Schoharie County DMV Provides Explanation on REAL ID Requirements

SCHOHARIE — DMV offices across the state are serving a record number of people, due to the upcoming implementation of Real ID requirements. Schoharie County is experiencing the same increase in customers. Let us help you make your experience better when utilizing the DMV.

First, it is not mandatory that you have Real ID compliant identification. This requirement is only if you want to fly domestically or enter Federal Buildings on or after May 7, 2025. Federal buildings closest to Schoharie are in Albany and Syracuse. All Schoharie County Office buildings can still be accessed.

• If your current driver license or non-driver ID has a Star or a Flag, you already HAVE the identification needed for this change.

• If you have a current Passport book or card, you already HAVE the identification needed for the change.

~ YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING ~

If you have just the standard driver or non-driver identification and want to upgrade to be compliant with Real ID, save yourself some time and be sure to bring the following with you to the DMV:

1. Certified birth certificate (raised seal; signed by registrar) or your non-expired passport.

2. Proof of social security number such as your social security card, 1099 or W-2.  

3. Your current license or non-driver ID, and a completed application form # MV-44.

4. All documents allowing for any name changes you’ve had since birth such as marriage license, divorce, or court documents. These must be originals or Certified Copies.

5. Sufficient Proof of Address – (Bring 2) A bank statement and a utility bill are the most common. Your Residential address cannot be a P.O. Box.  

Visit the NYS DMV website for a complete list of all document options: www.dmv.ny.gov

The Schoharie County DMV serves people on a walk-in basis, with no appointments necessary. Because of the time needed to process a Real ID or Enhanced Document, we do not start these transactions after 4pm, as we close at 4:30.

Nice weather is right around the corner, and we are traditionally busier due to trailers, boats and motorcycles. It is highly recommended that you start working on these transactions now.

 

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Local Business Focus - THE PHOTOBOOTH

                                                                Owner Loraine Hazzard.

                                        The PHOTOBOOTH  with Hazzard's Event Rentals LLC

By Tori Edwards 

CANAJOHARIE - In a world full of glitz and glamor do you want to shine too?!! Well guess what you can! The Photobooth brought to you by Loranie Hazzard can make your special day shine! She specializes in capturing memories with her Selfie Mirror Photobooth!  

She is gearing up for the party season and is available for proms, birthdays, bridal and bachelor parties, grand openings, weddings, or a just because occasions. Make your celebration shimmer with her expertise! Loranie can be reached at (607) 287- 1991 or through FACEBOOK at Hazzard’s Event Rentals LLC!  

“Happiness and style are better with you, so come capture a moment or two with Hazzard’s Entertainment Crew!”  

She has an amazing deal for the first 5 costumers she will give $50 dollars off! Step into the spotlight! Reserve a date to dazzle your gathering experience with the Glamorous Touchscreen Photobooth!

 

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SSCS Update

                                                    SSCS 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade April Fools Day!

                                                        Students of the month for March at SSCS
 

 

By Tori Edwards 

SHARON SPRINGS - This week at SSCS students have begun their 4th quarter! The elementary students are getting ready to perform their Annual Talent Show on Thursday April 10th at 8:20am in the Auditorium. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classes were introduced to SLOOF LIRPA BIRD on April Fool's Day! As a prank by the teachers, they had students hold out marshmallows and flap their wings to call in the pretend birds. The students had a great time. 

The Students of the Month for March are Connor Jones, August Harper, Evan O’ Connor, Jase Cassidy, Aspen Lawton, Brody Thurley, Billy Simpson, Reid Belfance, Mia Ricciardella, and Darren Richards. Congratulations students! 

Wednesday April 23rd the Student Council Red Cross Blood Drive will take place at 11:30. The Schoharie County Youth Bureau will be holding afternoon crafts at the Sharon Springs Library on Monday April 14th 1pm-3:30pm. All Ages are welcome. On Friday April 25 at 8:20am the elementary school will be hosting their Annual Earth Day Morning Program. Saturday April 26th the All-County Music Festival will take place at 3pm. 

On Saturday May 3rd at 10am the Klinkhart Center for the Arts will be hosting classes at SSCS with a performance the same day at 7pm. 

Keep spreading the positivity students! Let’s Go Spartans!

 

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Wren's Earth Refillery Seasonal Grand Opening

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Wren’s Earth Refillery will hold its highly anticipated Seasonal Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs. 

The first 25 shoppers will receive free door prizes like beeswax wraps! This is a great opportunity to check out a newer venture in the area and also to support a woman owned and operated business that is also good for the earth. Owner Kate Walrath will be there to talk about everything eco-friendly and help to educate on this important subject too.   

