Decking the Halls And Celebrating the Holidays

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – The Stamford Village crew was busy earlier this week, putting up lighted kissing balls along Main St. and installing the large snowflakes in Veterans Park. Ulla Wadner, of the Stamford Village Improvement Association (SVIA)  was out and about last week, lighting small Christmas trees and helping to decorate the gazebo in Veterans Park. It is all being done in time for Saturday's tree lighting in the park, which culminates a busy weekend in the village and the region as local communities prepare to celebrate the holidays. We have listed just a few of the events that are planned for this month. We started with this weekend's events.

Many communities and organizations host special events to help get us into the holiday spirit, to draw us into the community.

There  are organizations working to make things a bit merrier and brighter for some of us who need a little lifting in spirit. The annual Christmas Feeling Fund volunteers were working to wrap a couple of hundred toys just last week and next week they will be working to distribute the food, warm clothing, and gifts through an effort that involves many local organizations and assists more than 100 families. That to many is the true spirit of the holidays.

At Roxbury Central there is a mitten tree, sponsored by the PTSA. They will be collecting new mittens/or hats to decorate the tree in the main foyer. They are also collecting non-perishable food items to put under the tree.  The items will be donated to children and families in need in their community.

There are many such efforts taking place.

Local animal shelters and a myriad of other organizations have special activities that provide numerous opportunities for giving this season or to simply enjoy the season.

There is a group of singers at the Robinson-Terrace Pavilion on Buntline Drive in Stamford who have been rehearsing and  will be giving a special concert on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.. They will open their program with holiday songs and close the program with spirit of America songs, such as Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

You can decorate cookies, have dinner or sundaes with Santa, sing Carols, go shopping, or do whatever makes your heart a little bit lighter and happier. Our communities are beckoning our participation.

The Festival of Trees display is at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Dec. 30 . There are many beautifully decorated trees, created by local non-profits, to view. They are creative and inspiring.

Christmas Magic arrives in Bloomville this Saturday at 6 p.m.. The community there is gathering at the Bloomville Park to kick off the Holiday Season by lighting up the park with decorated trees. They are inviting the community to donate themed, decorated Christmas Trees to be placed in the park for the month of December. It is open to anyone and they will provide the electricity. Entries will be judged for the favorite. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via a Bloomville fire truck promptly at 6 p.m.. There will be a hot cocoa bar and delicious chili. Anyone with questions, or to register, contact Heather@607-6443-3812.  And don't forget to bring your letter to Santa to put in Santa's mailbox, which is in the park now, waiting for letters to go to the North Pole.

The Bloomville Pride Committee has other activities planned over the next few weeks as well.

Conesville is also inviting the community to come out for their Community Christmas and Tree Lighting Celebration, this Saturday, Dec. 7, sponsored by the Conesville UMC and held at the Conesville Fire Hall. It starts at 4:15 with hayrides. There will be crafts, a DJ, refreshments, Santa ,and more. The event is sponsored by many community organizations.

The Headwaters Art Center in Stamford is inviting people to stop in this Saturday and create a homemade gift from noon to 2 p.m.. The art center is located at 66 Main St. in Stamford. The event will also be featured at the same time on Dec. 21.

The Stamford Village Tree Lighting is part of the Summer Concert Series held in Veterans Park. You are invited to gather in the park at 4 p.m., with the tree lighting at dusk. Three local musicians will help everyone sing some holiday songs and Santa arrives at 4:30 for photos. Prior to that, there is a popup market at Catskill Junction, as well as around the community.

The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society is hosting its annual Holiday for the Heart Tree Celebration at the humane society. Beautifully decorated holiday trees, wreaths, live holiday music, a bake sale, light fare, holiday gift shopping, and more. They do ask for a $5 donation on the day of the event, which includes one raffle ticket. The tickets to win a decorated tree will be pulled on Dec. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m..

In Cobleskill, there are pet photos with Santa, which is free, but they do ask you to consider donations for the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kelley Farm and Garden Agway, 239 West Main St., Cobleskill.

It is also Christmas in Schoharie at the Schoharie Library this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. There will be Drop-In Family Crafts and Holiday Storytime at 1 p.m. There will be hot beverages and cookies available, while supplies last. The library is located at 103 Knowles Ave.

