been determined.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

SFD Receives $300,000 State Grant for PPE

By Liz Page

LEEDS – The ride from Stamford to Leeds last Friday was one that was full of anticipation and hope as two fire commissions and the chief of the Stamford Fire Department traveled to the Leeds Fire Hall where Governor Kathy Hochul awarded $25 million in state funds to improve facilities and response capabilities for volunteer firefighters.

"We had no idea how much we had been awarded," said Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten."We received an email asking us to come to the Leeds station." 

It wasn't until after the press conference they learned via email that the Stamford  Department had been awarded $300,000 of the $350,000 grant for which they had applied.

Tim Powell, chairman of the Stamford Joint Fire District Commissioners, who wrote the grant, and Bill Sharick, a member of the department and a commissioner, traveled with VanEtten. They met with the Governor and other fire officials at the Leeds Fire Station. Leeds received $1 million to construct a new fire station.

The funding, provided through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, was awarded to 88 entities across the state, through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment Grant Program, according to a news release from Hochul’s office.

The state funding for the initiative is divided into two tracks of eligible projects — facility improvement projects or equipment purchase projects.

“Volunteer firefighters exemplify the best of public servants, and an investment in them is an investment in the safety of the communities they serve,”  said Governor Hochul.  “These grants will give volunteer firefighters the resources they need to continue protecting New Yorkers; support befitting of their professionalism and the invaluable weight of their efforts.”

Across the state, many volunteer fire departments are struggling to maintain their facilities and the equipment that keeps New Yorkers safe. This program will assist in ensuring that fire stations and fire training facilities within New York State are safe, structurally sound, meet current building codes and regulations, and support or promote effective and safe firefighting practices.

The Stamford Department will use the grant money to purchase new turnout gear for interior and exterior firefighters. "A significant portion of our current gear is aging out," said VanEtten. "We have also had an influx of about 20 new members and we have no additional gear to supply those members."

The department's air packs are also aging and many can no longer be repaired. New air packs are expensive to purchase. "This will allow us to circulate the old air packs out of service and it will give us some backup units. This will allow us to bring the personal protective gear up-to-date both for our interior and exterior firefighters."

The Stamford Fire Department has added several new members to the department, a unique situation compared to the lack of volunteerism trend that is occurring nationally. "It is important to make sure each member of our department is fully protected," said VanEtten.

The V-FIRE Grant Program supports volunteer firefighter safety and health and wellness by providing adequate and up-to-date equipment to include personal protective equipment, decontamination equipment and supplies and effective exhaust removal systems, the release stated.

Additionally, the program will support the consolidation of fire service resources through regionalization efforts to expand beyond jurisdictional boundaries to further enhance local, county, and statewide response efforts.

Allowable costs include the construction of new, or renovation of existing fire stations, classrooms, meeting spaces, or training centers as well as the installation of exhaust and decontamination systems, or the purchase of equipment such as firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), PPE washers and dryers and firefighter rehabilitation equipment.

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Our volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line every time they suit up to help others in need.  Through the V-FIRE Grant Program, we are working to ensure they have the resources they need to do their work safely and effectively. We thank our volunteers for their service and are grateful for the work they do to keep their communities  safe.”  Applications from volunteer fire departments were evaluated and scored competitively by a team at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services using a multi-tiered listing of criteria, the release stated. The scoring process evaluated the timeliness and completeness of applications as well as a number of other factors including the department’s annual operating budget. Those with smaller annual operating budgets were given priority.

Other departments in Delaware County that received funding, included the Kortright Rural Fire District in the amount of $30,000 to purchase equipment and the Arkville Fire District in the amount of $61,191 to improve facilities. (See separate story on Schoharie County grant recipients.)

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD