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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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...
Want to catch some big trout through the ice? Thanks to veteran Greene County Fish Chairman, Walt Bennett, ECOs Lucas Palmateer and Jason Smith, with support from DEC’s hatchery in Livingston Manor and Region 4 Fisheries, two Greene County waterways were stocked with 400 big breeder trout. The big trout, some measuring over 20 inches, were placed in Greens Lake and the lake at CD Lane Park back in October. Walt said the trout were so big, they couldn’t be stocked the traditional way using buckets. He and the ECOs had to use boats, tanks, and nets to get the lunker trout to where they needed to be. Both bodies of water are open to fishing for trout through the ice, as is Colgate Lake which did not get the big breeders this year.
Once local waters start to freeze, and before considering venturing out onto any frozen waters of the state, DEC encourages anglers to safely enjoy ice fishing this season by reviewing ice safety guidelines.
“With the onset of winter and colder temperatures, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today reminded ice anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts considering ice fishing should always be aware of essential safety guidelines and make sure ice is thick enough before heading out.”
The commissioner encourages those recreating on ice to routinely check the thickness and quality of ice when traversing upon any frozen waters throughout the state.
“Before leaving shore, ice anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or “spud bar” (a long, metal tool with a chisel on one end) at various spots. Local bait and tackle shops are a great resource for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching. In addition, fishing with family and friends is also encouraged for safety.”
An interview about ice safety with Forest Ranger Ashly Carabetta is available for download (video, 743 MB).
If you’re new to the sport, a good time to give it a try, (ice conditions permitting), is the weekend of February 15th and 16th 2025. It’s a designated free freshwater fishing weekend, so the freshwater fishing license requirement is waived during those dates. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to fishing.
Fisheries biologists and veteran ice fishermen alike say for some fish species, ice fishing can be more productive than pursuing them during open-water conditions.
“Given good ice conditions, anglers normally limited to shore fishing can access an entire waterbody. Beginner ice anglers can download the Ice Fishing Chapter (PDF) of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF) for helpful information on how to get started.
For more interactive options, DEC released a series of six ice fishing videos on the agency's YouTube channel. Visit the playlist to check out the brief instructional videos. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in DEC's HuntFishNY app.
The use of bait fish, like minnows, is a productive technique and very popular when ice fishing, especially when using tip-ups. You can also use popular jigs, like Swedish Pimples and many other time-tested lures, which work even better with a “mousie,” “spike” or minnow head. Definitely check with your local bait shop for the best baits to use in your area.
Baitfish may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. For more information on baitfish regulations, visit DEC's website.
To protect New York's waters from invasive species and the spread of fish diseases, anglers are advised to take these critical steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:
Review and follow DEC baitfish regulations;
Ensure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special 'regulations by county' section of the fishing regulations guide;
Use only certified, disease-free bait fish purchased from a local tackle store (buyers must retain the receipt provided to them while in possession of the baitfish);
Personally collected bait fish may only be used in the same waterbody from which they were caught; and
Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.
DEC reminds anglers to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
While temperatures are starting to trend lower, good, safe ice takes time to form and discretion is certainly the better part of valor when considering venturing onto ice-covered lakes and ponds. Remember the 4-inch-clear-ice rule and all the exceptions regarding moving water and thinner conditions by bubblers and structures as recommended by DEC. Checking with local bait shops is a great way to learn of local ice conditions while getting some tips on where to go and what to use to make the most of your outing on the ice.
And don’t forget to try and haul in a few big breeder trout from Greens Lake and at CD Lane Park this year!
Merry Christmas, and happy, hunting, trapping, and fishing until next time!
News and Notes
“Nature Calls” Podcast Adds Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping to the Conversation
“Nature Calls Podcasts: Conversations from the Hudson Valley,” is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. It covers all aspects of gardening, ecology, and nature. Kudos go to Master Gardiner, Jean Thomas, who identified the need to include the topics of hunting, trapping, and fishing, in their “on-air” conversations about popular outdoor, natural pursuits. Jean invited me to join them to answer a few questions and share some experiences, explaining how hunters and trappers in particular enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with gardeners, home owners, farmers, and environmentalists. Problem is, they also share mutual misconceptions. Sportsmen and women keep wildlife from overpopulating the Hudson Valley and elsewhere, and both camps have vested interests in the conservation of our natural resources. If you’d like to listen to the conversation, go to:
Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS
By Jean Thomas
It’s the dreaded holiday time. Families are cooped up together for abnormal amounts of hours. Parents attempt to make memories with their children. Great stress often ensues, because multiple generations have multiple ideas about what to do with spare time. Some prefer strolling about in nice toasty museums, preferably with gift shops and cafes, while others want to be romping around outdoors participating in vigorous sports. Rare is the family that happily goes on a group adventure without at least one or two whining about how much they hate their life. Feel free to insert family names as you continue to read. Grandma loves to gaze at paintings and other assorted art. Mom enjoys touring historic homes and comparing them to the sets of her favorite historical television sagas. Grandpa and Dad are happy just standing around with a coffee, admiring the scenery and gabbing. The kids, depending on age, just want to romp around outside for a while and then sink back into their usual electronic cocoons. How can a family manage to build some fun holiday memories without ugly drama? Well, we in the Catskills are blessed with places to go that can satisfy whole tribes of mismatched folks. In the town of Catskill, for example, there is the Thomas Cole House. The site is part of a smorgasbord of indoor and outdoor adventures where the clan can split up, go have different adventures, and rejoin to share their stories.
