Strong CROP Walk

This the 45th anniversary of the crop walk, was highlighted by blue color t-shirts.

Some of this year's trophies for the participants. Photos by Robert Duso.

Kathryn Elder hydrating before the walk. It's always important to stay hydrated even in cooler weather.

They're off and running!  Well walking at a good pace anyways.

 

COBLESKILL — Rain did not dampen support for local CROP Hunger Walk 

The Schoharie County Aggie Scott Memorial CROP Hunger Walk came off on Sunday afternoon despite rainy weather. Both in- person and online donations reached $14,354.94, which is $268 more than came in on CROP Hunger Walk Sunday 2024.

The annual fundraiser started and ended at Cobleskill United Methodist Church on Chapel Street.

CUMC Pr. Anna Blinn Cole welcomed the walkers in the  church's dining hall before introducing the local CROP Hunger Walk organizer, John Jarvis.

Jarvis mentioned the late Aggie Scott and Lee Empie, both of whom raised large amounts of money for CROP  before they passed away. 

Jarvis explained  that  Lee Empie and his family  were the first walkers to make extensive use of social media as a tool to raise funds.

Jarvis also asked attendees to support the local businesses that financially support the local CROP Hunger Walk: Burger King, Subway and New England Calendars. 

When the short program ended, Synod Authorized  Minister Bob Holt of Helderberg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Berne blessed the walkers and then sent them off on the 2.5-mile walk around Cobleskill. 

After many of the walkers returned to the church, awards went out.

The church that earned  a Golden Sneaker for bringing  in the most money on CROP Sunday this year was Cobleskill UMC while the Silver Sneaker for raising the second-largest amount of money will go to Lawyersville Reformed Church. Helderberg Lutheran went home with the CROP Green Sneaker for turning in the third-largest amount of money.

The church with the largest number of walkers, thus earning the Mass Transit Award, was  Cobleskill UMC. Helderberg Lutheran went home  with the Happy Feet Award for having the second-largest number of Walkers. 

The parish at St. Vincent de Paul and the congregation at Esperance-Sloansville UMC  have to share the Dusty Sneaker for third place because of a tie. In past years the local CROP planning team has used joint custody in such situations, with each church keeping the sneaker for six months.  

The Lee Empie Award went to John Jarvis  of Cobleskill UMC  for turning in the most money; Kathy Kosier of St. Vincent de Paul earned the Treasurer's Award for raising the second-largest amount of money.  Kathy Jones earned  a certificate for turning in the third-largest amount of money.

Team Empie took home  a Golden Sneaker for being the nonchurch group raising the largest amount of money both in person and online. 

Team Empie's $8210 raised for this year's  Schoharie County Aggie Scott Memorial CROP Hunger Walk  is 56.48% of all local  CROP Hunger Walk money turned in that weekend.

The Christian Fellowship of SUNY Cobleskill earned a Silver Sneaker  for being the  non-church group turning the second-largest amount of money.  

Ann-Marie Frank from CUMC took home  a certificate for being the most effective church recruiter while Sandi Torrant of Team Empie  earned  the certificate for being the best nonchurch recruiter.

The certificate for the person who came the farthest  to participate  in the Schoharie County CROP Hunger Walk  went to Sandi Torrant of Team Empie. 

The three members of the local CROP Hunger Walk planning team were very happy with the amount of money collected in person and online this Sunday. 

Local CROP  treasurer Becky Leggieri commented, ''Again Team Empie leads the charge for helping to fight hunger in Schoharie County and beyond.

''The generosity of all participants has led to an increase over the amount raised last year.'' 

Jarvis added, ''This is  our best year ever for CROP fundraising. The Planning Team is so proud of Team Empie and all those Schoharie County  residents who donated money to our local CROP Hunger Walk in the war against hunger.  May God bless them all!''

The three members of the local CROP Hunger Walk planning team are Tracy Smith, registration coordinator; Becky Leggieri, treasurer;   and John Jarvis, organizer.

