Mountain Top Library Events

Spring / Summer 2025

Ongoing Events 

Mondays

• 2-5pm: Monday Meet-Up: Spend the afternoon sipping coffee & socializing - We’ve got games, puzzles, programs, and more! Join us every Monday afternoon to share stories, play games, learn about local history, and enjoy conversation. All ages welcome.

• 2-4pm: Mahjong: All levels are welcome to join in – instructions are available on-site!

• 4pm: Yoga with Jessa is back! Conquer Your Case of the Mondays & Start The Week Rejuvenated!

Third Mondays

• 2pm: “Write Here, Write Now” Would you love to write more often, but find it a little intimidating? Bring your notebook or laptop and join us for these monthly, free-form sessions, led by Pete Preston. Refreshments served! Registration not necessary. Next meeting is Mon. April 21st.

Tuesdays

• 10:30am: Learn English with Kathleen 

• 2pm: Scrabble Club: Come play a friendly game of scrabble! All levels welcome.

• 3:30pm: Qigong Classes with Olympia Ward- Associate YOQI Instructor. YOQI is a combination of Yoga and Qigong (Qigong is an ancient Chinese energy cultivation practice). All levels welcome- the practice can be done sitting or standing, by anyone of any age. Please bring a mat if possible. (Tuesdays, April 8 – May 27)

Thursdays 

• 2pm: Story Time: Come join us for a story and a craft or playtime. 

Introducing the new Mid-Hudson Library App- Your library, now in your pocket!

Download now to explore the catalog, borrow digital titles, manage your account, and stay connected to your community—all from your phone. Available on iOS and Android. (Search for Mid-Hudson Libraries in your Apps Store.) Search the Catalog, Download eBooks & Audiobooks, Manage Your Account

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Looking for Tech Help? Our Mountain Top Library Digital Navigators are ready to assist!

Digital navigators are trained, trusted guides who help deal with a variety of technology needs.

To schedule an appointment for FREE individualized support, contact us at 518-589-5707. 

Try Indoor Walking at Mountain Top Library. Is the cold weather keeping you from meeting your daily step goals? Stop in any time the library is open! Take advantage of our open gallery space for a warm, safe, self-paced workout. Tips to optimize your workout will be displayed on site.

Book Sale Extravaganza by Friends of the Mountain Top Library - Fill a Tote for $5! *Includes Books, CDs, DVDs, Puzzles, and Games!

Special Events 

April

Wednesday, 4/16- 1:30-4:30pm: Twin County Family Support Navigator. Open Hours for confidential one-on-one support, groups, resources, referrals, and education on your path with someone with substance use disorder. Contact Bryan Zimmerman, Family Support Navigator @ 518-502-4379 bryanz@twincountyrecoveryservices.org

(Following Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30pm – 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/2)

Thursday, 4/24- 6-7:15pm: Family Learning Series- Office of Aging, Youth Bureau & Veteran’s Services / MHA Programs. **Presented by Twin Counties, we are partnering with Hunter-Tannersville School District for this important & informative initiative, which will help families in our community access the resources they need

Saturday, 4/26- 10am-2pm: Earth Day Celebration! Join us for a wild day, as we celebrate our favorite planet and all the life we share it with!

• 10am-2pm: Chill with Mellow- Our Neighbors from Friends of the Feathered & Furry will be visiting the library. Be sure to make some time to meet Mellow the Owl, and wildlife educator, Genevieve.

• 11:30am: Robinson’s Wildlife Presents: World of Animals- Part of our annual earth day celebration, Robinson’s Wildlife show has have become one of the mountain top library’s most treasured traditions. 

*This program has been possible thanks to the continued support of Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant & the Friends of the Mountain Top Library

May

Wednesday, 5/21- 1:30-4:30pm: Twin County Family Support Navigator. Open Hours for confidential one-on-one support, groups, resources, referrals, and education on your path with someone with substance use disorder. Contact Bryan Zimmerman, Family Support Navigator @ 518-502-4379 bryanz@twincountyrecoveryservices.org

(Following Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30pm – 6/4, 6/18, 7/2)

Thursday, 5/15- 1-4pm: Mobile Office Hours with the Office of Senator Michelle Hinchey. Meet a constituent service specialist from Senator Hinchey’s team. Appointments are suggested- please call 845-331-3810.

