MIDDLEBURGH - Racers from Middleburgh Cub Scout Pack 30 raced for the prize at the annual Pinewood Derby Saturday evening at the Middleburgh Community Center on Cotton Hill Road.
There were 2 scouts signed up for the race.
The top finishers were: 1st Spencer Youmans, 2nd Megan Porter, 3rd Gavin Simmons.
Parents and race participants watch Dennis Shaul start another race Saturday.
Dennis Shaul starts another race with the help of Haylee Dugan.
GALLUPVILLE — Below is a message from the Gallupville House on a way to help.
We’re halfway between Winter Solstice and the Equinox and I’m thinking of Spring and the transition, which brings me to this message.
We are moving forward - better heat in the main room, an honest-to-goodness arrangement with the town to use the building, professional planning of the parking/park/amphitheater/gardens paradise we’re planning…..and enough grant money in our accounts to have people take us seriously. Not meaning to brag, but this is the group you want to be part of and I want you to be part of it.
And while you are at it make your involvement official. Pay your dues and have your say in what we’re doing. $10 bucks for an individual…..$15 bucks for the WHOLE FAM??? Come on, that’s a deal. And you can pay with Venmo, PayPal, check or good old cash. If everybody getting this note joins and kicks in with dues, it will be enormously helpful and I’ll be very grateful.
Curious what we were up to last year? Curious about what we might be doing this year. I got you. In mid February we will be unveiling our new and improved website with all the updates on our events, status and pictures of the Park and building renovations, and so much more.
Here are some easy peasy ways to pay your dues or to just make a meaningful donation on someone's behalf.
Venmo- @gallupvillehouse
PayPal- Gallupville House Association (there's a link on our website at Gallupvillehouse.org)
Checks- the Gallupville House Ass. -mailed to P.O.BOX 53 Gallupville NY 12073
Sign up for updates or ask any questions to- gallupvillehouse@gmail.com
RENSSELAERVILLE — R’ville Stage Creations is casting for our April 2025 production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and we’re looking for fearless and talented performers of all ages! Click HERE to register and for more info.
What to Prepare:
A 1-2 minute dramatic monologue (does not need to be memorized).
If invited to callbacks, you’ll be asked to cold-read from the script in small groups.
Audition Options:
Monday, February 17, at 7:00 PM – Greenville Public Library, ST RT 32, Greenville
Wednesday, February 19, at 7:00 PM – Conkling Hall, 8 Methodist Hill Rd, Rensselaerville
Video Submission: Email your audition to rvillestagecreations@gmail.com by end of day Tuesday, February 18.
Callbacks (Invitation Only):
Thursday, February 20 – Conkling Hall, Rensselaerville
Invitations will be sent via email by 11 PM on Wednesday, February 19.
Key Dates:
Rehearsals: Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays (2/23–4/16) at Greenville Library. Not all cast members will be called to every rehearsal.
Performances:Friday, April 25, at 7 PM
Saturday, April 26, at 7 PM
Sunday, April 27, at 2 PM (all performances at Conkling Hall)
Strike: Following the closing performance on Sunday.
We can’t wait to see you at First Friday Playhouse or hope to see your talents shine during auditions for The Crucible!
By Tom Coughlin
If you would like to take in some snowmobile racing this weekend, Lake Pleasant and the village of Speculator will offer a full day of racing. This afternoon begins at 3:00 pm. The Adirondack Cross Country Race Series will have pit parking open for competitors from 5:00 pm. until 9:00 pm. A Meet & Greet and Rider check-in will take place at the Lemon Tree Brewery. Saturday morning from 7:00 am until 8:45 am there will be Rider check-in, 8:00 am until 9:00 am
Safety tech, 9:00 am. Riders meeting at the staging area and Race 1 is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am.