The Stamford Central School will be alive this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-4 p.m with the Stamford NY Farm & Artisan Indoor Holiday Market. There will be amazing local artisans, farmers, bakers and small businesses. It is an opportunity to support local businesses all under one roof and find thoughtful handcrafted gifts. The event will benefit the SCS Yearbook Club.

This Sunday at 2 p.m. you are invited to enjoy ice cream sundaes with Santa at the Gilboa Town Hall. Make your own ice cream sundae, make a craft, and visit with Santa. There is the M&I Photo Frenzy with their photo booth. You are invited to bring an item for the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley and earn a ticket for a prize. The tree will be lighted at the end of the day to spread Gilboa sparkle as we move into the holiday season. They also sing a Carol or two.

The Grand Gorge Fire Department is having Dinner and Tree Lighting with Santa and Friends this Sunday, Dec. 8 from 4-7 p.m. at the firehouse on State Route 30. They will be serving up hamburgers and hot dogs, mac and cheese and dessert. Please call or text Jim with your reservation at 607-437-1133 to provide the number attending and the ages of the kids.

Next weekend is also packed with many activities.

On Friday, Dec. 13, from 3-5 p.m., the Stamford Village Library is serving up hot chocolate and cookies, ornament making, stories with Mrs. Claus, and Letters to Santa. At 5 p.m., they plan on Christmas Caroling, so dress warmly.

Also on Dec. 13, there will be Sundaes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the South Kortright Central School from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be stories with Mrs. Claus and you will be able to take your own picture with Santa. It is free and open to all ages. There will also be shopping in the hallways by the Environmental Club.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be Christmas Caroling on a Hay Wagon, a hot cocoa bar and ice cream sundaes at 4 p.m. in the Bloomville Park and on Sunday, Dec. 22 they will be serving up S'more around the fire and there will be a special visit from The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who at 4 p.m. in Bloomville Park. They advise you to stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details on their events.

The Stamford Fire Department will be escorting Santa and the Grinch in a fire truck parade on Sunday, Dec. 21, starting at 4:30 p.m. and traveling throughout the village. Be ready to wave to Santa.

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Quilt of Valor Presented to Frank Leonardo

By Liz Page 

HARPERSFIELD – They call it the civilian equivalent to the Purple Heart provides community, warmth, and strength and is created with love, gratitude, and sometimes tears. It is the Quilt of Valor, sewn by caring hands for someone who has served with honor, performed their duty and helped to ensure the freedom we have today.

A trio of Colonel Harper Grange members worked together over the summer to create their first Quilt of Valor and on Nov. 19 they  awarded to Frank Leonardo, during a special veterans ceremony at the grange. Leonardo served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He was stationed at Bangor, Main and Dover, Delaware.

Marianne Ciulla, Priscilla Marigliano, and Pat Hornbeck, all members of the grange, worked on the quilt as a way to honor our service members and veterans affected by war. It was Hornbeck who came up with the idea and quilting buddies Ciulla and Marigliano didn't hesitate. They were on board immediately. "I always wanted to do one," said Ciulla.

"This quilt brings you a three-part message from our hearts: honor, freedom and comfort," said Ciulla. "First, we honor you for your service to our country in the Air Force." Honor for leaving behind all he held dear to stand in harm's way during a time of crises and protecting the rest from the effects of war.

"Next, we know that freedom is not free," continued Ciulla. "The cost of our freedom is the dedication of lives of men and women like you, and this quilt means to say 'Thank You' for your sacrifices.

And finally, she said, "The quilt is to provide him comfort and remind him that although your family and friends cannot always be with you, you are forever in all our thoughts and our hearts.

Leonardo, who is a fellow grange member, is also a member of the American Legion and is "always very patriotic."

Marigliano talked about the origin of the Quilt of Valor. The founder describes them as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart. Catherine Roberts founded the project as a way of thinking of servicemen wrapped in a quilt rather than engaged in combat while her son was deployed in Iraq. She described her situation as "10 seconds away from a panic attack 24 hours a day. The quilts became her mission and more than 250,000 quilts have been awarded in the United States and abroad. 