 

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Delaware & Ulster Tourist Train Starts Up After A Four-Year Hiatus

A dining cart aboard the Delaware & Ulster train with full 360-degree views in the front.

Conductor and Manager Stephen Lane climbing aboard the Delaware & Ulster train engine set to tug along the railway beginning May 10.

The Arkville Station is considered a historic site. The plaque states the Ulster & Delaware RR Hub, spurred tourism, NYC trade also served Delaware & northern RR 1907-1942.

 

The lounge cart on the Delaware & Ulster tourist train ride which is open weekends for the summer months.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

ARKVILLE—After a four-year hiatus caused by the global pandemic, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) will load guests again starting Mother's Day weekend. Offerings include a picturesque afternoon tea at 12 p.m. or a dinner ride at 5 p.m. with food and drinks provided by Mornings, a Korean café in Arkville. Scenic train rides are also available at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., where guests have the option of sitting in an open-air cart. The train, which takes off in Arkville, will travel along tracks into Fleischmanns and back, and will run every weekend for the summer season.

The tourist ride was once known as Delaware County's top attraction, and it has been a long road getting it back and running. The Catskill Revitalization Corporation (CRC), a non-profit that operates DURR, received a grant in 2018 to reactivate tracks between Arkville and Highmount near Belleayre Ski Mountain. This was the train's original route in the 1980s, said CRC President Todd Pascarella. "Due to Covid and other delays," said Pascarella, "We are finally finishing up this project this year so that the train will be able to travel from Arkville to Highmount again."

CRC hired Stephen Lane and his company to help restore the railroad. Lane, a train enthusiast and expert, has worked on several rehabilitative railroad projects. As a contractor repairing the DURR tracks, Lane offered to help in other aspects and took on the Conductor role.

"Stephen has helped tremendously in restoring the passenger cars and train station to usable condition," said Pascarella.

Lane has many plans for the tourist attraction, including swivel chairs and other updated items. He hopes to work with several local restaurants to serve new meal options weekly. For now, Lane is hopeful for a successful opening weekend. Adorned with his conductor's hat, Lane was clearly enthusiastic about the project. "I have loved trains since I was young," he noted.

Mornings' owners, Christina and Eric Kim, were also excited to support another local business and tourist draw. "We just would love to see another business thrive here," said Christina. They will be serving enticing options for the tea train, including Miso carrot cake cookies, honey butter scones, Korean egg apple salad on milk bread, and more. Dinner guests can expect a full three-course meal.

“It has been a far longer, more costly, and more challenging process to get the railroad back up and running than anyone imagined, and it would not have happened at all without the tremendously hard work of many people, and the generosity and support from our incredible community here in Delaware County," Pascarella concluded. CRC has also received support in the form of grants from the New York State Department of Transportation, Delaware County, Catskill Watershed Corporation, and the O'Connor Foundation.

For more information on the train or to purchase tickets, visit durr.org. For more on café Mornings' offerings, follow them on Instagram @cafe_mornings or visit their website at cafemornings.com.

 

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Calling All Creatives: Radio Catskill Launches 35th Anniversary T-Shirt Design Contest

LIBERTY — Radio Catskill is celebrating 35 years of public radio with a creative call-to-action: we’re inviting artists, illustrators, and designers across our listening region to submit original artwork for our 35th Anniversary T-Shirt Design Contest.

This is your chance to have your work showcased on T-shirts worn by listeners, supporters, and fellow public radio lovers. The winning design will be printed and sold as official Radio Catskill merchandise and promoted on-air, on our website, and across social media channels.

Runner-up designs may also be selected for other branded items, including “Thank You” postcards for our generous donors.

Submission Deadline: June 6, 2025

We’re looking for original, line-based artwork that reflects the spirit of:

35 Years of Public Radio

Radio Catskill

Local News, Culture, and NPR

There is no fee to enter.

