“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

It's been up, down, and all around as temperatures went this past week! Inconsistency seems to be the new thing! Don't forget it isn't even Winter just yet but this Saturday marks the first day of winter!

It also looks like we're in for single digit lows Saturday through Monday and even getting close to zero so plan accordingly! This will mark the coldest days of the season so far! There will be lots of sun paired with the cold into Tuesday with some snow potential on Christmas Eve. Post Christmas expect warmer temperatures into Friday.

Remember, this holiday season, take that extra effort to spread joy and be kind to others, especially your neighbors! In a time that may be difficult for many, be the light that shines bright. Whether it is a batch of cookies or just an extra smile and wave, every little thing counts. Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to Charlene, Ken Kennedy, and Barry Waid! Wish them a big Happy Birthday if you see them around town!

The brand NEW Sunnycrest Markets had their Grand Opening this past November! Visit to see what all the excitement is about! They are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow them at Sunnycrest Markets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider! The usual hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com. 

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your Fall and Thanksgiving vegetable needs! The Outrageous Snack Snack has sadly closed for the season but we’re already looking forward to fresh donuts in the Spring! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: 

Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack.

Winter hours have started and the Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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Sale at Vijaya's Boutique Supports Landis' Shanti Vun Meditation Garden

COBLESKILL & ESPERANCE — Visit Vijaya’s Boutique at 577 Main Street Cobleskill, New York on Friday or Saturday, December 20 and 21 for terrific gift ideas, and great friend of the Landis Arboretum, Vijaya Luxmi will gift Landis with 20% of sales in support of the Shanti Vun Meditation Garden!

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First Baptist Church

By Bill Combs

Cobleskill - Today the First Baptist Church of Cobleskill opened the time capsule located in the cornerstone of their building that was placed there in 1887, the time capsule needed to be opened as repair work to the foundation walls will soon begin. Terry Hughes, Peter Lindemann, and other church members along with the Cobleskill Historical Society were at today ’ s event. After a little persuasion the time capsule revealed what was put inside it 137 years ago. SOme of the items inside the sealed box was a bible, notes from the event on Sept 15th, 1887, two local newspapers from the area dated September 15th, 1887 , and five Indian Head pennies dated 1887. The church back then was part of the Worster Baptist Church Association, which consisted of eleven churches in the area.

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Fenimore Promotes Hunter Frayne

COBLESKILL – Fenimore Asset Management, an independent, Capital Region-based investment advisory firm and manager of the FAM Funds family of mutual funds, announces that Hunter Frayne was promoted to Investment Research Analyst after earning his CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®) designation.

Mr. Frayne is responsible for conducting firsthand, company-level investment research and adhering to the firm’s market-tested approach. Previously, he served as a Fenimore Investment Research Associate. Mr. Frayne graduated with honors from the University of Connecticut with a double major in economics and philosophy.

“Hunter is a talented professional with strong values and a passion for our investment philosophy,” said Fenimore’s Chief Investment Officer John Fox. “We are pleased to recognize his contributions to our in-depth research process. Hunter’s insights and analytical abilities should continue to help our investors over the long term.”

Founded in 1974, Fenimore Asset Management is an independent, nationally recognized investment manager with $5.22 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2024) through its Cobleskill and Albany offices. The firm’s team focuses on in-depth research, investing in the stocks of carefully selected quality businesses, and providing its investors with highly personalized investment services. Fenimore offers both individually managed portfolios and a family of mutual funds (FAM Funds) that can be used for retirement and other long-term investment planning.

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34th Annual Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend

By Alexis Pencar

The Historic Cherry Valley Businesses hosted a cherished community tradition that is a joy for residents and visitors alike. This event was a three day event the weekend of Dec 6-8th and was definitely one to remember!.

There was the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday evening that kicked the whole weekend off! Father Christmas was there and the Happy Hags too! The tree was lovingly decorated by the community and is provided by the Village of Cherry Valley.

Throughout the whole weekend there was plenty of live music and activities for all including a free make and take ornament and free holiday photos too! 

The Girl Scouts were fundraising at The Telegraph School with a bake sale and there was music rocking out of the Pink Squirrel.