A little warmer and closer to home on Saturday, Hall of Fame modified driver Bob Vedder of Schoharie will hold the first of a number of planned book signings from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Carrot Barn/Schoharie Valley Farms located at 5605 NY-30 in Schoharie. Bob’s first published book is titled “Thoughts to Live By”. Books will be available for $6.99 and as part of this book signing the Schoharie Mountain Eagle has a special subscription offer available in this
week’s edition. The book is available for purchase at 13 local locations and on Amazon and is also available for check out from each library in Schoharie County.
Northeast modified racing will take place this week at the All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Florida as the Short Track Super Series will kick off their 2025 racing season. Tuesday the STSS Sunshine Swing will begin with Open Practice, Wednesday modifieds will have a 30-lap feature and the crate 602 sportsman will compete in a 25-lap feature, Thursday the modifieds will have a 35-lap feature and the sportsman a 25-lap feature, Friday will see the mods go 40-laps and sportsman 30-laps, and Saturday the mods will compete in a 50-lap feature and sportsman 30-laps.
Even before he gets in his modified for the STSS Stewart Friesen of Sprakers in preparation for the NASCAR Truck Series season start at Daytona in two weeks, was testing the Halmar-Friesen number 52 Toyota Tundra this week at the Rockingham Speedway.
The Montgomery County Agricultural Society (Fonda Fair Board) held their annual meeting & elections last Wednesday night. Board President Mark Wilmot gave a brief summary of improvements such as water and sewer lines, hydrants, and bathrooms, plus activities that took place during the previous year and of future plans for the facility.
Following Wilmot, Fonda Speedway promoter Brett Deyo gave an overview of the improvements made to the speedway since he signed on in 2019 and the scheduled highlights of the 2025 racing season. Deyo noted that 2024 was a challenging year, but the staff persevered and regrouped to get through. Continuing Deyo stated that Fonda Speedway provided a number of large racing events with large cash payouts such as the Fonda 200 Weekend in September and has continued to increase the viewing audience via live streaming through FloRacing on the internet. Special race nights will continue such as Aim Autism night, backpack night, one-dollar night, five-dollar night, junior flagger classes, and more. Deyo Was quick to point out the good working relationship with fair board President Mark Wilmot and his wife Mary Ellen, along with the entire fair staff and Agriculture Society. Fair board election results for 2025 are as follows: Mark Wilmot was reelected president, Dana Opalka first vice president, Betty Kilcullen second vice president, Mary Ellen Wilmot secretary, and Martin Kelly
Treasurer.
Elmo's Speed & Supply and JAM Performance & Consulting will hold the North East Dirt Modified Race Car Seminar on Saturday, March 8 from 9:00am.-4:00pm. at the Polish Community Center 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, N.Y. 12205 The cost of the seminar is $100 per person, which includes entry, lunch, and raffle. Text Elmo's at 518-429-4746 or message their facebook page to reserve your seat.
You should get your tickets reserved if you would like to attend the combined Champions Night award banquet for Fonda Speedway, Utica-Rome Speedway, Brookfield Speedway, and the Short Track Super Series. It will take place on Saturday, March 8 at the Roselawn Banquet Facility in New York Mills, N.Y., which is just on the west side of the city of Utica. There is a link on the Fonda and Utica-Rome websites or facebook pages. Cost is $50 per person.
Taking place on Friday and Saturday, March 7 & 8 at the Colonie Center Mall in Albany, will be the second annual Lebanon Valley Speedway race car show. There will be activities for the kids and plenty of racecars on hand to view and drivers to visit with.
Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pennsylvania will kick off the Northeast season when they host the STSS on Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15. Known as the Speed Palace. Port Royal will feature STSS modifieds, STSS sportsman and Pro-stocks. Friday night will be qualifying and then Saturday will see consolations and features. Modifieds will compete 60-laps, offering $12,000, sportsman will compete for 40-laps and $4,000, and pro-stocks will go 25-laps and a minimum of $1,250.
Fonda Speedway will host their annual race car show March 21-23 at the Via/Port Mall in Rotterdam.
