Corned Beef Dinner a Hit in M'burgh

MIDDLEBURGH - The annual corned beef dinner at the Our Lady of the Valley church hall was a big hit Sunday afternoon.

The tables were full and the take-outs were plentiful for the traditional home-made corned beef dinner with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and, of course, soda bread on Sunday. Middleburgh Cub Scouts helped with Knights of Columbus members Sunday afternoon.

Proceeds from the dinner went to benefit our athletes competing in the SPECIAL OLYMPICS of the CAPITAL DISTRICT. Sponsored collaboratively by Knights of Columbus Council 4475, Middleburgh Cub Scouts and the Our Lady of the Valley Cafe.

Special Olympics New York provides over 42,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition. Through year-round games and training programs, special athletes and their families make friends and develop character. This includes unified sports programs at over 300 schools where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates.

Ernest Kuehl serves dinners to Thomas and Michele Price of Delanson Sunday. Photos by David Avitabile.

Cub Scout Spencer serves cake to Jackie and Ed Guntert of Middleburgh.

The cook staff was busy in the kitchen Sunday in Middleburgh.

 

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Devlin, Jensen Top MCS Class of 2025

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School has named its top five students for the Class of 2025.

The top five are:

* Valedictorian: Brianna Devlin

* Salutatorian: Kaelyn Jensen

* Honor Graduate: Aster McGiver

* Fourth Highest Average: Gabrielle Armlin

* Fifth Highest Average: Morgan Masterson

BRIANNA DEVLIN, VALEDICTORIAN

Clubs, athletics, and activities:

* All County Music Festival

* Athletic Association (treasurer)

* Band

* Choir

* Class Treasurer

* Esports

* Interact (president)

* Jazz Band

* Marching Band

* Middleburgh Fire Department

* National Honor Society (treasurer)

* National Junior Honor Society (president)

* Piano Lessons

* Varsity Soccer

* Varsity Softball

* Yearbook (president)

* Youth As Leaders.

"I plan to study computer science/engineering in college. I’m not sure what career I’ll choose, but I know I’m interested in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing."

KAELYN JENSEN, SALUTATORIAN

Clubs, athletics, and activities:

*  Band (percussion)

* Class Representative in Student office

* National Honor Society

* Track (varsity)

* Volleyball (club and varsity

* Youth As Leaders

"I wish to pursue some sort of career in criminal justice. My main goal would be to work for the FBI."

ASTER MCGIVER, HONOR GRADUATE

Clubs, athletics and activities:

*  Drama Club

*Jazz Band

* Interact through Rotary International 

* National Honor Society 

* Secret Binder Clip Society (school literary magazine)

* Select Choir: Music of the Knight

"I want to write, wherever that takes me! I have a deep love for storytelling and the fantastical, but also take a lot of interest in politics and social issues. I can see myself anywhere, from a writers’ room to reporting live in the field." 

GABRIELLE ARMLIN 

Clubs, athletics and activities

* :Basketball (varsity)

* Drama Club

* Interact Club

* Music of the Knight

* National Honor Society 

* National Junior Honor Society

* Ski Club

* Soccer (varsity)

* Track (varsity)

* Volleyball (varsity)

* Youth as Leaders

"I would like to become a neurologist." 

MORGAN MASTERSON  

Clubs, athletics and activities:

*  Basketball (varsity)

* National Honor  Society

* Youth as Leaders

* Ski Club

* Soccer (varsity)

* Student Council

* Track (varsity)

"I will be going to college to become a physical therapist or something in the medical field."

 

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Earth Day Celebration at Huyck Preserve

RENSSELAERVILLE - An Earth Day Celebration will be held at the Huyck Preserve on Sunday, April 27 from 10am-noon at the Eldridge Research Center 284 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville.

Join the Huyck Preserve to celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day, and National Volunteer Week.