The quilts are awarded, not just handed out. It says Thank You for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation. "This is not a charity quilt; it is not a blanket. It has three layers held together by the stitches. Think of the layers in this way. The top of the quilt with its many colors, shapes and fabrics represents the many individuals and communities we are in.

"The batting material is the filler at the center of the  quilt that provides warmth. It represents the hope that this recipient, and the support of their families, our communities and our nation.  Each stitch that holds the layers together represents love, gratitude, and sometimes the tears of the makers."

Hornbeck said that with the awarding of the quilt, it became his story. "We hope you will keep them as tangible reminders that there are many millions of women and men across the land who are forever in your debt, and that it was our pleasure to honor you with this Quilt of Valor. Thank you again for your service to our country and for participating in our ceremony.

In addition to Leonardo, the grange acknowledged, recognized and thanked the other veterans present, including:

Frank Ciulla, who served from 1963-1965 in the United States Army. An infantryman. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, "Guarding the Boarders of Georgia." He was honorably discharged in 1965.

Lenny Marigliano served from 1961 -1965 in the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas, Maine, and the Philippines. He was a second class airman and was honorably discharged in 1966.

Tom Hornbeck served from 1975-1979 in the United States Navy. He was a Gunner's Mate stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1979.

Bill Nicholson, who served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957 and was a staff sergeant, stationed in Texas and Mississippi. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

Also present for the special veterans ceremony was Mark Dunlap, director of the Delaware County Veterans Service Agency. He provided information about the services available to veterans through a number of programs.

Marianne Ciulla said it was a good way to remind everyone about veterans and their sacrifices. "We may do this as an ongoing project and ask others to join us. I think it is important to remind people that these veterans were once vibrant, active young men who left home and their families to protect our freedom."

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Christmas Concert and Organ Recital in Hobart

HOBART – Organist Eddie Zheng is returning to the Hobart Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 20 for a recital and Christmas concert. The event, which begins at 6:00 pm, will include solo works and familiar hymns and carols. Vocalist Fred Nelson will also perform.

Eddie Zheng earned his combined Bachelor's and Master’s degree at Juilliard with renowned organist Paul Jacobs, and currently continues his study with Jacobs in the Juilliard Artist Diploma program. Born and raised in New York City, he has been described as a “rising star” in the world of concert organ music by the American Guild of Organists. Zheng has traveled the world, enthralling audiences with his artistry and musical sensitivity in performances across the United States, Canada, France, and China. He has earned accolades in several prominent competitions, including first place awards at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition and the AGO Quimby Northeast Regional Competition and, most recently, the highest awarded prize at the 2024 Pierre de Manchicourt International Organ Competition in St. Omer, France. In 2023, Zheng was the recipient of the Juilliard School’s Joseph W. Polisi Award for outstanding artistry and leadership in community engagement. In addition to his concertizing, Eddie Zheng is dedicated to broadening the appreciation of organ music and engaging with audiences of all ages through service playing and teaching. He is currently serving as Assistant Organist at Saint Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church in New York, where he contributes to the church’s renowned Anglo-Catholic liturgy and service music. Zheng has previously served as Organ Scholar at Rye Presbyterian Church and Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, and as Associate Organist at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and most recently, at First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, CT. He also maintains a thriving teaching studio where he can share his knowledge and passion with more than 10 organ students of all ages, helping to ensure the future of organ playing.

He will be playing the church’s impressive M. P. Möller pipe organ, installed in 1914, restored in 1979 and currently in excellent form, and will provide occasional commentary and explanation.

The Hobart Presbyterian Church is located on Maple Avenue in Hobart. There is an elevator for those wishing to avoid stairs. There will be a freewill offering. For further information, visit the church’s facebook page, @hobartpres.

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DEP Announces New Initiative

Monday, November 25th, at the DEP Offices on Smith Street in Kingston, community  leaders gathered to announce an exciting new initiative to improve wireless  connectivity across the watershed. NYC DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala kicked  off the press conference, discussing the project’s aim to build wireless infrastructure  that will not only enhance DEP operations but also address the gaps in connectivity  affecting local communities.  