A refillery is a type of retail store that “aims to reduce single-use plastic consumption by offering the option to reuse and refill containers, or to use ones provided by the store”. Shoppers bring a clean and empty container to refill with household or beauty supplies, paying for the customized amount of product they need, usually by weight, and not the plastic.   

Remember, customers who bring a recyclable container will receive 10% off that refill. Other items available are reusable paper towels, beeswax wraps, powder laundry detergents, laundry detergent sheets, oxy-boost, toothpaste tablets, dishwasher tabs, laundry detergent sheets, deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, all-purpose cleaners, and more! 

Starting April 12th, Wren’s Earth Refillery will be open for business Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and you can shop anytime online at wrensearth.com. This year there is also a new Storefront Farm Stand that will be open 24/7 offering another great option. 

Being a refillery, customers can shop with satisfaction knowing their purchases are keeping another single use plastic container out of the landfill, one refill at a time. For more information, follow Wren’s Earth Refillery on Facebook, or visit wrensearth.com.

 

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Sharon Historical Society Needs Your Help!

SHARON SPRINGS — We are reaching out to share some difficult news and ask for your support during an unexpected challenge for the Sharon Historical Society. Tragically, our major donor unexpectedly passed away recently. We are deeply saddened by the loss and we now find ourselves facing another unexpected challenge. 

Navigating a Financial Setback at Sharon Historical Society

The Sharon Historical Society is facing an unexpected and challenging situation following the untimely passing of our major donor Nicholas J. Juried. Over the past few years, Mr. Juried has donated a substantial amount of money to the Sharon Historical Society allowing us to purchase the property next to the museum and build the Historic Village. At the end of 2024, Mr. Juried pledged $550,000 towards completing our new museum facility. Unfortunately, his daughter, the beneficiary of his estate, felt she could not to honor his commitment to our project. As a result, we find ourselves in an incredibly difficult situation. 

Impact of the Loss

This financial setback has significant implications for our organization, as we were relying heavily on this donation to fund the completion of the museum and to pay for ongoing expenses. The new museum facility was intended to be a cornerstone for preserving our local history and providing educational opportunities for the community.

Current Actions

In response to this situation, we have taken the following steps: 

Halting Construction: All construction activities for the museum have   been paused until we can secure alternative funding sources.

Assessing Financial Options: We are actively exploring various avenues to   mitigate this loss, including applying for grants, reaching out to other potential donors, and organizing fundraising events.

Community Engagement: Engaging with our community and stakeholders to gather support and ideas is crucial. We believe that with collective effort, we can overcome this hurdle.

Moving Forward

Despite this setback, our commitment to preserving and promoting the history of Sharon remains unwavering. We are determined to continue our work and find innovative solutions to operate our current facility and to ensure the realization of our museum project. 

How Can You Help?

The need is urgent, and we are asking for your generosity to help us continue this important work.

We are reaching out to our supporters, community members, and anyone passionate about history to help us in this critical time. Here’s how you can contribute:

Donations: We   appreciate contributions from individuals and businesses alike. Every donation, large or small, will make a difference in ensuring that the Sharon Historical Society can fulfill its mission to preserve, educate, and engage with the community.

Volunteer Support: Offering your time and skills can help us organize   fundraising events and community outreach programs.

Spread the Word: Share our story with others who might be interested in   supporting our cause.

We understand that times can be challenging, but we believe that together, we can overcome this setback and move forward with renewed energy and dedication. Your support means more now than ever. Together, we can navigate this challenge and continue to preserve the rich history of our community for future generations.

We would be deeply grateful if you would consider making a donation at this critical time. You can contribute online by clicking HERE or by mailing a check to The Sharon Historical Society, PO Box 363, Sharon Springs, NY  13459.

Thank you for considering a gift to the Sharon Historical Society. If you would like more information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at (518) 860-5513 or email at: sharonhistoricalsocietyny@gmail.com.

We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you in this crucial effort.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the mission of the Sharon Historical Society.

 

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Spring Awakening This Weekend

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — On Saturday April 12th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, check out the shops in The Village of Sharon Springs for the annual “Spring Awakening” celebration! Celebrate Spring and the reopening of shops in the Village with lots of shopping, flowers, and so many activities! Each shop will have something special to offer for this annual event!

Join the community in Spring Awakening of our natural surroundings and our ever important local businesses! There will be the annual Easter egg rally, create your own origami flowers, tarot card readings, decorate cookies, dip your own chocolate marshmallows, and so much more! Enjoy spring shopping for decor, gifts, gourmet food, and unique items!

Make sure to plan for a special brunch at Brimstone Bakery (reservations recommended) to savor their seasonal delights like delicious quiche, sandwiches, salads, and more! 

