2024-25 Cairo-Durham High School First Quarter Honor Rolls Announced

CAIRO  – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is excited to announce its Cairo-Durham High School High Honor Roll and Honor Roll members for the first quarter of the 2024-25 school year. 

To qualify for High Honor Roll, students must record a grade point average of 90 or higher throughout the quarter. To qualify for Honor Roll, students must record a grade point average between 85 and 89. 

High Honor Roll: 

9th Grade 

Vincenzo Alvarado, Hanna Baxter, Allie Byrne, Luis Cruz, Brooke DeFrancesco, Evangeline Finnegan, Jacob Hall, Cynthia Jobson, Jozlyn Jones, Khodyn Laga, Lucas Lounsbury, Sebastian Miller, Lauren Musong, Payton Neubauer, Patrick Panyan, Michael Pernice, Alexandra Richers, Alesiana Roeber, Sadye Schneider, Austin Sperano, Fredrick Williams lll, Abigail Wright, and Michaela Wright. 

10th Grade 

Tanner Berg, Aiden Choinsky, Ryan Coons, Lilyanne Dauphin, Nia DeRose, Gabriel DiPrima, Margaret Felton, Madeline Gouza, Lily Haugh, Gianna Lendin, Destiny Mauriello, Aria McCabe, Phoenix McCabe, Carter Morton, Abagail Multari, Isabel Newkirk, Heidi Nielsen, Summer O’Shaughnessy, Gia Palmer, Anna

Palmieri, Aiden Penney, Angelina Pitcher, Gabrielle Rae, Ethan Rems-Rogers, Lenor Rhoades, Ruth Romero Rivero, Grace Snedeker, Leia Sorokurs, and Nevaeh Sprague. 

11th Grade 

Avery Amoroso, Wyatt Cammarata, Zoey Coon, Kingston Czajkowski, Amiliana DuHart, Shannon Gavin, Addison Hall, Alexis Hammond, Aaylla Heines, Peter Jobson, Jayda Johnson, Joseph Kahle, Nicholo Martines, Aylana Merrihew, Julian Miller, Andrew Moran, Gage Mox, Daniel Mutinsky, Nicholas Olivett, Nathaniel Porter, Sophia Rennig, Logan Rhoades, Luca Rhoades, Anthony Roeber, Isaias Romero, Kaitlyn Russell, Jonathan Saad, Oliver Schrull, Nathaniel Underwood, Grace VanGurp, Luc Vittoz, Candace Vlasaty, Zoe Vogel, Jaide Wolf, Jacob Young, Issabella Zelinsky, and Joseph Zindell, Jr. 

12th Grade 

Connor Alberson, Jessica Baeckmann, Ally Barnett, Hanna Budz, Kaylee Cassimore, Margo Cochrane, Maxi Dinjus, Daniel Dugan, Andrew Esslie, Kevin Feeney, Briana Frey, Rose Fucito, Daniel Galtieri, Anayeli Garcia-Jacinto, Danasia King, Alan Lopez-Agustin, Rachel Maggio, Mackenzie Meacher, Sarah Muschitiello, Tenley O’Connell, Anthony Panicola, Jenna Relyea, Kaylan Rennig, Loki Rhoades, Dezaray Riley, Robert Rompolski, Lenesha Sanpal, Gloriannah Santosky, Ryan Shelhamer, Mackenzie Sherburne, William Stallbohm, Lauren Thompson, Drew Warner, and Lauren Zecca. 

Honor Roll 

9th Grade 

Brianna Dennis, Grace Flaherty, Isabel Haigh, William Hernandez Merino, Lukas Higgins, Jr, Ziva Homeyer, James Kuhn, Tyler Little, Jakob Magsitza, Adrianna Massaro, Kourtney Matice, Spencer McNevin, Vivienne Myers, Ethan Searing-Burke, and Leo Vittoz. 

10th Grade 

Jayleigh Bleau, Stephen Brandow, Jr, Brenna Fabiano, Oswaldo Hernandez Merino, Aiden Houston, Ares Pagaduan, Mason Plank, Charlotte Rae, Edward Rose, and Logan Stupplebeen. 

11th Grade 

Joshua Campbell, Jr, Dominique Crianza, Ayden Fredette, Abby Hartmann, Robert Ivery, Desiree Jenes, Chase Kelly, Jade Mancuso, Emily Moon, Bridget Murphy, Jordin Shores, Dacota Snyder, Logan Walz, and William Woodstock. 