Official Rules & Guidelines:

One entry per person

No copyrighted material, profanity, or stock imagery

No previously printed designs

Artwork must include a reference to Radio Catskill

Limit of four colors in the design (white counts as two colors)

Finalists must provide a high-resolution, layered vector art file upon request

Winners agree to allow Radio Catskill to use their design and likeness for promotional purposes

Employees of Radio Catskill and their families are not eligible

Submissions must be sent via email to tshirt@wjffradio.org with a JPEG or PDF attachment. Please include design specs (dimensions, recommended shirt color, PMS colors, etc.) in the body of the email.

Judging Criteria:

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of local artists, radio staff, and community members. Designs will be judged on creativity, artistic quality, relevance to the themes, and overall impact. All decisions are final.

The contest winner will be notified via email by June 15, 2025.

So fire up your imagination, grab your tools, and help us celebrate 35 years of listener-powered public radio with art that speaks to the heart of our community.

 

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DEP Honors Student Arts and Poetry Contest - In-Person Event Honored “Water Champions”

NEW YORK CITY — The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrated last night the student participants in the 39th Annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest. This year, DEP received more than 1,800 entries from over 2,000 second through twelfth grade students representing nearly 130 public, independent, and parochial schools in New York City and the East and West-of-Hudson watersheds.  Student entries beautifully depicted a genuine understanding of and appreciation for New York’s water resources, the drinking water supply, harbor water, wastewater treatment, and the importance of water conservation.  Student entries also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining New York City’s critical water supply and wastewater infrastructure. 

“The amazing art and powerful poetry in this year’s contest shine a light on the crucial work DEP staff do daily to safeguard our vital water resources,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Tackling climate change demands bold, fresh ideas — and these young water ambassadors are already stepping up as the next wave of environmental leaders.” 

During the in-person event hosted at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center in Queens, the contest winners – called Water Champions – were honored for their outstanding work in the presence of family members and teachers.   

The celebration featured remarks and a poetry reading from guest speaker Kai Diata Giovanni, 2024-2025 NYC Youth Poet Laureate. Through paintings, haikus, collages, videos and more, students creatively depicted the importance of water, NYC’s drinking water supply and wastewater treatment systems, marine ecosystems, climate resiliency, and environmental stewardship.  A group of judges selected about 70 entries as this year’s Water Champions.   

All student participants will receive a certificate recognizing their contribution, and the Water Champions will also receive a gift bag from DEP and its partners (including a reusable bag, water bottle, Art & Poetry journal, field guides, garden passes, coloring books and more) before the end of the school year. This meaningful program is made possible with support from our education partners, including Con Edison, which has supported the celebration for the last 35 years. 

The 2025 contest focused on five central themes that incorporate STEM and humanities disciplines: 

Water, A Precious Resource: To recognize the importance of a clean and plentiful supply of water. 

New York City Water Supply System: To explore the history of the New York City Water Supply System and its present-day source, operation, delivery, protection and maintenance. 

New York City Wastewater Treatment System: To understand our sewer infrastructure; the purpose of, and process for, cleaning wastewater in New York City and in the East and West of Hudson Watersheds. 

Harbor Water Quality and Healthy Marine Ecosystems: To discover the richness of our marine life, and opportunities for recreation and commerce on local waterbodies; to understand the work that is being done to monitor and ensure healthy water quality. 

Water Stewardship and Climate Change: To consider our influence on the environment and how we can address and take action on environmental issues that influence our neighborhoods, our city, and beyond.  

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

 

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Eagle at the Meadows

Well our 138 yard 6th hole yields yet another Eagle on a stormy Saturday, May 3! The latest candidate for The Meadows Golf Center Eagle Club in Margaretville is club member Jerrod Hubbell of Margaretville. His 1st ever hole-in-one was witnessed by his Men's Summer League partner Andrew North as well as by his wife Jaimee (remotely via FaceTime as Jerrod slowly realized that his "really good tee shot" was, in fact, at the bottom of the cup!)