With lots of prizes available in the big raffle, many got a chance to win exciting prizes all provided and sponsored by the many Cherry Valley businesses! There was a huge party on Sunday (12/8) at the Limestone Mansion where there was live classical music, snacks & refreshments, and then the raffle drawing afterwards!

The 34th Annual Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend is always a strong testament to this community's commitment to spreading holiday cheer! Merry Christmas to all from Cherry Valley, NY!

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Cobleskill To Renovate Village Office

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - Last Tuesday, the Cobleskill Village Board reaffirmed the plan for interior work on the village office’s second floor, as well as a discussion about this year’s Shop with a Cop.

The Board seeks to hire contractors to replace the sliding glass doors in the office with regular windows, as the current doors have a variety of problems that need to be addressed soon.

This idea was floated a few months ago when the Village was in talks with the Town about their joint highway agreement, and now, they’d like to begin the process in earnest.

The total price for the project will come out to be $95,690, which will be financed through corresponding budget lines. $66,000 will come from the Mineral Springs Road Building Repairs, and the rest will be from another municipal upkeep item.

Board members were taken aback by how much the work amounts to, but they recognized that it was necessary. “It’s a lot,” said member Howard Burt. “But when you use the prevailing rate, that work adds up quick.”

With every member feeling comfortable with the project, they agreed to begin the first half of the process and work toward getting the doors replaced.

In other news, the Board received correspondence from a local resident on Elm Street that wanted reimbursement for plumbing problems.

The resident claimed that she had to pay a plumber to clear solidified concrete in her sewer line after the Village could not, and the company that she hired had used her exterior hose, resulting in a larger water bill.

With a grand total of $504.16 that included both the price of the plumber and the water usage, the Board agreed to reimburse the individual in full.

Finally, Mayor Rebecca Stanton-Terk explained why there was no Shop with a Cop this year, stating that they had been “ignored” in favor of Shop with a Sheriff instead. 

Afterward, the mayor reached out to Superintendent Matthew Sickles of CRCS to say that they would like to be a part of things, and he returned her message with one family that could benefit.

Taking him up on his offer, the family was able to be provided for with the Village’s regular Shop with a Cop balance, and Mayor Stanton-Terk expressed her thanks to Superintendent Sickles for that opportunity.

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Cherry Valley Village Officials Seek Funds to Fix Well

By Chris English

CHERRY VALLEY — The Village of Cherry Valley could use some money for an emergency repair on the Well House that supplies water to village residents and is turning to a state lawmaker hoping he can help.

At the Monday, Dec. 16 board meeting, Mayor Louis Guido, Trustees Edward Harvey and Ian Feulner, and Public Works Director Wayne Valentine discussed the matter and decided to send a letter to State Senator Peter Oberacker asking him for up to $15,000 _ or whatever money he might be able to come up with for the repair.

Guido, the other board members, and Valentine hoped the money could come from discretionary funds available to Oberacker and other state lawmakers called SAMs (State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program).

Valentine and Guido said the problem is that the well's flow recorder no longer works and needs replacing, a fix he and Guido estimated would cost $12,000 to $14,000.

In other actions from the Dec. 16 meeting, the board voted unanimously to officially register the Town of Cherry Valley office room in the community center building at 2 Genessee Street as the official polling place for village voters. It's been the polling place for both town and village elections for many years, Guido explained.

The village board also approved routine matters like the minutes from past meetings, and also heard the usual reports on where the various village funds stand.

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Cherry Valley Moves Forward with Bridge Replacement Project

By Chris English

CHERRY VALLEY — The Town of Cherry Valley board took steps at its Thursday, Dec. 12 meeting to advance the replacement of the Mill Road Bridge that crosses a tributary of the Canajoharie Creek.

Town Supervisor Thomas Garretson and Councilmen Mark Cornwell, James Johnson, and Ed VanDerwerker all voted to approve a resolution setting forth that the town will "design, let, and construct the project."

It continues that the town "desires to advance the project by making a commitment of 100 percent of the costs of the preliminary engineering/design and right-of-way incidentals work for the project or portions thereof."

This phase of the project is estimated to cost $387,000 and the resolution commits the town to paying up to that amount if necessary. However, the document adds that the project may be eligible for federal and/or state aid or reimbursement from Bridge NY funds, and town officials will seek help from those sources to pay or help pay for all phases of the project.