12th Grade 

Gabriel Dugan, Adam Henry, Kaylee Ireland, Isabelle Neves, Nicholas Orso, Dakotah Plank, Brooke Powers, Gabriele Rivera, Natalie Ruger, Anthony Sanders, Lindsay Shelhamer, Charles Smith, and Rielli Webner. 

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Catskills Candle Studio Illuminates Tannersville and Beyond

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE – The Catskills Candle Studio has brought warmth and light to homes and hearts since its inception four years ago. Founded by Nicole Andrick and her husband Jason Pontillo, the business began humbly in their home but quickly grew into a thriving enterprise, now headquartered at 5977 Main Street in the Village of Tannersville.

Pontillo added, “She [Nicole] deserves all the credit. I was a bystander during the early days.” According to their website, "Our goal is to bring the natural experience of the Catskills into any modern setting by mixing contemporary design aesthetics with an artisanal approach." 

The couple's journey into the candle world began serendipitously. Andrick, a lover of candles, would often splurge on high-end candles during weekend trips to the Catskills. "She would spend $60 on one candle and feel guilty about burning them because of the price," Pontillo recalled. That guilt inspired a creative outlet. Andrick bought a candle-making kit from Amazon, and what started as a fun activity with her sister quickly turned into a passion.

Andrick began experimenting with soy-based wax, free of harmful parabens and phthalates. "She believed in creating a quality product that wouldn't be bad for you to inhale," Pontillo explained. During Christmas 2019, she gifted her handcrafted candles to coworkers, and their enthusiastic response planted the seed for what would eventually become the Catskills Candle Studio.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the couple left New York City for their weekend home on the mountaintop, purchased in 2018. With newfound time and space, Andrick perfected her craft. By late 2020, her candles debuted at Kaaterskill Market in Catskill, where they sold out within a day. That was the moment they realized they had something special.

After two years of home production, the couple sought a larger space to meet the growing demand. In 2022, The Hunter Foundation, according to Pontillo, “Was more than willing to help and offered several locations before they introduced us to Ryan Chadwick, who was renting the space at 5977 Main Street at the time, and subleased it to us.” Pontillo and his wife now rent the space directly from the owner, Dwane Legg. 

They secured the storefront on Main Street in Tannersville, and initially used the Main Street location as a production space; the store opened to the public by appointment only and later transitioned into a full-fledged retail shop.

"We had zero expectations but our growth has remained steady since day one," Pontillo noted. "We love meeting our customers and hearing their thoughts." In fact, some of their best-selling scents, like the popular Tomato-Mint candle, were inspired by customer requests.

Today, Catskills Candle Studio offers 34 custom scents, including 10 for diffusers, with customer favorites like Campfire + Fir, Blue Spruce + Snow, Black Pepper + Birch, and Teakwood + Tobacco. Their products, priced at $30 for nine-ounce candles and $50 for 16-ounce versions, strike a balance between luxury and affordability. "We've kept prices guilt-free because we want people to enjoy a quality product without the luxury price tag," Pontillo said.

Their diffusers retail for $26 and are available in 10 scent combinations, including White Sage + Lavender, Rose + Sandalwood, and Cedarwood + Patchouli.

The candles are crafted using U.S.-grown soy wax, blended with essential and fragrance oils to achieve rich, clean scents. Production Manager Casey Farrell explained that essential oils alone don't burn strongly, so they're carefully infused with fragrance oils. "Every scent goes through rigorous testing and certification," Farrell said.

The studio prides itself on collaborations with local businesses, such as Scribner's Lodge, which features its signature Teakwood + Tobacco scent in all rooms, and Hort & Pott in Freehold, where candles are poured into handcrafted concrete vessels. Their candles are also available at Sundry., a local business owned by Sydney Frazier. Pontillo explained that they were in just one other store in Tannersville because they didn't want to saturate the area with their products.

Their candles are now carried in 40+ stores across six states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the State of Washington, Massachusetts, and Florida, with recent expansions in shops in New York City and beyond. During their best year, they shipped their candles to 44 states. "This year alone, we've shipped to 38 different states," Pontillo said, crediting their steady approach to growth. "We've seen businesses expand too quickly and fail to meet demand. We want to ensure we grow sustainably." Pontillo expects to ship to additional states due to the holiday season.