Discover three fun ways you can help the Preserve and the environment around you. This event is geared towards adults looking to make a difference. Whether you are a first-time volunteer or an experienced veteran, the activities planned will inspire positive change and equip you with the tools you need to take action. 

Meet local wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin and get a personal look at the native species in her care and how you can help the wildlife around you.

Visit with Huyck Preserve staff and volunteers to hear about volunteer opportunities including education, trail monitoring, photography, events, and more.

Follow Stewardship Coordinator Garrett Chisholm to learn how to identify and remove invasive species on the Preserve or at your home.

 

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Local History - The First Edition of the Gilboa Monitor

By Wildert Marte

Below continues our series on local history through the press by our student intern Wildert Marte.

GILBOA — The first edition of The Gilboa Monitor was published on December 19 1878 with Miron Dings as the editor and publisher. It was made for the people of Gilboa and nearby towns to share news business updates and community events. The paper started by telling readers why a local newspaper mattered, saying that a town's reputation depended on it. It asked people to subscribe, send in news and advertise their businesses. The editor said the paper would stay away from politics and focus on news that helped the community. The first issue had local news, especially about Christmas. It mentioned a Christmas tree event at the Episcopal Church and that Christmas trees had arrived at Washington Market. There were updates on roadwork and how people were working to keep the roads in good shape. Churches and community events were important parts of life and the paper made sure to highlight them.

One of the most serious parts of the paper was the obituary section which reported the death of Miss Carrie E. Lane, a teacher from School No 2. She became sick suddenly and even though she showed signs of getting better she passed away. The paper said she was smart, well-liked and a favorite in town. Her death brought sadness over the holiday season. A service was planned and her body would be taken to Gilboa for burial.

The paper was full of ads from local businesses. Stores, doctors, blacksmiths and jewelers placed ads to bring in customers. Fredendury & Thomas and Hollenbeck & Ford advertised holiday goods like clothing and household items. Joseph B Ehrich, a watchmaker promoted his repair services and jewelry while Dr W L Baldwin let people know about his medical practice. There were also ads for everyday items like wooden milk pails and kitchenware showing what people needed at the time. The paper wasn’t just about news and business, it also had entertaining and unusual stories. One article told the story of a woman in Rhode Island who laughed herself to death after her husband used sugar instead of salt to preserve pork. She could not stop laughing and eventually died. The paper also gave advice for young men looking for work telling them to take any honest job instead of waiting for the perfect one.

There was also a report on cheap restaurants in New York City where a full meal cost only six cents. The article said this was a big help for working class people since it gave them a clean affordable place to eat instead of bars or taverns. A court case about a broken bridge in La Grange was also covered. A horse fell through the bridge and died and the owner sued the town for damages. The court ruled that the town was not responsible the highway commissioners were, which put the financial burden on them instead of taxpayers.

The paper also had poems and reflections about life including one that compared youth adulthood and old age. These added a thoughtful touch and gave readers something to think about besides the news.

The first issue of The Gilboa Monitor was full of local news business ads and interesting stories that gave people a look at what was happening in their town. It wasn’t just a newspaper it was a way for people to stay connected and be a part of what was going on. It shared updates on local businesses and events so people could support each other and know what was happening around them. It gave people a space to celebrate big moments like weddings and mourn losses like the passing of a beloved teacher. It also had stories meant to entertain like the woman who laughed herself to death and advice for young men trying to find work. Every section of the paper showed what life was like in Gilboa at that time. Even the smallest details like ads for new clothing sales or updates on road repairs helped paint a picture of what the town was like.

 

 

 

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Free Beekeeping Seminar in Gallupville March 22

GALLUPVILLE  — Local beekeeping and native plant experts will lead a free seminar on supporting pollinators on Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at the Gallupville 1872 House, 913 State Route 443.

The event, titled "A, Bee, C's of Beekeeping & practical ways to support our buzzing friends," will feature Bob Muller, owner and operator of Sun Mountain Apiary and Honey Store, and Rosemary Mix, President of the Wild Ones Capital Region New York chapter.