Thursday, 5/15- 6-7:15pm: Family Learning Series- Greene County Sherriff’s Office. **Presented by Twin Counties, we are partnering with Hunter-Tannersville School District for this important & informative initiative, which will help families in our community access the resources they need.

June

Monday, 6/2 – 1-3pm: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste. Sacred Name- Discover & Name Your Most

Authentic Self. Attend In-Person or Virtually- call 518-589-5707. All Levels Welcome- Ages 16+. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

Wednesday, 6/4- 1:30-4:30pm: Twin County Family Support Navigator. Open Hours for confidential one-on-one support, groups, resources, referrals, and education on your path with someone with substance use disorder. Contact Bryan Zimmerman, Family Support Navigator @ 518-502-4379 bryanz@twincountyrecoveryservices.org

(Following Wednesdays from 1:30-4:30pm – 6/18, 7/2)

Saturday, 6/14 – 1am-1pm: Poetry Workshop with Jerrice J. Baptiste. Fire of Desire- Learn What Makes You Burn. Attend In-Person or virtually- call 518-589-5707. All Levels Welcome- Ages 16+. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

Wednesday, 6/18- 1:30-4:30pm: Twin County Family Support Navigator. Open Hours for confidential one-on-one support, groups, resources, referrals, and education on your path with someone with substance use disorder. Contact Bryan Zimmerman, Family Support Navigator @ 518-502-4379 bryanz@twincountyrecoveryservices.org

(Following Wednesday from 1:30-4:30pm –7/2)

Monday, 6/30 – 2-3:30pm: Taiko Drumming Workshop - two beginner workshops (6/30 & 7/1) open to adults and children ages 9 & above. Have a great time learning a traditional art form in a modern way and have a fun afternoon of movement, rhythmic expression, and camaraderie. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

July

Tuesday, 7/1 – 2-3:30pm: Taiko Drumming Workshop - two beginner workshops (6/30 & 7/1) open to adults and children ages 9 & above. Have a great time learning a traditional art form in a modern way and have a fun afternoon of movement, rhythmic expression, and camaraderie. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

Wednesday, 7/2- 1:30-4:30pm: Twin County Family Support Navigator. Open Hours for confidential one-on-one support, groups, resources, referrals, and education on your path with someone with substance use disorder. Contact Bryan Zimmerman, Family Support Navigator @ 518-502-4379 bryanz@twincountyrecoveryservices.org 

Wednesday, 7/10 – 11:30am-1:30pm: Mosaic Series with Christine Moss (7/17 & 7/24) Register in advance for all three sessions. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

August

Thursday, 8/21 – 12-2pm: Nature’s Palette with Laura Leigh Lanchantin. Learn the traditional method of creating watercolor paint from Catskill Mountain rocks and minerals. Workshop includes an open-paint session with pigments, charcoal and watercolor mediums. All levels welcome. Adults only. All materials included. **Made possible through CREATE Grant.

Wednesday, 8/27- 2-3pm: Cardboard Kingdom- A Unique Workshop & Performance. Presented by Paper Heart Puppets. Kids of all ages & their families are invited to build their own simple puppet characters, and then perform with their characters in a new story!

**CREATE Grant: This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered in Greene County by Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE Council for Resources to Enrich the Arts, Technology & Education.

 

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New Tannersville Administration Holds First Public Sessions

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE – The setting was familiar, but there were several new faces at the Village of Tannersville's April 7 regular board meeting — the first to be held under the newly elected administration.

The meeting marked the return of Mayor Lee McGunnigle, who reclaimed the office after losing his previous term by just one vote in 2023 to David Schneider. In the recent election, McGunnigle defeated former Deputy Mayor David Kashman for the mayoral role.

Three new village trustees were also present: Kody Leach, Rebecca Fitting, and Gil Adler. In one of David Schneider's final official acts as mayor, he swore in Leach. Although Leach lost his election bid, Schneider appointed him to fill the vacant seat of Trustee Greg Thorpe, who resigned just one day after the election. Former Trustee Dylan Legg chose not to seek re-election.

Early in the meeting, Mayor McGunnigle motioned to approve village vouchers, which passed without issue.

McGunnigle then addressed the ongoing hydrant flushing in the Village, which is temporarily affecting water quality. The final day of flushing was April 22. "The main consideration is the school," McGunnigle said, emphasizing his efforts to minimize disruption to residents. Trustee Fitting expressed concern over the timing of the flushing during the Easter holiday, but McGunnigle stood by the schedule. Hydrant flushing will be over by a few days when this article goes to print.

