Legal Advertisements - Week of January 24, 2025
Written By The Mountain Eagle on 1/23/25 | 1/23/25
February Veteran Events
By Alexis Pencar
SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Check out the February schedule of events provided by the Schoharie County Veterans’ Dwyer Program. There are countless resources available for Veterans! Please reach out for more information!
If you have questions, want to get involved, or just need to talk, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office at (518) 295-8360 or Cell at (518) 929-2382 or email at CountyVA@co.schoharie.ny.us.
February Schedule:
Feb 6 starts SUNY Equine 4PM at the riding arena
FYI for all the club meets, you don’t have to wait for the Veterans specific day, you can join and attend all the activities anytime
Feb 1 8-2 PM SCCA Ice fishing Derby, Vly Pond
Feb 5-7 PM Richmondville Fish and Game meeting
Feb 6-2 PM SUNY Equine Walking with warriors
Feb 7th- 9th Homeward Bound Adirondacks Veteran and spouse retreat at the Minnowbrook Conference Center,
Blue Mountain Lake
Feb 8 8-2 PM West Fulton Ice Fishing Vly Pond
Feb 11 7 PM Veterans Camaraderie meeting - 3673 NY 145
Feb 12 9:30 AM Cobleskill Diner Veterans Breakfast
Feb 12 7 PM Ridge Runners of Middleburgh meeting
Feb 15 8-2 PM Richmondville Fish & Game Ice Fishing Derby, Fancher Pond
Feb 19 11 AM SUNY Cobleskill Veterans meeting
Feb 19 12 PM Veteran Lunch at the Gathering Place
Feb 20 10 AM Conesville Country Store Veterans Breakfast
Contacts:
SUNY Equine - Carolyn (518) 225-5900
The Gathering Place Luncheon - Kim (518) 823-4338
Homeward Bound Adirondacks - Shane (518) 618-7776
Richmondville Range - Emmett (518) 657-9067
Ridge Runners Middleburgh Club - Doug Handy (518) 231-0970
Caving – John Pitt (518) 231-4123
For any general questions, please contact The Veterans’ Service Agency Office. They are located at 284 Main Street 3rd Floor Schoharie, NY 12157 or call (518) 295-8360.
Oak Meadows Resolution Approved between Town of Cobleskill and Town of Middleburgh
By Elizabeth Barr
COBLESKILL — At the Cobleskill Town Board Meeting on January 13, 2025, Werner Hampel explained that the Town of Cobleskill has been working quite diligently with the John Youmans, Supervisor of the Town of Middleburgh and Mike West Town Attorney, in reference to the Oak Meadows Drive highway issue. Mike West took the petitions to the land holders and got all the paperwork signed by them. This Permissive Referendum is to conjoin the property owners front yards located in the Town of Cobleskill with the owner’s property in the Town of Middleburgh. After the Permissive Referendum is complete, the Middleburgh Town Highway Department will be responsible for the road. The Town of Middleburgh also approved their Resolution for the Permissive Referendum on January 9, 2025.
The Town Board approved a resolution subject to the Permissive Referendum for transfer and annexation of parcels of vacant land located in the Town of Cobleskill into the Town of Middleburgh pursuant to a petition filed by owners of affected parcels of land located on the town road known as Oak Meadow Drive. These parcels are located in both the Town of Cobleskill and the Town of Middleburgh. The plan is to transfer the Town Road to the Town of Middleburgh. By doing this, the Town of Middleburgh will provide all municipal highway services to Oak Meadows Drive.
The petition was signed by all owners of the affected parcels of vacant land. The parcels will be transferred and be annexed by the Town of Middleburgh. Once the expiration of the Permissive Referendum period has expired, the Town Supervisor’s will be authorized to complete the transfer on behalf of the Town of Cobleskill.
Summit to Discuss Potential Unsafe Building Law
By Karen Cuccinello
SUMMIT — The January regular Summit town board meeting opened with mention of the December board minutes that were adopted at the organizational meeting and the supervisors report was approved.