Beyond retail, Catskills Candle Studio offers candle-making workshops, providing a hands-on experience for locals and visitors. Participants learn the art of pouring soy wax, selecting scents, and crafting their own candles. "It's always fun to see the unique combinations people come up with," Farrell said.

Soy wax is delivered in flakes, which makes it easier to melt. The wax is heated to 187 degrees, and then the scented oils are stirred in until the wax cools to around 135 degrees, which aids the chemical reaction and infusion between the wax and scented oils.

Pontillo added that experimentation is a cornerstone of their work. "Not every combination works,” Pontillo said. Their preference for earthy tones like fir, cedar, and Teakwood continues to guide their creations.

Employing one full-time and two part-time staff members, the studio remains a family-driven business with the community at its heart. Whether through partnerships with local shops like Briars and Brambles Books in Windham or their presence at farmer's markets and events like Windham's Autumn Affair, the Catskills Candle Studio continues to light up lives. For more information or to shop their products, visit www.catskillscandlestudio.com or call (518) 203-3181.

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Comedy Show, Karaoke & Spaghetti Dec. 13

PRATTSVILLE — Mountain Top Cares presents an evening of laughter and song! Enjoy improv comedy and karaoke coming to the Prattsville Art Center on Friday, December 13th.

Doors at 5pm

Community spaghetti dinner 5-7pm

Show at 7pm.

The Hudson Valley improv trio Bombshell Improv will have you in stitches with their spontaneous scenes inspired by audience suggestions. MC Marisa Caruso will host the night with her own antics and follow up the performance with a round of audience karaoke. So bring your favorite tune titles, warm up that singing voice, and prepare for a night of hilarity and music.

This is a free event with a suggested donation of $10. Nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Family-friendly suitable for ages 14+.

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DEC Forest Rangers -- Week in Review

Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Actions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.   

In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.  

“Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “Forest Rangers’ wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York’s public lands and the many visitors who use them.” 

Town of Hunter 

Greene County 

Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 30 at 3 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a parent concerned about their son hiking Indian Head. Forest Ranger Peterson spoke to the 18-year-old from Long Island on the phone and the hiker indicated he was on a snowy trail that had not been packed down and was tired, wet, and cold. Ranger Peterson convinced the hiker to turn around and start heading back to the trailhead rather than attempting the summit. When Rangers Fox and Peterson successfully located the subject, his pants were frozen to his legs. Rangers treated the hiker for mild hypothermia and assisted him to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 5:35 p.m. 

The subject was hiking without snowshoes despite up to three feet of snow in some spots and did not have winter hiking boots, a hat, gloves, or moisture-wicking layers. Hikers are reminded to check weather and trail conditions and to always be prepared with the proper equipment before heading out. More information about winter hiking safety essentials can be found on DEC's webs

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, even with the snow storm. 

Trivia Night at the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall on Nov. 30 was very well attended.  Everyone had a great time, lots of snacks to enjoy, great fellowship.  Thank you Moira, Chrissy and Caitlin for all your efforts to bring this fun event to the community.  Stayed tuned for future events.

The Greene Room Players Songbirds will have a free performance concert celebrating the Holiday Season on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Top Library, 6093 Main Street, Tannersville.  Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy in support of Senator Hinchey’s Holiday Toy Drive.  Your generous contributions will help make the season brighter for children in need.

The Lexington Holiday Market is Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the West Kill/Lexington Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road, West Kill.  There will be many vendors with a wide variety of items, the Ladies Aid of the West Kill United Methodist Church Bake Sale and the Lexington Historical Society’s delicious soups.  Come and do your holiday shopping and support local vendors.

Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the annual Christmas Tea and Craft Sale at the Windham-Hensonville UMC, Main Street, Windham.  Join in the fellowship, enjoy tea, home baked goods, visit the Gift Land for holiday shopping.  There will be beautiful gift baskets, holiday crafts, faux florals and more.  Be sure to bring the children because Santa is arriving at 2 p.m.

Micro Sunday School is Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lexington UMC with focus on Advent.  Call Susan at 518-429-8054 for info.

The Holiday Sale in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville is continuing on Saturday, Dec. 7.  Craft Fair in the Blue Room on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 is the Soup and Fellowship Kitchen in the Blue Room at the Kaaterskill UMC in Tannersville.  Stop by for the fellowship and a free bowl of soup and sandwich. 

Friday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. is the next potluck Dinner Church at the Kaaterskill UMC, Tannersville,   All welcome.