A bid to repair the Village's skid steer was approved, followed by updates on the Upper Lake Park redevelopment project. McGunnigle reported that the project — funded by a $1.3 million grant through the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which he had helped secure with the Hunter Foundation — is once again underway. So far, $236,000 of the grant has been disbursed, with more than $808,000 still pending.

Blue Spruce Nursery, the project contractor, has resumed work, and the mayor and village officials plan to meet with Studio A, the project's engineers, to ensure the work meets specifications. McGunnigle noted a potential issue with concrete poured at the end of last year's construction phase.

Originally, part of the $1.3 million grant was intended to pave the entrance road to Rip Van Winkle Lake's Upper Lake Park. However, McGunnigle said rising construction costs have made that goal difficult to achieve within budget. "We took some of the sidewalk conductivity funds from the DRI and added them to the upper lake project," he explained. "This is going to happen this summer."

He hoped that paving, lighting, and overall park improvements would be completed in time for summer visitors and residents to enjoy the space. He added that working with the state to streamline the award and review process would be key to opening the park on schedule. "This DRI project was supposed to revitalize Tannersville," McGunnigle said, "and we cannot have this turn into a bureaucracy that doesn't do what it was intended to do."

McGunnigle's comments reflect his campaign criticisms of the previous administration's project handling. The Schneider administration had paused certain initiatives, citing delays from the state — something Schneider publicly attributed to state-level procrastination rather than local issues.

Looking ahead, McGunnigle said he hoped the Tompkins Street and South Main Street entrances to the park would be completed by summer. Planned improvements include road widening and new sidewalks to ensure "safe access to this park" for all.

The mayor also introduced the Village Municipal Solar Project, which will bring solar power to municipal buildings including Village Hall and the RVW Lake Tanners Boathouse. The project's accepted bid was $497,000, and McGunnigle proudly noted it came in under budget, leaving about $40,000 in surplus. He said he's in talks with Hudson Valley Solar about using the extra funds for additional panels.

Although the solar initiative is not a matching grant — meaning the Village must front the full amount before reimbursement by the state — McGunnigle said he is exploring creative financing options to cover the gap and avoid passing interest costs on taxpayers. As a precaution, he introduced a bond resolution, which passed unanimously.

McGunnigle appointed Trustees George Kelly and Kody Leach as park commissioners to improve communication between the Board and the public on the Upper Lake Park project. McGunnigle named Fitting and clerk Robin Dumont in charge of events. He also named Kelly as the new Deputy Mayor.

"Thank you for the opportunity," Kelly said. "I hope to prove myself well."

McGunnigle's Board approved a motion for 17 new streetlights on Tompkins Street, Park Lane, and Spring Street in the Village due to a "historic outcry" for safer lighting, according to McGunnigle. The new street lights will be LED lighting. 

McGunnigle then brought up the Village's Sewer Law, which was recently amended back to 250 feet from a residence from 100 feet. The 100-foot law curtailed development on several parcels in the Village. McGunnigle said he was approached by the head of the NYC DEP to discuss any changes in this law before they go into effect. McGunnigle says the meeting with DEP will be in late May at the latest.

The next Village Board Meeting is at 5:30 pm on May 8 at 1 Park Lane.

 

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EARTH DAY ’25: CELEBRATE THIS SATURDAY!

TANNERSVILLE — The Mountain Top Library, Mountain Top Progressives (MTP), and Fromer Market Gardens in Tannersville invite residents and visitors to the FREE seventh annual mountaintop Earth Day event on April 26th. 

This unique celebration will begin at 9:00 AM at the barn at Fromer Market Gardens (Main Street in Tannersville, next to the high school) with a Spring Garden Planning Workshop conducted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Master Gardener and Master Composter Suzi Novak will offer guidelines for Spring Planting – “Dos and Don’ts” - followed by a tour of the Fromer Market Gardens. At Earth Day ’25, you’ll find FREE seeds for flowers, plants, and veggies plus seedings and sapling trees as well. MAKE YOUR CHOICE – or choose them all!  

Right across Main Street - the Earth Day ‘25 Festival Main Event opens at 10:30 AM at the Mountain Top Library.    

Thousands of seeds, seedlings and 40 saplings available 

THE LIVE WILDLIFE EVENT!