The project will help fill in "dead zones" along critical roadways and ensure better  communications for first responders, especially in rural areas where cellular service  is often unreliable. The DEP's ability to create this infrastructure on their land will  allow private wireless carriers to also utilize it to provide much-needed service to  residents and businesses. 

Tina Molé, Chairwoman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and one of the  community collaborators on the project remarked about the significance of the project  for the county. She highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to improve broadband  and cellular service, noting that while broadband access has improved in recent years,  cellular service remains a major concern—particularly in more rural and densely  populated areas. This project will not only improve emergency communication but  will also help address the challenges caused by unreliable cellular coverage and the  region’s electric grid which is sometimes affected by extreme weather events. 

The speakers emphasized the importance of this initiative for safety, quality of life,  and economic development in the region. By working collaboratively with local and  state partners, the DEP is making a significant step forward in improving connectivity, which will benefit both the DEP's operations and the surrounding communities. 

We are excited to see how this project will continue to grow and improve life in  Delaware County and beyond.

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Western Catskills and Chamber Invite Public to Business Mixer Dec. 17

STAMFORD — Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council (WCCRC) and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce are hosting a Holiday Business Mixer on December 17, from 5 to 7 pm, at The Dinner Plate Restaurant in Stamford. 

All business owners and staff are invited to celebrate the upcoming holidays, exchange ideas, network, and learn more about the business and community development efforts of WCCRC and the County Chamber. 

Earlier this year WCCRC launched its Business Assistance Program to create more economic opportunities by increasing business ownership, create and retain private sector jobs, improve access to mentoring and financing, and expand sales. Its recent Entrepreneur Bootcamp brought together business owners in real estate, retail, artisans, food producers, hospitality, farming, construction, and landscaping. 

County Chamber representatives will introduce attendees to its National Civics Bee, a regional high school senior mentoring program, public transportation study, Candidate Training Institute, and other initiatives. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for networking and company brochures to share. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening. There is no fee to attend and advance registration is required. More information, including registration, is available under the Programs and Events tab at DelawareCounty.org.

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Construction Completed on the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower

After four years of planning, preparation, and fundraising, the construction of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower was, finally, completed on Tuesday, November 19th. There are a few more steps needed to get a Certificate of Occupancy before the tower can be opened to the public. In the meantime, hikers can already enjoy a view of the tower from the trail below the summit.  The tower can also be seen from many places in the Delaware River Valley. There is a particularly clear view of it from Route 10 between Bloomville and Hoag’s Crossing.

Another announcement will be made when Certificate of Occupancy is issued and the tower can be opened to the public. Dates for the ribbon cutting and other celebrations will be announced in the near future.

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Santa Claus Is Coming To Delhi - He's Also Headed to Bloomville & Bovina

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - It's the merry time of year when flurries of snow tickle our cheeks, carolers roam the streets, and if you're lucky Santa will pop into town. This year, Santa's Slay will ride down Delhi's Main Street on Friday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the annual Holiday Parade hosted by the Delhi Chamber of Commerce. 

Now most of us remember from our time as children the magic of Christmas is unique. Portraying Santa is not as simple as putting on the big red suit. A Santa should be jolly with a twinkle in his eye and of course, be able to pull off a long white beard. 

William Cairns has proudly worn the suit for Delhi for the past seven years. Cairns is what my Mom would call "A good Santa." He just looks the part with a welcoming friendly face and as a bonus his beard is real! 

Cairns took over the role from the late John Jones. In 2016, Jones became ill and was unable to participate in Delhi's event. Jones quickly recruited Cairns to help out. "I didn't have much of a beard yet that first year," Cairns remembered, "I quickly started growing it in November."

Jones sadly passed away that Christmas Eve, but before leaving this world, he shared some jolly wisdom with Cairns. "He passed the suit onto me," he recalled, “I went to visit him in the hospital, because I thought, geez I don't know anything about playing Santa." Jones gave some helpful pointers telling Cairns the job entails listening to the children.

Of course, Santa still needs help when he is out spreading cheer. He needs a Mrs. Claus and June Barriger is a seasoned partner. Barriger has been playing Mrs. Claus for many years, first taking the role with her cousin Jones. "Barriger makes me look like I know what I'm doing," said Cairns. She is wonderful with the children, he notes, she hears and understands what they say and offers a comforting nudge for nervous visitors. 