The Cole House is a National Historic Site and consists of a six acre campus, with the historic home Cedar Grove the highlight. The tours inside the house are by appointment this time of year, so check the website before going. The adventurous in your group have the option of taking the Skywalk over the Hudson River, which leads to the New York State Historical Site of Olana, home of Frederick Church. Both Church and Cole were world famous artists in their day, and both historic homes are open to the public (always check on line for details before you head out). The hardy nature lovers can take hiking trails on the 250 acres of Olana’s landscaped and naturalized grounds. The vistas from Olana are beautiful, and worth a trip. The grounds of both sites are free to visit, and house tours usually have a small fee.
Another feature of a visit to the Cole House is the opportunity to visit the Mawignack Preserve. This is a treat for hikers (or snowshoers in season) along the Catskill Creek where Cole found inspiration for most of his most famous works. The area is a short drive from the Cole Site, and is a 144 acre preserve with a beautiful one-mile hiking loop and interpretive panels describing the history and ecological importance of this place, whose name translates to “the place where two streams come together.”
If the Catskill/Hudson River trek is too long a trip in the winter, the New York State area is rich in history and, therefore, historical sites. Your assorted clan members can find similar mixtures of indoor/cultural and outdoor/natural places in many of our local counties. Schoharie County has the Lansing Manor, adjacent to the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor’s Center and Power Authority, connected to the Mine Kill State Park. Again, the history buff can toddle around inside and the energetic have hundreds of acres to hike and explore. Every county in our area has at least one treasure spot, many either New York or National Park associated. Check websites for details and assign the organizing to whoever is the family trip planner ( we all have one!) Happy holidays.
Dear Santa,
How are you? It's me again, for what--the eightieth time or so. How is the missus, all the boys in the shop and the reindeer? I hope this letter finds all in good health and good humor.
It's been a busy year since I last wrote to you. Our family has been blessed for the most part with good health or is at least on the road to recovery, anyway, compared with others we know, we have nothing to complain about.
Our Princess continues to grow in strength and beauty. She is now engaged to a wonderful young man and intends to be married in the coming year. My Queen rules our domain in her usual cheerful, benevolent manner, so all is well in our little world. The boys move further into manhood and still haven't become a burden to society and our granddaughter is still the brightest star shining in Texas. Please pass my heartfelt thanks along to The Big Guy the next time you see him and thank you for any part you may have played in this matter.
This is the part on the letter where I used to list what I wanted for Christmas, you know, the important stuff! The older I get, the shorter my list gets as I continue to realize how much I have and how little I really need. I'm not going to continue to ask for that pony because I realize now who's going to be the clean-up crew. I now know that no matter how hard you try, that Corvette that I always have asked for isn't going to fit in my stocking in spite of the ample size of my tootsies. I guess on a personal level, I'd like things to continue moving smoothly down life's sometime-not-smooth road. Keep us under your wing and traveling towards good health. That's about it for us, short list!
Maybe now that my list is two or three pages shorter, you may have a few extra moments to spare. Could you maybe concentrate on some of the folks around who could use a little extra help. There's a lot of people worried about loved ones in harm's way overseas, could you spend a little time helping smooth that mess out so they can come home. There are a whole bunch of hungry folks out there who could use a helping hand too, some of them don't live too far away either so maybe it wouldn't be a whole lot of extra work to make sure the little ones don't go to bed hungry. There are people who are going to be alone for the holidays, it really wouldn't take much time for a quick visit and would mean so much. Some of them haven't talked to you for a great many years and it would do them good. If you don't have time for a lot of visits, maybe you could lift the fogs that sometimes cloud their past, even just for Christmas Eve, and let them warm their souls with the memories of Christmas Past. It would mean so much. I'm hopeful that your annual visit will spread a little happiness and love around. Our country could use all it can get. It might help end some of the unhappiness and anger that's so prevalent. If it's not asking too much, could you spread some old fashioned politeness around. There's way too much rudeness and anger in our country.
Well, I've taken up enough of your time, I do so enjoy our yearly visit and I do try my best to keep you in my heart all year around, but then, you know that. Thank you so much, my old friend and with you helping, maybe this year that "Peace on Earth" thing will finally work.
Love you!
Dick Brooks
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