The LIVE Wildlife Show will feature Birds of Prey, Amphibians, and SNAKES TOO!  This has been received with lots of “oohs” and “aahs” in previous years – the presenter is a true performer with fabulous live props. In addition, thanks to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center, Mellow the Friendly Owl wants to meet you (and maybe take a picture with you!) throughout the day! And Marcia the Musical Moose will provide fabulous entertainment with her puppet show! We’ll also offer craft activities! For the second year, we’ll be decorating the Rip Van Winkle Magical Garden with things that you’ll create. You’ll also can paint rocks, plant seedlings in a pot that you’ve decorated, and so much more!

                                              

                                            LIVE Earth Day ’24 Wildlife Show                  

This event will feature more than a dozen interactive table displays with LOTS of relevant information. You will meet dozens of state and local environmental advocates in the region, all of whom will be loaded with printed information and available to answer your questions – from composting and recycling to hiking and local wildlife in the Watershed. The History of our community is on-topic at Mountaintop Historical Society and local flora addressed by Mountaintop Arboretum, Fromer Market Gardens, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Sierra Club will address threats to our environment and how to protect your home. And so much more! JOIN US! 

During the event, we will encourage both visitors and residents to sign up as a volunteer for a Trail/Stream Clean-up that will take place one week later – Saturday, May 3rd from 10 AM to Noon. Details are at EARTH DAY ‘25!

And let’s not forget the Bake Sale – 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Mountain Top Library, the most gracious and wonderful hosts for this event.

 JOIN US: APRIL 26TH 

 FROMER MARKET GARDENS 9:00-10:30

THE MOUNTAIN TOP LIBRARY 10:30-2:00 PM

TANNERSVILLE, NY

EARTH DAY ‘25

            

                                                                 The Robinson LIVE Wildlife Show – Earth Day ‘24

TABLE EXAMPLES ‘24

                                  

                                           Fromer Market Gardens with Sam Metz, Mgr.                         

                                                                  Earth Day ‘24

See next…. 

  

                                    

                              Friends of the Feathered and Furry – Mellow the Friendly Owl – ‘24

                                      

                              Greene County Soil and Water – Watershed. Amanda Cabanillas ‘24                           

                     

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Plane Wreckage Being Removed in Windham

Staff Report

WINDHAM - Parts of the plane involved in the November fatal crash in the higher elevations of Windham are being removed.

Commercial pilot Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, along with one of three dogs that were being transported on the flight, were fatally injured in the November crash.

A helicopter has been recently seen lowering a section of the plane onto a flatbed truck at C. D. Lane Park in Maplecrest.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on the crash in December. The wreck remnants were retained for further examination. The agency has documented the wreckage and no longer needs it for the investigation, officials said.

NTSB reportedly released the wreckage to the involved insurance company, who hired an aircraft recovery company to remove the remnants. The wreckage will either be preserved for potential future litigation or it will be disposed of, NTSB officials said.

Due to the plane crash and its investigation, the Escarpment Trail between the Elm Ridge Lean-to and the summit of Windham High Peak in the Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness has been temporarily closed. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the area remains closed but may be reopening soon.

Mr. Kim, 49, was flying from Maryland to Albany, when the plane crashed in a remote area of Windham, officials said.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the pilot died from the impact, Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky said. The flight was carrying three dogs and was associated with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals with help from volunteer pilots, the Sheriff said.

Two dogs survived the crash: A Labrador-mix puppy that suffered broken bones, and another dog that had only minor injuries. The puppy, named Whiskey, was taken to a veterinary hospital in Middleton, Connecticut, according to the nonprofit Mr. Kim was delivering the dogs to, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County. The other dog found safe was a 18-month-old yorkie terrier mix named Pluto.

The NTSB reported that there are no updates to provide on the plane crash investigation.

 

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - The A, B, C’s of being Healthy & Fit

A... is for APPLES.  A perfectly packaged snack food.

B...is for BEAUTY. That glow from the inside out kind.

C...is for CONFIDENCE. You’re in charge of you.

D...is for DREAMING your world into being every day.

E...is for ENERGY. More than you thought possible.

F..is for FREEDOM to Move with Ease.

G...is for GRATITUDE everyday for your life.

H...is for a HEALTHIER HEART.

I...is for INDEPENDENCE from excuses.

J is for...JEANS that fit comfortably.

K...is for KEEPING UP with grand kids.

L...is for LOVING yourself.

M...is MEALS that nourish and strengthen you.