The Santa role quickly grew for Cairns. The same year he was featured in Delhi, Cairns was asked to visit the Bovina Fire Department. This year Santa will be at the Bovina Fire Station, 36 Maple Ave on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. collecting letters and handing out candy canes. 

Cairns will also be at Bloomville Park on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. for Christmas Magic Arrives in Bloomville Lighting Up The Park event hosted by Bloomville Community Pride. 

Lastly, this Santa will appear at the Sundaes with Santa event at South Kortright Central School on Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

For Cairns the magic is in "the kids who really believe and are excited to get their opportunity to tell Santa what they want," he said, "it just makes it really special."

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SUNY Delhi PresidentAppointed Co-Chair of Economic Development Council

ALBANY — Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed SUNY Delhi President Dr. Mary Bonderoff to serve as Co-Chair of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (STREDC), effective immediately. She joins Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) Executive Director Judy McKinney-Cherry as Council Co-Chair as the STREDC continues it focused work to grow the economy in the eight county Southern Tier region which includes Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tompkins counties.

Since 2011, the REDC process has transformed New York State government’s approach to economic development by creating a statewide framework for bottom-up, regional economic growth and streamlining the state funding application process. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations.

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Supervisors Re-Allocate $200K ARPA Funds & Adopt 2025 Budget

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors re-allocated unused ARPA funds and adopted the 2025 budget on Nov. 26. 

Delaware County received $8,672,706 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds half distributed in 2021 and again in 2022. Supervisors allocated $500,000 in 2022 to restore the Soldiers Monument at Delhi Courthouse Square. The project, now completed, had a remaining balance of $220,086. Supervisors elected to reallocate $200,000 of that balance to the Agricultural and Livestock-Farm Enhancement Program through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). 

Supervisors previously awarded $1 million in ARPA funds for the CCE project to combat issues due to the pandemic, which disrupted agricultural markets. Qualifying farms could request grants of up to $5,000 for crop production costs or up to $25,000 for improvement projects. To date, the initiative has supported roughly 49 farms. Additional funding is expected to fund eight to ten more projects.

"This has really made an impact on agriculture," said Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott. Comments from an outside audit of CCE were impressed by the enrichment grant program, said Scott who is CCE Board President. The auditors said this should be a best management practice across the board, she recalled.

Scott and Andes Supervisor Wayland Marshfield, as a participant of the program, both obtained from the vote.

ARPA Committee Chair and Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield explained that all ARPA funds must be allocated by 2024 year-end. The county has roughly $33,918 in ARPA funds remaining. The committee will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and supervisors are expected to approve allocations later that same day.

In other business, supervisors adopted the 2025 budget of roughly $130 million. The tax levy of $35,526,779 is an increase of 1.83% or $640,377 over 2024. The budget includes a salary of $16,465 for each of the 18 supervisors and a salary of $75,588 for the board chair.

Marshfield, a finance committee member, noted challenges in organizing the budget including a nearly $640,000 increase in spending. Significant increases include a 20% rise in special education and foster care service costs, retirement premiums jumping $1.1 million, and increased medical insurance of $442,000. Marshfield highlighted the County's duty to make towns and schools whole by paying unpaid taxes. Roughly $6.6 million was allocated for unpaid school taxes and $2.5 for unpaid property taxes. To manage these expenses, Marshfield said a lot of cutting had to be done to keep under the 2% tax cap.

"Is it a perfect budget, no, but its a good budget," said Finance Director Art Merrill, "It's a good group (the finance committee), there are seven of us and we study it (the budget) very hard."

In other resolutions:

Supervisors approved the tax roll collection for 2025 of $193,404 to be paid by towns for preparation of assessment rolls, and tax bills. Towns were additionally charged levy amounts as follows: Andes $10,850, Bovina $4,877, Colchester $9,073, Davenport $9,308, Delhi $8,147, Deposit $6,877, Franklin $12,585, Hamden $5,063, Hancock $6,329, Harpersfield $4,503, Kortright $10,069, Masonville $6,558, Meredith $10,069, Middletown $107,068, Robury $11,770, Sidney $23,045, Stamford $6,720, and Tompkins $1,589. 