There will be a Live Nativity Drive-Thru on Friday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Platte Clove Community, 2255 Platte Clove Road, Elka Park.  Experience scenes from Holy Night and live animals, crackling fires and much more.  Refreshments will be provided.

The annual Cookie Walk at the Ashland UMC, 12216 Route 23, Ashland will be Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Saturday, Dec. 14 is the Tree Lighting and Carol Sing in West Kill.  Meet at the Community Hall, 141 Spruceton Road at 6 p.m. and we’ll walk to the tree for the lighting and then return to the Hall for refreshments.  A special guest will be arriving on a Lexington Fire Truck too.

Ladies Auxiliary of the Lexington Fire Company has rescheduled their annual meeting/potluck.  It will now be held on Monday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. in the Firemen’s Room.

Mrs. Puddle Ducks Holiday Concert is Thursday, Dec. 19 in the Mountain Top Library, Tannersville at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. there will be a Christmas Carol Sing and Candle Lighting at the Platte Clove Community, 2255 Platte Clove Road, Elka Park.  There will be traditional Christmas carols and hymns and candle lighting on a Christmas Tree.  Refreshments will be provided.

Happy birthday to Jane Concato on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Mike and Eric Petosa celebrate their birthdays on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Monday, Dec. 9 is Carol Carr’s birthday.

Happy wedding anniversary to Susan and Carl Simpfenderfer on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Linda Nicholls celebrates her birthday on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Best wishes to everyone.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare providers, volunteers, veterans and actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be respectful, be safe and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Donkeys and Elephants and Politics, Oh My

By Michael Ryan

GREENE COUNTY - Perhaps my brain is frozen by the early December chilliness but the latest political hearsay is that Charlie Martinez could become the next Majority Leader for the Greene County Legislature.

Martinez (District 2, Coxsackie) is the longest tenured lawmaker (first taking office in 1980), the chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, the legislative Budget Officer and a Republican on a GOP-ruled board.

In a recent phone interview, Martinez, who will turn 87 in a week or so, said he isn’t interested - in more, ahem, flowery words - despite being recruited by big wheels from both the Republican and Democratic parties.

“I don’t need the aggravation and besides, I’ll be ninety when my [new 3-year] term is over so I’m too damn old,” said Martinez in his very characteristic, rootin’-tootin’ style.

The scuttlebutt is Martinez would be a shoe-in to unseat current Majority Leader Matthew Luvera, a fellow who has tried, in the past, to become legislature chairman and is rumored to be in the hunt again.

Whatever unfolds with those two jobs when behind-closed-doors talks start amongst Republicans later this month, the mere thought of Martinez pushing Luvera aside has created quite a stir.

The impetus for getting Martinez in is reportedly centered around Luvera being critical of the Democratic Party regime in Albany on social media.

Democrats control the purse strings and Senator Michelle Hinchey, among other Dems, has privately made it known the commentary, apparently aimed at Luvera’s local Republican base, is not falling on deaf ears.

Hinchey has earned the respect of many county Republicans and a solid reputation for ignoring Party ties with funding emanating from her office. 

Hinchey has shown she can handle opposing and negative opinions aimed at her but Luvera’s commentary is seen as particularly pointed toward any Dem in power at the State level, to no one’s benefit in the county.

More on that later, especially if Martinez changes his mind, but meanwhile the local Democratic Party held a special committee meeting, this past Sunday evening, related to the retirement of Marie Metzler.

Metzler is the longtime Democratic Party election commissioner at the Greene County Board of Elections, an appointed position.

There are two election commissioners, also including Brent Bogardus who represents the Republican Party and is chairman of the county GOP.

Democrats met in Cairo to pick a replacement for Metzler with three candidates emerging including Debbie Fromer and Beth Schneck.

Fromer won by a 25 to 18 margin. Fromer and Schneck were both viewed as qualified but questions have arisen, since the Sabbath Day voting, surrounding how the whole thing went down.

Customarily, when either Party puts forth their recommendation, every four years, it is approved fairly smoothly by lawmakers.

Mild resistance was voiced to Bogardus’s most recent reappointment, last year, but in-Party wrangling was quickly resolved and he got the nod.

There are rumblings, however, that some lawmakers - enough of them to make it happen - were prepared to derail Schneck’s appointment.

The whisperings had nothing to do with Schneck, per say, but rather to do with Democratic Party chairwoman Lori Torgersen.

Schneck, according to some people who were at the Sunday night voting, was perceived as Torgersen’s personal pick.