Utica-Rome Speedway will host their car show at the Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford on the weekend of March 28-30.
The Northeast Dirt Modified Museum and Hall of Fame has announced their class of 2025. Honorees this year include drivers Duane Howard of Pennsylvania, Billy VanPelt of New York, and the late Dale Planck.
Also being recognized for their contributions to racing on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 7:00 pm. at the Northeast Dirt Modified Museum & Hall of Fame for their 33rd. annual induction ceremony will be Mechanic and Crew Chief Tommy Conroy who will receive the Mechanic/Engineering Award. Earning the Gene Dewitt Car Owner award is Car Owner Vinny Salerno. former Delaware International Speedway Promoters Charlie and Joyce Cathell will receive the Leonard J. Sammons Jr. award for Outstanding Contributions to Auto Racing, Journalist and Historian Fred Voorhees will receive the Andrew S. Fusco award for Media Excellence, and Photographer Jane Cella will receive the Outstanding Woman in Racing award. The induction presentation will take place on the grounds of the Weedsport Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y. This always entertaining and educational event is free and open to the public and will feature pre-and post-ceremony receptions.
I mentioned ways for fans to get involved, here are a couple of opportunities. Crate 602 sportsman driver Bobby Rhinehart of Racin’ Rhino Motorsports has different packages available-as does Crate 602 sportsman driver Kirsten Swartz. Please reach out to one or both of these drivers and take advantage of their offer to promote your business or to see your name or a loved one's name on one of these beautiful hot rods.
Happy Days restaurant just north of Amsterdam at 4470 NY-30 (Perth) will host their weekly 2025 Cruise-In’s from the first Thursday in May through the last Thursday in September. every Thursday from 5pm. Until 8 pm. Starting on May1 through September 26 rain or shine. All makes and models are welcome. Free soda for Drivers and $1 Ice Cream Specials for Participants.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is hoping to have over one thousand entries when they will host their annual spring car show on Saturday, May 10 on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park, conveniently next to the S.A.M. Show hours will be 9:00 am. until 2:00 pm.
Recent announcements include the birth of daughter Blakely May Sheppard to modified driver Matt Sheppard and fiancée Jordan Lynch. Also announced this week is that modified driver Mike Mahaney, and his wife Mandee Pauch-Mahaney are expecting their first child to arrive in late summer.
A couple of interesting pieces of news this week as Ron Ford and his promotional team will return to the weekly operation of the Afton Motorsports Park in Afton, N.Y.
The Mike and Alayne Bruno operated Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vermont and the Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh, N.Y. will be DIRTcar sanctioned for 2025.
Also announcing their tentative schedule for 2025 is the Mohawk Valley Pro Pulling League. Their schedule currently is as follows: May 17, May 30, June 6, June 20.at Fonda. July 25 at Boonville. All of the following dates are for the Fonda track. August 28 & August 31 Fonda Fairgrounds during the annual Fonda Fair. And September 19-20, and October 3 & 4. With this being a tentative schedule, more dates are still possible.
JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Historical Society is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, February 11th at 6 pm (snow date Feb. 13th) at Judd Hall, 163 Main St., Jefferson, to share information about the nomination of the Hamlet of Jefferson to the State and National Register of Historic Places. Both the State and Federal Registers identify places that are significant in history, architecture, landscaping, or state cultural heritage. (This listing is not associated with any action of the Town to create preservation standards for property owners.)
Property owners, tenants, business owners, community leaders, people interested in historic preservation are all invited to attend. Representatives from the State Historic Preservation Office will be on hand to answer questions and explain in detail the program and potential benefits.
For those unable to attend this meeting in person, it will be available on Zoom. You can receive notice of how to sign on to the meeting by sharing your email address with historicalsocietyjefferson@gmail.com -- then we can email you the link.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - The Village of Middleburgh is scheduled to get 134 new LED streetlights from National Grid this spring.