Self-insurance funds for workers' compensation and volunteer firemen's benefits were approved at $1,600,000.

Supervisors approved the apportionment of mortgage taxes totaling $393,401 to be distributed to towns and villages. Total amounts allocated to tax districts include Andes $22,533, Bovina $1,649, Colchester $10,906, Davenport $21,191, Delhi $36,711, Deposit $12,515, Franklin $18,600, Hamden $17,287, Hancock $31,946, Harpersfield $11,322, Kortright $6,701, Masonville $6,862, Meredith $10,568, Middletown $50,292, Roxbury $56,074, Sidney $29,866, Stamford $18,300, Tompkins $2,584, and Walton $27,485.

Supervisors honored former Social Services Director Sylvia Armano who passed away suddenly earlier this year. The new foster care family and children visitation center on Main Street in Delhi was officially named the Armanno Center. Armanno served the county for 33 years.

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

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WAC Denies Request For BMP Delivery Dates - Audit Reviewed & Improved Brand Identity

By Mary A. Crisafulli

HAMDEN -  The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) selected to continue with current guidelines regarding the Best Management Practices (BMP) program following a request for timelines. 

BMPs are adequate methods for preventing and reducing pollution from operations and enhancing water quality. WACs program is voluntary and involves development of a Whole Farm Plan that outlines an approach for BMPs which could include the reconstruction of facilities, movement of crop fields, and stream buffer installation, among other improvement projects. 

The request was received through ongoing litigation where the petitioner, Colm Ryan, is concerned with the fairness and transparency of WA operations. This request asks the WAC administration to provide a timeline for installation of BMPs.

WAC Board Member Jennifer Grossman noted the unanimous decision to stop offering specific BMP dates was made nearly 11 years ago. "Frankly it was not rational to provide dates that we did not have control over," she said, adding that weather, planning, farm strategies, among other things, led to delays. There are too many "uncontrollable factors," Grossman said. "That participant signed three different whole farm plans without date schedule for years," she continued, "It was uniform, a responsibility to the program that allows us to be frank, honest, and open and pivot when needed to supply services to our participants as needed."

"I don't understand why someone would not see this is how we have to run this program with all the variabilities," said WAC Board Member Robert Thomas Huston, "It baffles me we even have to go down this road."

Board Member Paul Gallay asked how information is provided to farmers on where they stand in the BMP priority list.

Agricultural Program Manager Connor Young explained that there is a cumulative list that is prioritized annually where there is an estimate provided over a two-year range. He highlighted that the list is a living document as various items impact it including farmer readiness. "It's difficult to know exactly when something will occur," he said, “It's a very difficult thing to do in a long term sense." Young noted that field staff proactively work with farmers and answer any questions they have.

The vote was unanimous in the council's intent not to assign implementation dates for whole-farm BMPs.

In another discussion, WAC received a clean opinion with fairly reported finances from the audit conducted by RBT. The main finding included late filed forms which could lead to penalties.

Communications Manager Heather Magnan, East of Hudson Forestry Program Coordinator Tyler Van Fleet, and Forestry Program Outreach Specialist Heather Hilson have been diligently working to streamline and improve WAC's brand identity. The three found the majority of WAC work involves outreach and education. Traditionally each program has developed its own branding and promotional materials. The branding initiative seeks to develop uniform materials and ensure recipients see WAC as the provider. In addition, the group has been developing educational bins and training courses, some of which have already been rolled out.

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Obituary - Diane J. (Hayes) Becker

Diane J. (Hayes) Becker of Middleburgh, peacefully returned to Our Lord on November 20, 2024, after a long illness.

Diane was married to the love of her life, Lance L. Becker, for 52 years before Lance's passing in 2011.  Diane has been joyfully reunited with Lance in God's hands. 

Diane leaves behind three heartbroken children, Sue Ellen (Becker) Healy and her husband John of Milton, MA; Lauren (Becker) Reinhart and her husband Joseph of Schoharie, NY; and Lance Becker and his wife Brenda of Myrtle Beach, SC.  Diane is predeceased by her daughter, Kristine Becker Muller Barkley, of Scotia, NY. 