Torgersen is a former county legislator, becoming a rising Democratic star in 2018 by stunningly defeating well-entrenched Republican James Hitchcock (District 6, Windham, Ashland, Prattsville & Jewett). 

She served one 3-year term, reportedly burning a few political bridges in the controversy over the construction of the new county jail.

Torgersen became the voice of opposition to the project, suggesting at one point, in a letter, that some of her colleagues might have “nefarious” motivations behind their backing of the $47 million project.

Asked what those nefarious motivations might be, Torgersen said she was simply repeating what a number of her constituents were saying. The implications have not been forgotten within legislative chambers.

So, the procedural details had reportedly been examined about potentially rejecting Schneck, and how an appointment would then, ultimately, be made by the two legislature Democrats.

They would be Minority Leader Harry Lennon and Daryl Legg (District 7, Hunter, Lexington & Halcott), all of which is now a moot point.

Fromer is expected to be accepted as part of the reorganization process after the New Year, but all is not well within the Democratic Party.

One longtime Party faithful said a “very organized effort” went into getting enough Fromer voters at the Sunday night meeting to defeat Schneck.

“It was a stunning rebuke for the county chairwoman that she couldn’t get her hand-picked candidate elected,” the longtimer said.

Similarly agreeing to speak only off-the-record, another loyal Democrat said, “a lot of happy people left that meeting.”

Letters of Interest had to be submitted by candidates prior to any vote so everything was done above board in that regard.

Eyebrows were raised, however, about the timing of the Sunday night session, coming at the absolute final deadline, and an email sent by Torgersen on November 24 to Democratic committee members.

Recommendations for any election commissioner must be filed by December 2, a month before being okayed by the legislature.

Town of Hunter Democratic committee vice-chairman David Kukle, in a phone interview, said it was “a little weird” to have that process occur essentially at the last minute and on a Sunday night.

Kukle also questioned the November 24 email wherein Torgersen wrote, “I just want to take a quick moment to clarify that I have not heard from [Metzler] regarding her intentions.”

Kukle had sent an email to committee members that same day, two hours earlier, announcing Fromer’s plan to run, saying, in the followup phone interview, “everybody in the world knew [Metzler] was leaving.

“For the chairwoman to insinuate she had no knowledge of [Metzler’s] intentions was confusing,” Kukle said.

Moving forward, Kukle said, “when you have a candidate you believe in you deliver the votes. This is about getting the best person in the job. It needs to be a centrist. Not partisan. Someone detail-oriented.”

Kukle said Fromer will, “work across the aisle. In elections we have to work together. It’s like driving on a snowy day. If somebody is in a ditch, you don’t ask their politics. You pull them out.”

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LEGISLATURE STUFF - To Be Or Not to Be a Borrower

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - When it comes to the Greene County Legislature, the great bard, William Shakespeare, knew not of what he spoke, warning that a person should neither a borrower nor lender be.

County administrator Shaun Groden, in a WRIP radio interview the day before Thanksgiving, reported that the county had just received a very positive credit rating from Moody’s Ratings.

“I’m a happy camper today,” Groden said, noting that Moody’s is one of the so-called Big Three credit rating companies.

Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and the Fitch Group are independent agencies “providing international financial research on bonds issued by commercial and government entities,” according to Wikipedia.

While it may sound like monetary mumbo-jumbo, the good word put in by Moody’s means a lot to the county and we humble mules of taxation.

The agency, in a November 27 press release, stated, “Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the issuer rating for Greene County, New York, to Aa1 from Aa2. 

“Additionally, we have upgraded the county's outstanding general obligation limited tax (GOLT) bonds to Aa1 from Aa2. 

“Finally, we have assigned a MIG 1 rating to the county's $20 million Bond Anticipation Notes, 2024.

“Post sale, the county will have approximately $75 million in debt outstanding,” the Moody’s release states.

“The upgrade to Aa1 reflects the improvement in the county's financial position that is expected to remain steady going forward.”

That anticipated steadiness is, “in part due to conservative budgeting around the county's sales tax receipts which are up 4% year to date.

“Additionally, the upgrade reflects the reduction in the county's long term liability profile, with no additional debt expected following the issuance of the 2024 notes.

‘The MIG 1 rating reflects the county's strong underlying credit quality, as evidenced by its Aa1 issuer rating and history of market access,” the Moody’s release states. 

This is the second time in recent years the county has been publicly and professionally marked as a trusted borrower, an important element in getting things done, Shakespeare or no Shakespeare.