At a special meeting last Wednesday, village board members discussed the National Grid LED streetlight conversion quote for $11,716.24. Once National Grid grid receives the check, the project will go "into the pipeline," village officials said. It is estimated the project will begin in the spring and take no longer than two weeks to complete. The project will be replacing all village street lights 134 lights with LED bulbs.
Once the village receives reimbursement upon project completion, the final cost will be $4,711.24
Last year, board member had hoped that the changeover would have started three years ago as National Grid had promised to replace burnt out bulbs with LED but found out they had leftover old-style lights and used them instead.
The new lights will be brighter and the village will save on electricity charges, but the proposed National Grid rate hike increase in facility charges will wipe out most of the village's savings, officials said. The village will break about even, with a possibility of savings.
The lights will be brighter in the business district, by the elementary school, and the Methodist Church. The decorative lights will also be brighter.
Currently, there are nine burned out lights in the village and LEDs should last much longer, officials said.
FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will offer a Museum Monday program on February 3rd, inside their Visitor Center and Museum featuring the Pathway to Empire exhibit. This informal presentation will discuss a topic directly connected to artifacts on display and the history of the historic site. The doors will be open from 11am to 1pm. The themed discussion within the museum will begin at 11:30am.
During this program, staff will explore the history of Queen Anne of Great Britain and the development of Fort Hunter. Included in the conversation will be insights into the chapel she created in the Mohawk Valley, and the legacy felt today. Exhibit panels and objects in the exhibit collection will be available for viewing.
For the following Museum Monday program scheduled for March 3rd, the site will celebrate DeWitt Clinton’s birthday. Born on March 2, 1769, Clinton was a passionate canal advocate and when he became Governor of New York, began the process of building the Grand Canal. Staff will discuss aspects of Clinton’s life and look at his portrait on display, comparing to some others created during his lifetime.
These programs are free and open to the public. Questions are encouraged. This is not a formal presentation or lecture, and the idea is to move about to explore the exhibit and discover more about each theme topic. For more information, please call David at the Visitor Center: (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches, and more, which saw a record 88 million visits in 2024. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app , or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - When you receive the next Middleburgh village water and sewer quarterly bill this week, don't forget to look for an important questionnaire on the back of the village newsletter.
At a special board meeting last week, village board members reviewed the quarterly water and sewer newsletter and the anonymous grant survey questionnaire on the backside. Village board members are seeking thoughts from residents about future projects as well as ideas for the greatest needs in the village.
The village is hoping to get grant funding for projects this year and are hoping for public participation.
Village officials are seeking funding for sewer extension, Main Street improvements, and other projects but the village cannot afford them without outside funding.
The village will be putting a survey in the water and sewer bill that came out Friday. The questionnaire will ask residents what their needs and wants are for the village. The data from the survey would be important for grant applications. The village will also be asking for residents to join a grants committee, which would also work with the county, SEEC, and a group from the Mohawk Valley.
The village needs to look for grants with small match or no match amounts.
In other grant news, Mayor Tim Knight spoke about a AARP grant application. He said the village has received grant monies in the past from AARP. It was the consensus of the board to apply for a Demonstration Grant for blinking pedestrian light on the crosswalk across Main Street by the municipal building.
In other action, board members reviewed a quote from Middleburgh Valley contractors for $3,900 to remove and grade Gorge Creek, sediment pond debris. DPW reached out to other contractors for bids. The bid was approved upon contingent upon proof of insurance
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MIDDLEBURGH – The Middleburgh Central School District now has a food pantry, available to all students in need, thanks to a partnership between school leaders, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Bassett Healthcare Network’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) located inside the school.
In 2024, several of Bassett’s SBHC teams participated in a Social Determinants of Health Learning Collaborative, sponsored by the National School-Based Health Alliance. This collaborative delved into factors that can impact a child or teen’s health beyond the healthcare services they receive, including how important access to nutritious food is. Upon completion of the collaborative, each site was awarded a $5,000 stipend to support that SBHC’s work addressing the social determinants impacting students in their local community. Middleburgh’s School-Based Health Center invested that funding into the newly-established Jr./Sr. High Food Pantry. Part of the stipend was used to purchase a refrigerator and promotional materials while the rest is being used for the purchase of food.