 

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Local Brothers from the Margaretville Area Join the Military

MARGARETVILLE — Ryan E Mcvitty graduated from Margaretville Central School in 2023 and joined The United States Marine Corps in April 2024. He is now stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California.

Tristan M Mcvitty graduated from Margaretville Central School in 2024 and joined The United States Army in August 2024 and is now stationed at Fort Drum in Fort Drum, NY.

Ryan and Tristan's parents are Jaime Williamson of Bainbridge and Ryan Mcvitty of Fleischmanns.

 

 

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Margaretville Lauded by State Legislature

MARGARETVILLE — The Margaretville Village Board will meet Thursday, May 8 at 4 p.m. to read from a NYS Legislative Resolution honoring the village at the 150th anniversary of its incorporation. The Resolution was passed by both the Senate and the Assembly March 20, and the village was to be honored on the floor of the Senate in Albany May 6 with Village representatives present.

The Village Board will observe the milestone May 8, the day a public vote in 1875 approved the formation of a system of governance for what had been an unincorporated hamlet. The public is warmly invited. Cake will be served.  The regular monthly meeting of the trustees will follow the reading and reception.

The Resolution, introduced by Senator Pete Oberacker (51st Senate) and Assemblyman Brian Maher (101 Assembly), provides an overview of village history and concludes, “. . . the Village of Margaretville continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents (who) have a bright outlook for the future of their community. In recognition of Margaretville's rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to the spirited village upon the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.”

The Sesquicentennial celebration will continue July 13, with an illustrated program on Village history at the Middletown History Center, and July 26, when a Birthday Block Party will be held on Main Street.

Businesses are encouraged to hang banners, decorate their store fronts and/or create appropriate window displays. 

For updates on the Sesquicentennial, visit villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org.

 

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MARK to Host AI Workshop

MARGARETVILLE — Heard all the buzz about AI lately? Does it scare you to death?

Not sure what it actually means for your not-for-profit or business?

Worried about too much automation and not enough humankind?

You’re not alone! AI is all over the place these days, and it’s moving fast. But here’s the thing — it’s not just for big tech companies anymore. Small businesses and not for profits can use AI too — in ways that are simple, smart, and can save you time, cut costs, and open up new doors. But we need to be careful, we need to make sure we are informed about best practices and effective use.  

That’s why M-ARK Project is bringing ShellyPalmer, one of the top experts in AI and digital transformation, right here to Margaretville for a hands-on workshop. You may have seen Shelly on CNN or CNBC, and he’s also LinkedIn’s NUMBER ONE voice on the future ofAI and is noted for his ability to clearly explain complex ideas in a way that makes them easy to understand.

Leveraging AI for SmallBusinesses and Not for Profits

- Thursday, May 29, 2025

- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM(registration opens at 8:30 AM)

- MTC Building, AcademyStreet, Margaretville, NY

- $25 (includes a working lunch)

What’s in it for you?

Get the lowdown on AI and how it can actually help your business or organization without compromising your dedication to human resources — no jargon, just straight answers.

Try out AI tools yourself — this isn’t just a sit-and-listen event! You’ll get hands-on experience with tools that can save you time and money. So bring your laptop or I-pad 

Learn by doing with a mix of easy-to-follow instructions and hands-on activities. You’ll see how AI works in the real world.   

Ask Mr. Palmer all your questions about AI and get some answers you can actually apply to daily operations.

Meet and chat with other local business owners and organizations and swap ideas about how to grow your business or make operations for efficient.

This isn’t your typical seminar — you’ll leave with the tools and know-how to put AI to work in your business or organization. And yes, lunch is included, so you’ll have plenty of time to talk and share ideas with other local folks.

Email Luke Beemer at luke@markproject.org to save your spot.

Space is limited, so don’t wait too long!

Want to get a feel for Shelly Palmer before the event?Check out shellypalmer.com.