The clerk and Dog Control Officer (DCO) reports were mentioned and needed no further discussion. No other reports from other departments.
Building Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox stated that he is keeping up on open building permits, sent out two remedy orders and did not hand out any new building permits. He mentioned that James Morrell is willing to offer a white goods pick up day in Summit. The Board would like to talk to him about this at the February 20th board meeting.
Historian Karen Cuccinello stated that the article for the Maple Festival booklet about Revolutionary Veterans with Connections to Summit was submitted and the article written by last summer's intern Elise, about Fourth of July celebrations was published in the Schoharie County Historical Review.
Councilperson Georgia Shafer reported on the revitalization meeting. The unified postings subcommittee has tabled the proposed Summit Facebook page while waiting to see if Schoharie County launches a Facebook page. The Local Law subcommittee is making progress on a Site Plan review. A draft of an Unsafe Building Law, that is on the town website, will be discussed at the February board meeting. Farmers Market subcommittee decided that a stand-alone market was not feasible but could work in conjunction with other events. The Complete Streets subcommittee will be making a presentation at a board meeting. A Public Park subcommittee was formed to look into a possible Summit Park. Next Revitalization Committee meeting is February 5 at the town hall 7pm.
John Foote mentioned that the Comprehensive Plan is now listed as approved on the Summit website www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/government/town-of-summit.
Board members reviewed and adopted contracts with the Schoharie County Animal Shelter and DCO, Jillian Smith.
The meeting was open to the public.
A couple of people asked if the highway department could put more sand and salt on the roads and plow earlier in the morning as the roads are sometimes very slippery. Supervisor Vroman mentioned that the roads are very difficult to keep totally clear due to the amount of snow we are getting, the low temperatures that don't allow much melting and staying within the budget due to the high cost of sand.
They also asked if anything can be done for better visibility and slowing people down at the four-way stop in Charlotteville. Supervisor Vroman suggested calling the police when they see people blowing through the four-way and will look into what else can be done.
Another person asked if the Summit Neighbors do become the owners of the Green Space, at about 2852 Rte. 10, does it come off the tax rolls; answer yes. Will the low percentage of response to the Comprehensive Plan survey be listed in the plan; answer yes. Also asked about the Board reviewing and lessening all the building code rules, regulations and costs in order to make it easier for people, especially younger adults, to build in Summit.
The Bear Gulch Association gave the Board a copy of their Bear Gulch Emergency Plan.
A representative of Aflac Insurance would like to make a presentation to the Board about their dental and vision plan for town employees; approved.
The regular meeting was recessed and the Board began a review of the town audit.
“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”
By Alexis Pencar
Hey Neighbors!
What a cold last week we had! Many areas hit negatives for lows at least once! There will be a slight warm up over the weekend with more cold and possible negatives back by late next week.
Big News for the Village with the recent announcement of the sale of the American Hotel! Please join me in welcoming and congratulating the new Owners of the American Hotel, Michael Palaia and Marco Braeutigam to Sharon Springs! Look out for more updates coming soon!
Big Congrats to Dr. Susan Golembeski of Bison Island Ranch in Sharon Springs who is attending the National Bison Association (NBA) Winter Conference and Gold Trophy Show and Sale (GTSS) in Denver this week. Golembeski is representing Region VII as Board Director of the National Bison Association. Region VII includes 10 states: NY, CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, PA, RI, VT and OH. This is the NBA 45th anniversary of the GTSS and the 30th anniversary of the annual Winter Conference.
For those located in the Village of Sharon Springs, please make sure to do your best to clear your sidewalks of snow. Don’t forget, safety first!
Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors! Visit to see what all the excitement is about! They have groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and much more! The nursery will be opening for the Spring too! They are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow @SunnycrestMarkets 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, with more products available for purchase too! The 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 less vegetables now but still has select items available. Check out their social media for more! The Outrageous Snack Snack has sadly closed for the season but we’re already looking forward to fresh donuts in the Spring!