“Through the care we provide at our School-Based Health Center, we discovered middle-school and high-school age students were hesitant to take part in the backpack program that continues to support many students facing food insecurity in Middleburgh,” said Caroline Andrew, NP, pediatric practitioner at Bassett’s Middleburgh School-Based Health Center. “The older students wanted more choice and the ability to put what they know about nutrition into action. It’s been amazingly rewarding to be able to say to students, ‘Here’s a room that’s stocked. Drop in whenever you want and take as much as you need with no questions asked.’”
The pantry is incorporated into the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s school pantry program. The food bank awarded the pantry an additional $2,000 and it continues to perform inspections to ensure the pantry is up to code. Grocery items purchased through the food bank at a deeply discounted rate are delivered to the school on a weekly basis and students enrolled in Middleburgh’s Basic Skills program restock the shelves on the days those deliveries arrive.
“Many of the students who ensure our food pantry remains organized receive food themselves. It’s truly empowering and helps the students practice important skills,” said Sierra Diamond, school social worker for the Middleburgh Central School District. “I deeply appreciate everyone at our Bassett Healthcare Network School-Based Health Center and those with the Regional Food Bank who help make this pantry a reality. Resources in our community are extremely limited, so it is important that we can have this space for students facing food insecurity to feel safe and supported without stigma.”
Staff at Bassett’s Middleburgh SBHC screen each of the students they see to learn if they may be facing food insecurity and ensure they are oriented with the food pantry and what it has to offer. Between November and December of 2024, at least 55 students accessed this resource.
"The establishment of the student food pantry is a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of our community to meet the needs of every student,” said Mark Place, Superintendent of Middleburgh Central School District. “By addressing food insecurity in a safe and supportive environment, we’re not just providing nourishment, but also fostering dignity, empowerment, and hope for our students. We’re incredibly grateful to Bassett Healthcare Network, the Regional Food Bank, and our School-Based Health Center for making this vision a reality."
FULTONHAM - Members of Fultonham Troop 58 traveled to the annual Cassidy Hollow Biathlon on Saturday.
Caleb DeLaet came in first, and Lauryn Work came in second out of 29 participants in the turkey shoot.
Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The sport originated from Scandinavian hunting traditions. Competitors ski a cross-country course stopping at shooting stages to fire at targets. The annual Cassety Hollow Biathlon, combines snowshoeing and .22 target shooting in a fun, safe, and supervised environment.
Scouts must be at least 12 years old to participate. There were prizes for the top three finishers. It was held in Oriskany Falls.
GALLUPVILLE - Last week members of the Gallupville Fire Department held their annual banquet and installation of officers at Settles Hill Banquets & Events.
It was an evening of many celebrations. Special thank you to Assemblyman Chris Tague and his staff for preparing and presenting two special awards. They presented the family of Evelyn Gallup with a citation for her 50-plus years of service to the Gallupville Fire Department Auxiliary. They presented John Schultz with a proclamation for his 50 years of active service to the Gallupville Fire Department. John has been very instrumental in fire department and the Board of Fire Commissioners. As noted by Chief Boomhower, John is always the voice of calm and reason. Congratulations to all of our volunteers and the accomplishments in 2024! A great job by each and every member.
WASHINGTON D.C. - Announced in June of 2024, this unforgettable trip to Washington D.C. gave 50 Middleburgh high school students the chance to explore the heart of our nation and attend the presidential inauguration. As part of the district's commitment to experiential learning, students will go on dozens of field trips this year. It’s an amazing way to learn and be inspired.
The students left at 7am on a tour bus for Washington D.C. to view the inauguration of President Donald Trump. They also visited several sites in the nation's capital over their three-day trip. The students are in grades 10, 11, and 12.
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