Putting the Moody’s information in layman’s terms, “this is basically a report card on the county’s finances in terms of our history, our future and our present.,” Groden said.

“We got straight A’s. The [legislature] should be proud of this because it talks about the strength of the county’s finances,” Groden said.

Moody’s report focuses on a $20 million bond authorized by the legislature, last year, to help finance the creation of a new Justice Center wing on the existing county courthouse, an overall $29 million project.

Greene County was similarly bird-dogged, five years ago, when debt was incurred to build a new jail, likewise being rated by Moody’s as reliable.

“What this says to the investment industry is that they can have complete confidence that Greene County is somebody you would want to loan money to,” Groden said.

Equally as important as the trustworthy reputation is the fiscal fact that the county is, “gaining the benefit of our [budgetary] prudence.

“We are living in a topsy-turvy world. That’s why we try to be conservative in our [annual] budgetary practices,” Groden said.

“We use the KISS principle, keep it simple. We don’t run in the red. We have surplus and we should always have surplus.

“That surplus can be used in ensuing years. We have had six straight budgets without a property tax increase and I see the same thing happening with the 2026 and 2027 budgets. 

“For some people, thinking about this stuff may be a way to end insomnia,” Groden said, laughing. “But this is serious stuff.

“We’re a business and it says we aren’t going out of business. That we are well run. We have an overall $136 million budget. We employ 520 people.  

This legislature makes tough decisions. They are to be congratulated.”

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“Physical Therapy by Basia” in Windham: Modern Advances and Reminiscent Neighborliness

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - There may come a day when a knock on your door means Barbara Wojaczek has arrived for her physical therapy appointment.

Wait. What? You aren’t a doctor so why would “Basia,” as she prefers to be called, be going to your house?

Believe it or not, she is tapping to help you heal what’s hurting, maybe not carrying a classic little black bag but absolutely bringing 32 years of experience and a Master’s Degree in her trade to your home.

Yes, it’s true. If you aren’t able to ambulate to her warm and welcoming PT center at the corner of Mill Street and Main Street in downtown Windham, Basia will do her best to come a knockin.’

The reason is a story that begins in her native country of Poland, growing up within the isolation of the Cold War, the looming presence of the Russian Bear and outreach from the United States.

“In my teenage years we had curfew hours and food coupons. Everything, like butter and cheese, we got though our church from America. I always felt grateful,” Basia says.

“Even back then, in my head, before I knew I would be in America, I wanted to know the people who were sending us these things. I wanted to somehow give back.”

The tale continues with a ski injury treated by a physical therapist who was effective although a tad, how shall we say, rough, leaving Basia thinking “there has to be a nicer way to do this.’

Another chapter includes her family emigrating to Germany but a still-young Basia not wanting to remain within the sphere of communism.

So, as she says in very understandable bi-lingual terms, “with only 400 bucks in my pocket,” Basia instead headed to the States.

Having to start from scratch, she was not otherwise empty-handed, armed with her Academy of Physical Education credentials and an impressive, ever-growing resume.

Over the ensuing years, Basia worked as the senior physical therapist at the Thompson House Residential & Rehabilitative Center in Rhinebeck, New York, and physical therapist at St. Francis Hospital in Manhasset.

Consistently deepening her techniques, Basia has built a strong foundation while saying, “I love to study everything that is new in this field.”

Areas of hands-on expertise include pain modalities, massage, myofascial release, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, spinal decompression and traction bed therapy.

Basia says she has become familiar with, “a very diverse and challenging pool of patients of different cultural/ethnic backgrounds and age groups.”

While at the Thompson House, she worked, “ongoing rotations between hospital acute and subacute rehab.”

The job involved evaluating and treating multiple and complex diagnosis in neurology, orthopedic, medical surgery, sports injury, spinal dysfunctions, amputation, balance dysfunction, vestibular rehab and gait analysis.

Amidst all that, she got married, has a successful son, and fell in love with the town of Jewett, moving there and deciding to start her own business, beginning at home but quickly being too busy to stay in a small space.

Spreading her professional roots to Windham happened this past summer, receiving encouragement and true support from the owner of the building and Windham Chamber of Commerce president Lisa Jaeger.

Physical Therapy by Basia is equipped with the latest tools and equipment for reaching all those spots that want loosening and strengthening.

The center focuses on only one patient an hour, by appointment Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or evenings by special appointment). Call (631) 356-2412 for information.

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