The resolution adds that the town "hereby agrees that construction of the project shall begin no later than 24 months after award and the construction phase of the project shall be completed within 30 months."

Near the end of the meeting, Garretson went over what it is involved with the town board also acting as the town's zoning board of appeals. This is typical for small towns like Cherry Valley which have a hard time finding enough people to fill all the various boards.

By acting as the zoning board of appeals, the town board will make decisions on variances and other zoning matters, Garretson explained.

"This board will have to wear a different hat," he said. "We will have to look at a variance in a very unbiased way. I will leave it at that."

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Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at Calvary Assembly of God

COBLESKILL — Calvary Assembly of God (960 Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill) invites the community to join them for their annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24th. The traditional service includes Scripture lessons and familiar Christmas Carols, along with a brief meditation titled, "And So It Begins..." and Communion. For more information about the Christmas Eve service or any other ministry/services at Calvary, contact the church office at (518) 234-4182.

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C-R Bulldogs Soccer Stars Honored by Section 2

COBLESKILL - The Section 2 boys' soccer banquet took place Sunday at the Saratoga Holiday Inn and the Cobleskill Richmondville soccer team took some several honors.

Cobleskill-Richmondville earned a team award for allowing just one goal in league play this season. The total was the fewest of any of the section’s 70 teams. The Bulldogs were scored on just once in 10 Western Athletic Conference games.

Sportsmanship awards were presented to the following teams: Schenectady (Class AAA), Queensbury (Class A), Cobleskill-Richmondville (Class B), Bolton/Warrensburg (Class C) and Saratoga Catholic (Class D). It was the third straight year that Saratoga Catholic has earned the award.

Four Section 2 players were named to the all-region team, which consists of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Loudonville Christian’s Quadrini, Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Kole Wayman, Shaker’s Owen Brant and Ichabod Crane’s Brandon DaCosta were honored.

A total of nine Section 2 players earned all-state honors in the small-school (Classes B, C, D) division.

Maple Hill’s Avery Morse, Loudonville Christian’s Quadrini, Loudonville Christian’s Ben Hoffman, Waterford-Halfmoon’s Jake Canzarita, Northville’s Braydn Bovee, Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Kole Wayman, Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Brody Becker, Mechanicville’s Scotty Lynch and Mechanicville’s Cruz Goverski all were named to the all-state team in the small-school division.

The Keeper of the Year awards were presented to Northville’s Logan Armstrong (Class D), Loudonville Christian’s Liam Deeb (Class C), Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Wayman (Class B), Schalmont’s Aidan Cleveland (Class A), Columbia’s Alex Roy (Class AA) and Shaker’s P.J. Strand (Class AAA).

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C-R $12.5M Project Approved by Voters

STAFF REPORT

COBLESKILL-RICHMONDVILLE - Cobleskill-Richmondville voters overwhelmingly approved a $12.5 million capital project last Wednesday.

The project, which will include work on all four district schools, was approved by a vote of 242 to 63.

The project is a limited-scope capital construction project to address high-priority health, safety, and infrastructure needs in all four schools, without altering existing footprints.

C-R officials noted that the construction bids for the 2022 came in over budget, requiring the deferral of various priority items, many of which were included in the latest project. In addition, officials said C-R High School, built in 1998, has nearly all of its original infrastructure. "All of our schools/facilities require routine maintenance and periodic replacement/upgrade of specific equipment, systems, and infrastructure."

Project work will include:

Radez Elementary:

● Replace rooftop air handlers to improve cooling/ventilation capacity.

● Renovate nurse’s office/former main office suite.

● Renovate former girls’ locker room - PE office and storage space.

● Replace/add playground equipment.

● Replace “gym stage” systems - curtain, rigging, lighting, audio.

● Replace underground fuel oil tank

High School:

● Replace door sets at entry points.

● Replace windows at entry points.

● Reconstruct sidewalks.

● Replace cooling tower and chiller to improve HVAC capacity.

● Replace fire pump.

● Repair/replace areas of failing brick facade.

● Install 8 electric bus charging stations. 

Ryder Elementary:

● Replace/add Kindergarten playground equipment.

● Replace Kindergarten playground fencing.

● Remove chimney (Ryder/Golding connection).