Book your Baby Goat Tours at Beekman 1802 by contacting the Beekman 1802 Kindness Shop for more details! 

Bluebell Vintage Truck & Spring Flowers just in time for your Easter weekend too! 

Christine of Hulse Hill Farm & Clean Cashmere will also be there to talk about their fantastic fiber and farm tours too!

Don’t forget to check out The American Hotel, under new ownership, for a sneak peek and a sweet treat! Meet and greet with new owners Michael Palaia and Marco Braeutigam! 

Shop “Spring Awakening” at some of the lovely Sharon Springs businesses including Austintacious (197 Main Street), Beekman 1802 (187 Main Street), Blue Star Farm & Cidery (582 Hwy Route 20), Brimstone Bakery (922 Chestnut Street), Black Cat Cafe (195 Main Street), Cobbler & Company (189 Main Street), McGillycuddy’s Naturals (197 Main Street), E.H. Rural Provisions (197 Main Street), Sharon Sprigs Fine Dried Florals (200 Main Street), and more!

Welcome spring and come out to the Village of Sharon Springs for plenty of fun activities and excitement for all! Visit “Spring Awakening Sharon Springs” on Facebook for more information.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

It has been cold this past week with lows in the 20s, making it feel extra cold after that bit of warm weather. Grab an umbrella for this weekend since it looks like spring showers and highs in the 40s. There is some relief on Monday with possible highs close to 60 again but don’t put the jackets away yet since the temperatures will remain variable over the coming weeks.

Dairyland is back for the season! This year's hours are 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM with grills off at 8:30 PM. After Labor Day they will adjust to 11-8 PM with a closing date of October 10th. They are closed for Good Friday. Visit their Facebook page for specials, events, and updates!

Spring Awakening is this Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM! Visit the shops and businesses of Sharon Springs for lots of fun activities, shopping, specials, and more! 

The third Annual Kayla S. Black Memorial Easter Egg Hunt at Sharon Springs Central School is coming up fast, scheduled for Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 PM. With nearly ten thousand eggs hidden all over the SSCS grounds, this HUGE Easter Egg Hunt boasts tons of candy and big prizes to kids of all ages! There will be facepainting and photo ops with the Easter Bunny too! If you have any questions, please contact (518) 729-7410 or check out the sponsor, KNK Landscaping on Facebook for any updates.

The calendar of events for Sharon has been published so please stay tuned for all the exciting updates on the Spring Awakening in Sharon Springs, Spring Into Summer in Cherry Valley, and the popular Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Summer Concert Series!

Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors than ever! Visit yourself to see what all the excitement is about! They have affordable groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and much more! The nursery is now open selling seedlings, hanging baskets, and more! 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!

The Sap House at Stone House Farm in Sharon Springs is BACK now through April 19th for their 25th Season of these beloved weekend Pancake breakfasts! For more information on Sap House, please contact (518) 284-2476. They are located at 305 Lynk Road, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. 

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 and have cider donuts, cider slushies, and more for purchase too! The hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has limited seasonal items available like cabbage!! Check out their social media for more info! The Outrageous Snack Snack is 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. Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. The new Spring/Summer hours will be coming soon! 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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Sharon Springs Residents to Vote on School Budget with 3% Tax Hike

By Chris English

SHARON SPRINGS — An $11.48 million school budget with a three percent property tax levy increase is what Sharon Springs residents will be voting on May 20.

The school board put that in place at its Monday, April 7 meeting when it unanimously adopted a 2025-26 budget resolution with those numbers. It's the highest tax hike in several years, said Superintendent Thomas Yorke, adding that he didn't know exactly how many years it's been since an increase of that type.

"We don't like to raise taxes at all," he said. Yorke continued, however, that periodic increases in this type of range are necessary to stabilize the tax rate and ensure taxpayers are not getting hit with even larger hikes in any one year.

He said the 2025-26 proposed budget does not use any of the district's fund balance, or surplus, because a rather large amount of fund balance was used in this year's school budget. Yorke didn't have the amount of where the fund balance stood available at Monday night's meeting.

The board, Yorke and other administrators have been able to close a budget deficit that stood at $500,000 a few weeks ago and present a balanced budget to voters on May 20. The deficit was closed largely by the layoffs of three teachers and one psychologist, a move the board approved at its March 24 meeting. One of the teaching positions and the psychologist position were half time.

"That was the most difficult part of this budget, the positions that were lost," Yorke said after Monday night's meeting. "Now we continue with less staff while maintaining all the programs we offered previously."

One of the main problems in recent years of trying to match revenue with expenses is foundational state aid that doesn't keep up with rising costs, Yorke said. He explained that the district is expecting about a 2 percent increase in that foundational state aid for 2025-26 but that most district expenses are going up more than 2 percent.