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!
Seeking Nominations for Person of the Year
We’re seeking nominations for our annual persons of the year. Next month we’ll announce our person of the year each for Schoharie, Delaware, and Greene Counties, as well as our overall regional person of the year. We’ll also offer special mentions, including for lifetime achievement.
Have a person who stands out? Let us know! Send us just the name or info about them we can publish as a letter to the editor below!
Send us your feedback to: mountaineaglenews@gmail.com, via call or text at 518-763-6854 or mail it to us at:
The Mountain Eagle
PO Box 162
Schoharie NY 12157
or
The Mountain Eagle
PO Box 278
Stamford NY 12167
Schoharie Valley Singers Begin Rehearsals for Spring Concert
SCHOHARIE COUNTY – “Sounding Joy” will be the theme for the 2025 Spring Season for the Schoharie Valley Singers. The music will consist of familiar and new works by artists Wilberg, Bruckner, Parker, Walker, Labarr, Paulus and more.
If you love to sing, consider joining the group. Rehearsals begin January 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Street, Central Bridge.
Concerts are scheduled for May 2 & 3, 2025.
There will be a pot luck meal to start the season off at 5:30 PM – Bring a dish and your table setting.
Registration will begin at 6:30 PM – Students are welcome with no registration fee. For more information and to pre-register: schoharievalleysingers.org or email schoharievalleysingers@gmail.com.Schoharie County Board Holds Off On Special Financial Audit
By Chris English
SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Schoharie County's Board of Supervisors is holding off for now on an independent forensic audit that would examine the issues of alleged unreconciled checks and health insurance overpayments.
Supervisors have recently claimed that 8,500 checks have not been reconciled and there's been overpayment on health insurance accounts. At the Friday, Jan. 17 BOS meeting, a motion by Supervisor Alicia Terry of Gilboa to conduct an independent forensic audit was voted down after extensive discussion.
The independent audit could still be coming, but most BOS members feel the office of County Treasurer Mary Ann Wollaber-Bryan and the county's regular auditing firm should first be given time to get to the bottom of the finance issues.
"I support an audit but only after we've given them an opportunity," Supervisor Werner Hampel of Cobleskill said.
"We've started down a road and we should continue on that road," BOS member Earl VanWormer III of Esperance added, referring to the BOS giving the Treasuer's Office at least until the end of the month to resolve, or at least take a significant step toward, resolving the issues.
But Terry's thought process was somewhat different.
"This body has a fiduciary responsibility," she said. "I think we need to undertake that step (independent forensic audit). Somebody has to get to the bottom of this. We're just delaying an opportunity. We're just kicking the can down the road."
Comments from BOS Chairman William Federice of Conesville indicated that an independent forensic audit will eventually be done, and in the not-too-distant future. Some of his remarks came in response to those made by Supervisor Philip Skowfoe of Fulton, who wondered why an independent forensic audit would be needed and that an examination of the issues by the county's regular auditing firm could provide resolution on the matter.
"Why would we want to pay somebody else when they will be able to explain what happened and why," said Skowfoe.
"Would it not be better to get a fresh set of eyes on it?" Federice responded.
During both the Jan. 17 BOS meeting and the Jan. 15 county Personnel/Finance Committee meeting, there was a consensus reached to strive for much better communication and cooperation among county departments like the Treasurer's Office, and between departments and the BOS.
In addition, Supervisor and Finance Committee Chair Alex Luniewski of Wright and Supervisor/Finance Committee member Jeffrey Haslun of Richmondville said they would take Wollaber-Bryan up on her offer soon and visit the Treasurer's Office to get a first-hand look at how things operate there and how work on the issues is progressing.
In addition to the check reconciliation and health insurance overpayments, it recently came to light that mistakes were made in the final printed version of the 2025 county budget.