● Replace roof section (Ryder/Golding connection).

● Repair exterior wall section (Ryder/Golding connection).

Golding Middle School:

● Reconstruct exterior stairs and ramps.

● Reconstruct/repair facade, masonry and windows.

● Reconstruct sidewalks 

The project Cost is not to exceed $12.5 million based on aid eligibility for the proposed scope of the project and the district’s schedule of retiring debt. There is no additional tax levy impact and no use of the district Capital Construction Reserve.

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DAR Awards Good Citizens

DAR Good Citizens Chairperson Sue deBruijn, guest speaker Justina Farris, Fred Perrotti, Isabella Perrotti, Alkeira Perrotti, Greg Perrotti, DAR Regent Jean Yaro

DAR Regent Jean Yaro, Claude Monfort, Melody Monfort, Rhojan Monfort, Good Citizens Chairperson Sue deBruijn

Isabella with her award. 

Rhojan reads his scholarship essay.

COBLESKILL & SHARON SPRINGS — The Captain Christian Brown Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution honored “Good Citizens” from Sharon Springs Central School and Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School at two separate awards ceremonies. 

On Saturday, December 7, the Chapter honored Isabella Perrotti during their annual holiday luncheon held at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church.  Isabella is the daughter of Greg and Alkeira Perrotti of Sharon Springs.  Guest speaker, Justina Farris, Finance Director at SCCAP, gave a presentation, “Journey to Success” to the gathering of 30 DAR members and guests.

On Sunday, December 15, the chapter honored Rhojan Monfort in a separate ceremony held at Lawyersville Reformed Church.  Rhojan is the son of Claude and Melody Monfort of Lawyersville.  DAR members and guests were in attendance as Rhojan read his scholarship essay to them and received his award.

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Christmas Comes to Esperance

Everleigh Mann with Santa. Pictures by Liz Wolff Robertson.

Santa gets an unexpected reaction in Esperance this weekend. Santa Claus rode in on an Esperance Volunteer Fire Truck to the Esperance Elks early Sunday the 15th to enjoy some pancakes and sausage with over 25 children and their families. It was a hands on event with ornament craft making stations,  photo ops and some fun reindeer games. 

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Christmas Comes To Central Bridge

It was a beautiful tree lighting in Central Bridge

The parade got underway with multiple local organizations and emergency services participating

The parade lineup that evening

By Joshua Walther

CENTRAL BRIDGE - This year was the very first annual celebration of Christmas in Central Bridge, a series of festivities put on by the local fire department.

The new event was devised by the Holiday Lights Committee, a branch of the fire department that oversees their namesake Holiday Lights Contest, and collaborations from the Central Bridge Civic Association.

As soon as the town began to stir at eight in the morning last Sunday, early risers were treated to a spread of pancakes to start the day. Then, at noon, everyone was invited to participate in a chili cook-off at the firehouse.

However, the big moment was still to come. At five, just when the skies began to darken, the fire department joined with Quaker Street Fire District and the state police to put on their first neighborhood parade.

With blaring sirens and flashing Christmas lights, seven vehicles made their way down Main Street and around the village green, prompting passersby to stop and watch with everyone else.

A small group of locals formed on the village green to cheer them on, including former fire chief Scott Johnson, who stated that he was a little underwhelmed.

“It’s a great idea,” he said, expressly supporting the celebration. “But it’s hard to get community involvement and support for these guys. They went door to door and you don’t see a lot of people out here.”

However, despite Mr. Johnson’s concerns, the town was still buzzing with those that sat on their porches or lined the streets to watch the parade from other angles.

When the parade had come to a halt in the center of town, the fire department hosted a few pictures with Santa, then they ended the night with a tree lighting ceremony on the green.

Steven Underwood, a member of the Holiday Lights Committee and one of the founding minds behind the event, was thrilled about their success, but noted that he wanted to see more growth for next year.

“We’re all about giving back to the community and creating a festive mood, so look out for involvement in Central Bridge,” he concluded.

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Selected Poetry - ANYWAY

By Vincent Spada

Through all the vast uncertainty

and things that are not known

Beyond the veil of secrecy

in days yet to be shown

We find ourselves with challenges

that mind and heart might fear

Yet boldly we walk anyway

into a brand-new year...

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