The daughter of the late Paul and Ann Hayes, Diane was born on March 22, 1941, and grew up in her most favorite place on earth—Hull, MA, which she visited as often as she could. The second child of six, she is survived by her brothers, Paul P. Hayes, Jr. of Kingston, MA, and Sean P. Hayes of Miami, FL, as well as her sister, Dolores (Hayes) Kane, of Kingston, MA. Diane is predeceased by her brother Charles Hayes and her sister Sharon (Hayes) Frediani, both of Spain.   

Diane also leaves behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren—Sarah (Healy) Davis, her husband, Jon, and their children Samantha and Jack of Enfield, CT; Zachary Reinhart, his wife, Amanda, and their children, Grace and Madison, of Schoharie, NY; Jared Reinhart, his wife, Vanessa, and their children Otis and Sawyer of Middleburgh, NY; Ryan Healy and his wife, Danielle, of Auburn, MA; Peter Muller, his wife, Kaitlyn, and their son Caleb of Hagerstown, PA; Lucas Muller, his wife, Stephanie, and their son Killian of Schenectady, NY; and Alyssa (Becker) Sossei and her husband, Erik, of Albany, NY.  Diane is survived by countless nieces, nephews and cousins from around the country and Spain. 

Diane worked tirelessly for the Democratic Committee of Schoharie County and served as the Deputy Commissioner of Elections for over 30 years before retiring to spend time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed hosting many holidays in the "Big House," sewing, gardening, singing, cooking, and hiking.  For years, Diane and Lance enjoyed showing and breeding English Springer Spaniels and were especially proud of having one shown at the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden in New York City.   

Diane was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, as evidenced throughout her entire life.  She instilled love, faith and integrity in all her family.  She will be forever missed, but always remembered for her kindness, humor and good nature. She was always supportive of her entire family in their endeavors.  

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Diane's life will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, December 16, 2024

at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Main Street, Middleburgh. Inurnment will be in the Middleburgh Cemetery.

Diane had a deep belief in God and Christian service.  Kindly consider a donation in Diane's name to The Joshua Project of Schoharie County, PO Box 413, Middleburgh, NY 12122.  https://joshuaschoharie.org

Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences.

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Cudmore Publishes Negative Girl

By Matthew Avitabile

ONEONTA — A popular local author is making another splash with the publication of her second novel, Negative Girl. Cudmore is a Cobleskill-Richmondville graduate who lives in Oneonta, following her first novel The Big Rewind with a new publication.

Cudmore is the daughter of Mountain Eagle alum Dana Cudmore. The current novel Negative Girl is part of the series originally published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Tough and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, which won the Black Orchid Award from the Wolfe Pack, as well as the  Shamus Award from Private Eye Writers as the best short story of 2023. She has also been published in The Dark, HAD, MonkeyBicycle, Stone's Throw, Smokelong Quarterly, and other publications.

Crime has been a favorite topic since taking a course at Binghamton University under Professor Michael Sharp in which they read Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. Over time, Cudmore realized that mysteries and crime writing were “where I wanted to land.”

Negative Girl was the first time that she was able to write a Private Eye story, which she called a “Homecoming.” The protagonist in The Big Rewind was an amateur sleuth. 

Cudmore also cited many friends who are crime writers who are a “wonderful support network.”
“Having that support is so crucial,” she said.

Reading a lot of flash fiction and punk fiction allows for “differently structured and weird and wonderful fiction” as “inspiring,” even if not directly in the crime fiction genre. She cited Dave Housley and James Tadd Adcox as particular examples.

Her experience for Hometown Oneonta and the Freeman’s Journal for 11 years allowed her an insight into how crime affected communities and how police work occurred. She added that when she is “deep in a story,” she reads more non-fiction than fiction. Bob Mere’s Trouble Boys was the second-biggest influence on the book after Raymond Chandler. The book’s detective, Martin Wade, is “a bit like if Paul Westerberg played Phillip Marlowe,” she said.

Negative Girl was a project started in the summer of 2017 at the Barrel House Writing Camp in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, going through multiple versions. She has attended the writing camp for the past five years. The text was completed in 2020.