At both the Jan. 15 and 17 meetings, Wollaber-Bryan spoke extensively and emphasized how hard she and her Treasurer's Office staff are working to resolve the financial issues. She said most if not all of the problems are being caused by a new software system instituted last year called Tyler Munis.
At the Jan. 15 meeting, she said the statement that "8,500 checks are not reconciled is a blatant misrepresentation of what occurred." Wollaber-Bryan continued at the Jan. 17 meeting that the "Treasurer's Office has never had a problem before this system. We never had anything like this happen. The new system is very complicated and very different from what we're used to.
"We are working as a team on reconciliation. We don't have the capacity with this new system to do what we've always done. I don't want to blame the Tyler system, but it's a learning curve. That's what this was."
Luniewski said at the Jan. 15 committee meeting he was upset to learn in a Dec. 31 email that some numbers in the final printed version of the 2025 budget were not what he thought they would be.
"How did we make these errors?" he said. "As finance chairman, that just boils my blood to no end. What we made in our final budget motion was not what was printed. I'm actually embarrassed about this. How do we avoid this in the future?"
Two of the answers that came out of both meetings are better communication among all county officials, and having the Treasurer's Office double check all budget numbers before they are printed in the final budget booklet, something that Wollaber-Bryan said did not happen this past year.
Luniewski said near the end of the Jan. 15 committee meeting he is ready to move forward in a spirit of better communication and cooperation.
"Today's conversation, as rough as it's been, we know that tomorrow is a new day," he said.
"Measures have already been put in place," Wollaber-Bryan said at the Jan. 17 BOS meeting. "The biggest one is working together and being open and transparent. Do not hesitate to come into my office at any time to sit and ask questions. And the same for the public. Call my office. I am confident as we continue working together, we will resolve this going forward."
25 Years of Success for Stone House Farm
By Alexis Pencar
SHARON SPRINGS —The Sap House at Stone House Farm in Sharon Springs is BACK next weekend starting on Saturday, February 1st for their 25th Season of these beloved weekend Pancake breakfasts!
This tradition, ‘Pancakes in the Sap House at Stone House Farm’, is loved and enjoyed by many! With all-you-can eat pancakes, maple leaf shaped waffles, maple sausages, coffee, maple milk, orange juice, and all the maple fixings like maple syrup, maple butter, and maple sugar there is something for everyone! Don’t forget all the maple products for sale afterwards too!
With fresh maple syrup from last year to start, the sap will begin boiling right in the Sap House once the sap runs and the smell is really something to experience for yourself! The sap starts running as early as February and as late as March, or whenever the days get warm and the nights stay cold.
The wonderful family behind Stone House Farm, The Everett’s, have been there since 1964. Tim and Patti Everett took over the farm in 1986, and in 1994 The Everett’s started selling maple products on the farm. Then in 2001, the couple decided to take it another step by opening up and serving the community these special breakfasts each year.
Stone House Farm currently operates a 5,000+ tap maple syrup operation with a wood-fired evaporator inside the Sap House. It's a family business as Tim & Patti's daughters and their families also help out, making it all possible. Each time you visit, there are several generations working together! They were also able to expand the dairy side of their business a little over a year ago and now have a total of 60 Jersey milk cows that are milked in a DeLaval robot.
Mark your calendars for the opening weekend of ‘Pancakes in the Sap House at Stone House Farm’ next Saturday, February 1st! These breakfasts will run for 12 weekends with Saturday, April 19th being their last day.
Remember: Breakfast hours are Saturdays & Sundays from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM and it is cash only. Just like many businesses, this family-run operation has had to raise its rates for the first time in many many years. The new rates for this delicious All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast are: $13.00 per person, with a generous discount of $11.00 for Senior Citizens and just $6.00 for small children.
The Everett’s of Stone House Farm welcome everyone to taste AND learn about maple syrup production February through April, during the traditional sap season. The Sap House at Stone House is located at 305 Lynk Road, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. For more information, please contact (518) 284-2476 or visit www.thesaphouseatstonehousefarm.com.