The seminar will cover the basics of beekeeping, including bee biology, necessary equipment, sourcing bees, and associated costs. It is designed for both those curious about honeybees and those considering starting their own beekeeping operation.

Additionally, the presentation will address the challenges faced by both honeybees and native bees, particularly focusing on the impact of pesticide use and habitat loss on their food supply. Mix will discuss the importance of native plants as food sources for pollinators and provide guidance on incorporating them into gardens and landscapes.

Organizers said the seminar will give a short overview and offer tips to start down the road of beekeeping.

Pottery crafted by Gallupville House members will be available for purchase at the event. While admission is free, donations to the Gallupville 1872 House are appreciated. More information can be found at gallupvillehouse.org.

 

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Fun Night at SCS Alumni Game

SCHOHARIE - Fittingly, it was the Blue Team against the White Team at the annual alumni game at Schoharie Central School Friday night.

In the end, the White Team won by the score of 63-61. The most valuable player for the White Team was Mitch Barton and the MVP for the Blue Team was Blaine Rose. The three-point shot contest winner with 8 out of 10 was Travis McHargue

 

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Mamma Mia! to Hit SCS Stage

SCHOHARIE - Come sing along with your favorite ABBA songs as Schoharie Central School tells the tale of a young woman's search for her dad. Performances will take place on Friday, March 21 at 7pm, Saturday, March 22 at 7pm, and Sunday March 23, at 2pm.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.

Tickets will be on sale at the high school office, call Pam Guest at 518-295-6635, option 2. Adults are $12 and children/students are $10.

 

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Middleburgh Library Crockpot Cook-Off March 29

MIDDLEBURGH — The Middleburgh Library’s Annual Crockpot Cook-Off will be held Saturday, March 29th, from 11am to 2pm! 

Tickets will be available at the door. Taste as many crockpots as you like for a suggested donation of $7.00. Desserts will also be available, and there will be a 50/50 raffle! 

Please join us for an afternoon tasting scrumptious crockpot creations. Vote for your favorites and congratulate the winners! The Crockpot Cook-Off is a fundraising event for the Middleburgh Library. All proceeds will go to library programs and materials. 

It’s not too late to enter your recipe. Categories are SOUP/STEWS; CHILI; or OTHER. Prizes will be given for the winning recipe in each category, with results announced at 2:00 PM. The Crockpot Cook-Off is FREE to enter, but cooks must pre-register. Set-up begins at 10:30 AM (Crockpot should be hot). Judging results will be drawn at 2:00pm. Sign up in person at the library, or on the Library website: www.middleburghlibrary.info

 

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MCS Athletes Shine in State Bowling Championship

SYRACUSE – On Saturday 3/14 at Strike & Spare Lanes in Syracuse, the Section #2 All Star Girls Bowling Team  was victorious after besting the other 10 sectional All Star teams.
Section #2 consists of the Capitol District and surrounding counties. Delilah Shultes From MCS was picked as a representative on the All-Star Team and bowled well for the winning team. This is the first time Section #2 won the division 2 State Championship.
Congrats to all the Section #2 All Stars, and special congrats to Middleburgh’s Delilah Shultes for representing her school and the WAC at this prestigious State Tournament.
Hard work and dedication have led to this State Championship.

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Inns, Taverns, and Hotels of Schoharie County Presented by the Jefferson Historical Society March 23

Cobleskill Hotel

JEFFERSON – A Frenchman visiting America in the mid-eighteenth century noted that “in America, everyone travels”.  Nearly every village and hamlet in upstate New York had at least one “public house”.  It was fifty miles from Albany to Cherry Valley on the old Great Western Turnpike and there was a tavern for every mile.  Taverns were built near virtually every crossroads, bridge, and canal lock, or wherever else travelers might pass through.  A good tavern was essential to a village’s growth and to regional development.  Many still stand today as private residences.