In other actions from the April 7 meeting, the board approved the $15.67 million Capital Region BOCES budget for 2025-26 and also Sharon Springs' $23,759 share of that budget. There are 24 school districts around the Capital District that participate in this BOCES, with Sharon Springs being one of the smallest, Yorke explained.

The board also approved a slate of four candidates for that BOCES School Board. There are four seats open and four candidates running, school board member Christine Cornwell said.

Also approved was the addition of 20 out-of-district students for 2025-26 ranging from grades 1 to 12. Yorke explained that it's the Sharon Springs policy to allow students who live outside the district to attend Sharon Springs CSD at no tuition so long as certain conditions are met.

In personnel moves at the end of the meeting, the board approved Brad Erkson as a bus driver in training and Kelsey Girard as a new K-12 physical education teacher effective on Sept. 1. She is replacing a PE teacher who is retiring after 35 years of service, Yorke said.

 

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New Ambulance for SSFD

New Ambulance for the dedicated Sharon Springs Fire Department and Sharon Springs Rescue Squad.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — This past week, the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Sharon Springs Rescue Squad received their brand new ambulance as an exciting replacement from the previous one. 

This comes at a good time since the prior ambulance was over 15 years old and lacked new technological features.

Sharon Springs Fire Chief Dave Cunningham offered that “this ambulance is new and improved and will be a big help replacing the previous ambulance that was a 2009.” An improvement like this is encouraging, especially for those volunteers who work tirelessly to make our community a safer place.

This new ambulance purchase and replacement for the Sharon Springs Fire Department and Sharon Springs Rescue Squad was made possible by the tax dollars collected for the commissioners fire tax in NY State. 

Join the ranks and serve your community! The Sharon Springs Fire Department / Rescue Squad meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00 PM, with the next meeting coming up on Monday, May 5th. Learn about how you can contribute!

 

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Major Richmondville Sewer Project Could Start Late This Year

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — A multimillion dollar Town of Richmondville sewer improvement project could get kicked off late this year, Brendon Becker of Lamont Engineers in Cobleskill estimated at the Richmondville town board meeting on Thursday, April 3.

Becker, one of the main professionals involved in the project, made this latest estimate on the project's timeframe in response to a question from Councilman George Horning after the board had approved a resolution connected to the project.

"This fall, maybe August," said Becker when asked by Horning when the project might go out to bid. "My guys are still plugging away on design stuff, there's still some design work to do. We may start work this year, maybe get a couple of months of laying pipe in before winter. The project should be functional about a year after going out to bid."

Those estimates are later than the original hope of going out to bid and starting the project later this spring or early summer.  The project will provide public sewer service to a large part of the town, including most of Warnerville, and it's hoped that it will encourage development and provide an economic and tax roll boost for the town.

At the April 3 meeting, the board for the second time held a public hearing and at the close of the hearing approved a resolution that increases the maximum amount to be spent on the project from $12 million to $16 million. Becker explained that the first resolution passed in May of last year was the result of one of the project's main funding agencies requiring a 30 percent contingency.

That resolution from last May was found to have some technical and format deficiencies and so the board approved a do-over that was essentially the same as the document approved last May, officials at last Thursday's meeting explained.

Town Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun has expressed the hope that the project's final cost will not approach $16 million but that the resolution was necessary to cover all bases. He said at the April 3 meeting that the town has secured $12,907,000 in funding for the project, including one grant of more than $7 million, another for more than $5 million and $500,000 from Schoharie County from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund.

While the project might require some short-term financing, that will come at no extra cost, Haslun said. "The town won't be laying out any of its own money," he noted.

Town resident Steve Miller, who will be one of the beneficiaries of the public sewer service provided by the project, asked how individual homeowners get connected from the main lines to be laid into their houses. Becker explained that's often done by workers from the main contractor during their off hours but that a cheaper option could be doing it yourself if you're able, or having it done by a local contractor or knowledgeable friend.

According to the resolution approved last Thursday, the estimated maximum cost of the improvement project to a typical property owner who will benefit is now expected to equal $653.80 per year.

The project will entail "acquisition, construction and installation of improvements to the District, including but not limited to the construction of approximately 15,000 linear feet of collection sewer piping in addition to the replacement or rehabilitation of sewer mains, manholes, pump stations and other facilities," the resolution stated.

In other actions from the April 3 meeting, Town Clerk Maggie Smith said she has gotten calls complaining about students from Cobleskill-Richmondville High School and others bypassing the blinking red light on Route 7 near the I-88 interchange by "whipping around" Court Street at excessive speeds. Haslun said he would talk to state police, the Bucks County Sheriff's office and C-R District Superintendent Matthew Sickles about the situation.

 

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