This program is funded in part by NY State Homes andCommunity Renewal Technical Assistance Program

 

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Catskill Mountain Club May Hike Schedule

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — The Catskill Mountain Club is a 21 year old, grass roots, non-profit, offering free,  member lead hiking, paddling and biking adventures throughout the Catskill Mountains. The  Club also advocates for any non-motorized outdoor recreational opportunities.  

The following are our member lead hikes for the upcoming weeks. For details and directions go to:  https://www.catskillmountainclub.org/events-all  

The First Catskills Roundtable,  

Mountain Top Arboretum, Tannersville. Katie Petronis, NYSDEC Guest Speaker   May 10, 2-4pm 

Fir, Big Indian, Eagle & Balsam Mountains  

 Saturday, May 10, 2025 8:30 AM 4:30 PM  

Howard Raab Memorial Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Hike   Sunday, May 11, 2025 10:30 AM 1:30 PM  

Eastern Devil's Path  

 Thursday, May 15, 2025 8:00 AM 6:00 PM  

Hike Pelnor Hollow and Split Rock  

 Sunday, May 18, 2025 9:00 AM 5:00 PM 

Hike and Trail Maintenance on Dry Brook Ridge   Sunday, May 18, 2025 10:00 AM 5:00 PM  

Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome & Thomas Cole   Thursday, May 22, 2025 8:30 AM 6:30 PM  

Kaaterskill High Peak & Huckleberry Point   Saturday, May 24, 2025 9:00 AM 9:00 AM  

Bearpen & Vly Mountsins (am) Halcott Mountain (pm)   Thursday, May 29, 9:00 AM 9:00 AM  

Panther, Slide, Cornell & Wittenberg Mountains   Saturday, May 31, 2025 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 

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MTC Announces the Launch of MTC Mobile

MARGARETVILLE – MTC, a trusted provider of high-speed broadband, cable TV, and landline phone services, is  excited to announce the upcoming launch of MTC Mobile, a new mobile service designed to complement its broadband  offerings. The service launched as of May 1st, 2025. MTC Mobile plans to bring seamless connectivity, exceptional value,  and unmatched convenience to their customers! 

With MTC Mobile, customers can now enjoy: 

• Bring Your Own Device with Nationwide Coverage: With our commitment to flexibility and customer  convenience, you can bring your own device, keep your existing phone number, and enjoy reliable nationwide  coverage. Whether you're at home or traveling anywhere in the U.S., stay connected with the convenience,  confidence and freedom you deserve. 

• International Travel Data Plans Available: Easily choose from any country from our comprehensive list and  prepay for data on a daily or weekly basis. 

• Affordable Data Packages: Get 30gb of data for just $30 per month per line. This means you can stream about 30 hours of video, listen to 100 hours of music, browse for 50 hours, scroll social media for 40 hours, and watch  10 full-length movies without using up all your data in a month! It’s a strong data plan for a balanced mix of  entertainment, browsing, and staying connected every day. 

• Integrated Broadband Discounts: Bundle your mobile service with an MTC high-speed broadband package and  receive a $5 discount on your mobile bill per month. Certain restrictions apply, call for details. 

• Device Store with Trade-In Options: Choose from the latest mobile devices and take advantage of trade-in options for your old phone for great allowances. 

“We’re thrilled to expand our services to include mobile connectivity, offering our customers the convenience of  managing all their connectivity needs in one place,” said Glen Faulkner, General Manager, MTC. “MTC Mobile is  designed to deliver the same high-quality service our customers have come to expect from us, now with the added  benefit of mobility.” 

MTC Mobile’s launch underscores MTC Cable’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the customer experience. By  combining mobile service with high-speed broadband, MTC aims to deliver a seamless and affordable connectivity  solution for modern lifestyles. 

For more information, visit www.mtctelcom.com or contact our customer service office at 1-877-727-2288. 

About MTC 

MTC is a leading provider of high-speed broadband, cable TV, and voice services, dedicated to delivering cutting-edge  technology and exceptional customer service to communities in the Central Catskills Region. With a focus on innovation  and customer satisfaction, MTC is committed to keeping customers connected.

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