Schoharie County Historian Ted Shuart will discuss some of the best-known inns, taverns, and hotels, and some of the stories about them on Sunday, March 23 , 3pm, Judd Hall 163 Main St. Jefferson.

Ted is a twelfth generation New Yorker who grew up in Grosvenor’s Corners, a hamlet in Schoharie County.  An active Civil War reenactor for more than forty years, he has been giving hands-on presentations on the war to schoolchildren in an eight-county area since 1994.  He worked for the Farmers’ Museum, in Cooperstown for twenty-two years, spending four years as a docent and museum teacher before becoming Master Printer in the historic village.  In 2002, as Cobleskill Town and Village Historian, he wrote I Remember When…A History of Cobleskill: the first 250 Years and has contributed to various local publications since then.  At present, Shuart serves as director of the Palatine House Museum in Schoharie and is a member of the board of the Schoharie County Historical Society.

The photo is of the United States Hotel on Main Street in Cobleskill.  burned and was torn down 15 or 20 years ago.  It was across the street from what is now Chieftains Restaurant and was the second oldest building on Main Street, built 1820.   The people in the sleigh are Mr. & Mrs. Hodge, Mrs. VanSchaick, and Mrs. Ryan.

This program is free to the public and refreshments will be served.

The meeting will be available on Zoom.  If you’d like to receive the link to participate, email your request to historicalsocietyjefferson@gmail.com and we’ll send it to you.

 

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Upcoming Events at Green Wolf

Upcoming events at Green Wolf Public House, Main Street in Middleburgh.

MARCH:

21 - Live Music by J. Schnitt - 7:00-10:00pm

22 - Live Music by Sam Whedon & Friends - 7:00-10:00pm

23 - Gather & Game - 1:00-3:00pm - Board games and D&D

27 - Dart League - 7:00-10:00pm - No pre-registration required

28 - Live Music by Matt Durfee - 7:00-10:00pm

29 - Live Music by Jon B. Woodin - 7:00-10:00pm

30 - House Plant Swap! - 1:00-3:00pm

APRIL:

2 - Crafts & Drafts - 5:30-8:30pm - BYO Craft 

3 - Open Mic - 7:00-10:00pm - All skill levels welcome!

4 - German Shepherd Rescue Fundraiser - 6:00-9:00pm

5 - Cousins Lobster Food Truck - 12:00-8:00pm

5 - Live Music by Rusticator - 7:00-10:00pm

6 - Guache Paint Workshop with Casey Beal - 12:00-3:00pm

10 - Live Music & Open Jam with the Hilltown Ramblers - 7:00-10:00pm

12 - Live Music by Black Mountain Symphony - 7:00-10:00pm

13 - Microphone Skills Workshop with Tom Gruning - 12:00-4:00pm

16 - Crafts & Drafts - 5:30-8:30pm - BYO Craft 

17 - Open Mic - 7:00-10:00pm - All skill levels welcome!

18 - Live Music by Red Wagon - 7:00-10:00pm

24 - Dart League - 7:00-10:00pm - All are welcome!

26 - Live Music by Flying Rob & Friends - 7:00-10:00pm

27 - Gather & Game - 1:00-3:00pm - Board games and D&D

 

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Youth Archery Fun at the Rod and Gun Club

Archers take a break from their competition to pose for a photo at Saturday’s Middleburgh Rod & Gun Club Youth Archery Tournament. The 2025 Youth Archery Program ran from January 4th to March 8th, with categories for Beginners — ages 5 to 8, Experienced — ages 8 to 12, and Advanced Target Shooters — ages 12 to 17. Tournament results will be announced Saturday, March 29th at a Youth Archery Banquet. Photos by Scott Keidong.

 

Archery Tournament lead line man William Gordon takes a close look at one archer’s target, relaying scores to John Liddle who records results, while other Rod & Gun Club members score other archers shooting.

A line of young archers take aim.

 

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