There is an audiobook, as well. Cudmore read for Valerie Jacks, while Jay Karnes, of The Shield and Sons of Anarchy, read for the role of Martin Wade. It took just a “couple of sessions.” It is on Audible and Spotify.

Her first novel, The Big Rewind, was written in eight months. The process has become “much, much longer” since.

Negative Girl was a more complicated writing process, including from two different voices, in order to “get into the story that I wanted to tell.”

Cudmore said that the book had characters that she “liked spending time with.” Their stories are not complete, she said.

The author said that her experience allowed her to be a writer who also happened to be a journalist. She said that this allowed her to set deadlines and not be “too precious” for my work. Cudmore also said that this allowed her to “experience life and connect with people that I may not have connected with on any other path and hear their stories.” She said that this was “important not just to live as a human being but to be able to build characters that feel human.”

The author cites both of her parents, including her mother Nancy as a “storyteller.” She completed her MFA and her husband was working at Hometown Oneonta and Freeman’s Journal and started reporting for the papers. She started at Hartwick College as its staff writer in 2021 and “love[s] it.”

Cudmore said that she enjoys “having the opportunity to share stories with people” and to have “access to meet other writers” and read their works. “It’s such a blessing to meet and get to know these folks and share what I love doing with other people.”

Pick up a copy of Negative Girl here: https://www.amazon.com/Negative-Girl-Libby-Cudmore-ebook/dp/B0CPXRDFPL

Whittling Away: Guilt

Whittling Away

By Dick Brooks

     There are just some things that you do in life that you're not proud of, things that live in your consciousness and gnaw at you late at night.  Lord help me, I did such a thing last week and have to get it off my chest.  I didn't mean to do it, I was just driving peacefully down the road, enjoying a fine afternoon when it happened, a large dump truck pulled onto the highway in front of us.  I pulled up behind it and then I saw the big orange sign attached to the truck's posterior.  It read, "Construction Vehicle, Do Not Follow". 

      I followed it.  I knew it was wrong but I was feeling kind of wild.  After a mile or two, my conscience took over.  I started looking in the rear view mirror for flashing lights.  How would my family feel when I appeared on the nightly news in handcuffs?

     I tried to pardon my transgression by telling myself that there were no side roads to turn off onto, no pull offs to offer sanctuary so I continued to follow.  I could have pulled over, turned on my flashers and waited for the ponderous beast to disappear from sight before continuing but did I?  No, I continued to follow it.  

     I had whipped myself into a frenzy of guilt when the truck put on its signal lights and pulled off the highway into a work site.  I had gotten away with it!  No handcuffs, no criminal record!  But had I gotten away with it, who had seen my crime?  Were the police even now waiting at my home, would the weekly papers tell what I had done in blaring headlines?

     Admitting it publicly has helped, I can feel the burden of guilt lifting.  I am now ready to face the music.  In fact, I feel so relieved, maybe I should tell about the time when I was nine and cut the mattress tag off my brother's bed in the hopes that the police would come and take him away, leaving me with his new bike.  Naw!  I never felt that bad about it anyway.  In fact, I'm still a little disappointed in law enforcement since he continues to walk about, free as a bird.

     I suppose I shouldn't feel bad about being paranoid.  Everyone is affected by self guilt in one form or another.  Just watch the brake lights light up when folks see a patrol car coming.  I know I can be driving 30 mph in a 55 mph area, see a police car and still hit the brakes.  I guess it happens to most everyone.  

      Thought for the week--Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that everyone isn't out to get you.

      Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

         whittle12124@yahoo.com    

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Free Chamber Music Concert Dec. 1 in Stamford

STAMFORD - On Sunday, December 1 at 3 PM, Friends of Music of Stamford, NY presents a free chamber music concert by nationally acclaimed organist and pianist Asiya Korepanova. Her emotionally charged and colorfully nuanced performances feature pieces ranging from early Baroque period music to that of modern composers. For this engagement, she will play works by Bach, Franck, Ravel, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. This concert is made possible thanks to the support of the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation and individual donors. Hosted by the First Presbyterian Church at 96 Main Street, Stamford, NY; no reservations. Visit https://friendsmusic.org for more information. 

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