N...is for NEW everything. New healthier recipes, new exercise classes, new attitudes toward eating and moving. NEW YOU!

O...is for OVERRIDING negative self talk and replacing that with an empowering activity and meal.

P... is for a POWER Walk that sheds stress and excess calories.

Q...is for Quieting cravings by planning for healthy options in advance.

R...is for the RESILIENCE to overcome “off” days and get back on track.

S...is for SASSY. It’s that spunk, that twinkle in your eye, your never growing old attitude that finds its way back to your life when you’re in charge of being healthy and fit. 

T...is for TODAY. 

Today is a Gift, that’s why it’s called the PRESENT.

Today can be the day you say YES to YOU.

TODAY is the day you TAKE CHARGE.

U...is for UNLESS you’re dead, you can make a change to UNTIE old knots of resistance in your head.

V...is for VICTORY. Small steps lining the path to your own success.

W...is for WELLNESS. The kind that brings you peace of mind. The other possibility is that you replace wellness with WORRY...and THAT just takes away from the energy you need to be well.

X...is for “X” marks the spot where you begin everyday.

You start everyday anew. You choose because it’s your life to do so. You plan and you achieve your goals.

Y... is for YOU. Hello Beautiful!

Z...is for Zebra’s. It’s black and white. You decide.

Take this concept and make it your own...create your own

ABC list and live your best life at any age!

Pat Larsen brings fitness classes weekly to the Shamrock House in East Durham with many options for beginners, those needing the support of a chair or those looking for just a bit more in between. Contact Pat for more details. 

Check out her posts on Social media or call 518-275-8686 to chat.                                           

 

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Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Trout Stocking, Turkey Hunting, and Striper Fishing; A Welcomed Dilemma

This time of year presents sportsmen and women with no shortage of things to do. In fact, so much so, the problem quickly becomes what you’re planning NOT to do. Most, if not all, area streams have been stocked with trout by now, with some scheduled for several additional stockings in the weeks to come. It’s a great time to go after stocked trout with a fly rod or spinners. Maybe keep a few for dinner. Stripers are running in the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and if you’re taking a kid out for the youth turkey season, you’re probably busy scouting and getting ready for opening weekend on April 26th and 27th. Add to that the regular turkey season opener coming up right behind it on May 1st.  And that’s the same opening day for walleye, pike, and pickerel. Notice I didn’t even mention it’s also time for the multitude of seasonal outdoor spring chores like gardening, lawn care, outside yard spring cleaning, tending food plots, and getting boats, lawn and other equipment ready. 

Accomplishing all of this while still having fun in your chosen sport and season is pretty tough, but can be fairly easily accomplished if you are retired and have the time. But those sportsmen and women still working have a challenge on their hands. Somehow though, it all seems to get done, usually at the expense of either one pursuit or another, or by just putting off a few of those outdoor spring tasks, at least for now. 

This is a great problem to have though, and if you have your health and are able to tackle what’s most important to you and your family, you are way ahead of the game. 

So, now is the time to work hard, play hard, and just be thankful you’re able to revel and rise to the opportunities and challenges of early spring.   

 News and Notes 

Personal Floatation Devices Required to be Worn Through May 1st 

The requirement that you wear a personal floatation device, (PFD) while on a vessel less than 21 feet in length on the waters of NYS end after May 1st. With river water temperatures still dangerously cold, it’s a good idea to make it a practice to wear your PFD at least through spring. Kids under 13 must wear a PFD all year.

Boating Safety Certification Required for All Motorized Vessel Operators

Effective January 1st 2025, all operators of motorized vessels in New York, regardless of their age, must have taken an approved boating safety course, and possess proof of that certification while operating vessels on the waters of New York State.

2025 Greene County Spring Youth Turkey Hunt 

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club (NHWC) in conjunction with the New York Conservation Officer’s Association (NYCOA) and the Northern Catskill’s Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding their 2nd Annual Greene County Youth Turkey Hunt on April 26th. There will be hunting in the am, followed by a BBQ from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville. There is a safety briefing presentation that includes hunting tips and tactics and shotgun patterning at the NHWC on April 19th at 10:00 am. Properly licensed youth’s aged 12-15 can either hunt with their families and Friends, or those in need of a mentor can contact the organizer of the event, ECO Lucas Palmateer 518-478-1698 or Lt. Anthony Glorioso 518-755-9242 for more information and to sign up for this event no later than April 17, 2025. 

 

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