“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Happy 4th of July and Happy Independence Day to America! I hope everyone can find things to be proud of in this country! For those in Cherry Valley, don’t forget the big 4th of July Parade in Springfield! It starts at 11:00 AM and will be one for the books!

The weather will remain consistent with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s with rain showers expected early this week. 

Slate Hill Lavender Farm and a few local businesses had a spot on the nightly news this past week that has raised lots of interest in our area, particularly those from Albany.

The Klinkhart Hall Art Center Summer Concert Series is back and in full swing as of this week! With an extended season, there is more music than ever before for these free, family-friendly concerts every Wednesday night starting at 6:00 PM from July 2 through August 13 in the scenic setting of Chalybeate Park in Sharon Springs. Here are your next two weeks line up: July 9th it’s CV6 - Cherry Valley’s own rock and roll powerhouse brings energy, edge, and local pride to the stage. July 16th it’s Stompin' On Second Street - A five-piece Dixieland band performing a vibrant mix of traditional jazz tunes. They’ve released one live album. Visit the Klinkhart Hall Facebook page for event updates.

Celebrate Bison Month with Bison Island Ranch on July 12th and again on July 26th from 12 noon until 8 PM at The Ranch located at 194 Engleville Rd in Sharon Springs! There will be live music, beer & wine for purchase, games, crafts for the kids, The Tipi for exploring, and more! The Ranch Store will be open with items for sale like bison meat & steaks, bison art & gifts, NEW bison tallow products and so much more! Visit their website at www.bisonislandranch.com for more info!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your Summer Gardening needs!! The Outrageous Snack Snack is now open so stop by for delicious fresh donuts! They are also hosting live music events too so check out FB for more info.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  Closed on 4th of July. 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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July Spa Ritz Luncheon

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club will hold its July Luncheon meeting on Friday, July 11th at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd with a business meeting to follow.

The Silver & Gold Senior Club continues to positively contribute to the lives of so many! Members of this dynamic social club come from surrounding areas including Sharon, Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Ames, and beyond. 

With Seniors of all ages, this group is always open to new members! This is a great place to make new friends and catch up with the community! The after-lunch activities and presentations change monthly and are always something to mark the calendar for! Last month there was a presentation by Slate Hill Lavender Farm!

For this July Luncheon, expect a delicious and nutritious meal of roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable blend, dinner roll, diced pears, ice cream, and 1% milk will be served at noon.

The senior club will conduct its monthly business meeting after lunch and provide updates about upcoming activities and outings.

Individuals interested in attending the July 11th Silver & Gold Luncheon must register by calling the Spa Ritz meal site at (518) 284-2883 from 10 AM - 2 PM on Monday, July 7th or Wednesday, July 9th. Area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055.

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 (137 Beechwood Road) 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 2:00 PM. 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.

 

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New Pavilion & Kick-Off Party

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Free Library is hosting a kick off party on Monday, July 7th to celebrate the addition of the new outdoor pavilion space as well as the day to register for the Summer Reading Program: Color Our World!

Registration will be categorized by age this summer with: Early Readers (0-5), Children (6-12), Teens (13-18), and Adults (19+). All are welcome to participate! 

This upcoming celebration is planned for Monday, July 7th between 2:00 - 6:00 PM and you’re invited to check out the pavilion, register for the summer program, and enjoy free hot dogs!

The new pavilion is in honor of our library's previous board member, Pam, and is situated behind the library building. Pam’s “dedication to the library and our community continues to inspire us”.

The Library is incredibly grateful to all who helped make this project possible: Ian Trombeckey - for leveling the ground and laying the gravel pad and walking path, Empire Shed - for building and delivering the pavilion, Library Board Members - for their dedication and oversight, especially President Jeanne, her daughter, and community member Nate, who cleared the back lawn and removed old branches, and Mike McCallion and MJM Earthworks - who did the final clearing and removed remaining limbs around the pavilion. 

This new pavilion is a great addition to the Library grounds and will be appreciated by all!

Don’t forget this month’s adult book discussion on Friday, July 18th at 6:00 PM! The theme is all about COLOR. Pick any book you’d like for this discussion, as long as it has a connection to color. There’s no wrong way to participate!

The Sharon Springs Free Library (129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. Closed in observance of 4th of July. For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

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Richmondville Soccer Club: Rec Program Promoting Love of the Game

One of the U8-10 teams maneuvering a dribbling obstacle course during their first practice.

Program Board members Justin Davis and Amber Lape on site to help teams with equipment and questions during the first evening of Richmondville Soccer Club practices for the season on June 30th.

By Heather Skinner

COBLESKILL —  Before Richmondville Soccer Club games start in July, its Board starts planning in January working closely with local businesses and Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School. The volunteer coaches meeting helps everyone get on the same page for what makes a great season. This year’s meeting took place on the evening of June 25th and provided lots of insight into the program and updates about its future. 

For the last 4 years, Justin Davis has been the Club’s President and a part of many program improvements, like expanding the program to include a four-year-old group and modifying the age groupings to match skill levels together.

Davis explained The Richmondville Soccer Club is part of the village of Richmondville’s youth committee program and has been running for over 20-25 years. In that time, Davis has been a player, referee, and Board President. Davis and program Vice President, Amber Lape, credited past program leaders like one of its originals, Rose Keller, as well as Jackie Gravina, Denise Smith, and Vicky Swartout. Lape said of Davis’s time and hard work as Board President, “he has been the main person, and he deserves to be recognized.”

Davis got the program back on its feet after 2 years missed during Covid. It has grown significantly since then from around 100 participants to numbers above 250, which led to outgrowing previous game locations in Richmondville and by the college. They have also added one Fall traveling team that the Club sponsors. To continue expanding the program, Davis said key factors include more interest from coaches, community involvement, and more collaboration with the school.

Davis announced his position started as a one-year favor for the mayor, who was Kevin Neary at that time, and he will be stepping down from President to Board Member after this season. Treasurer, Victoria Kleinberger, will be taking over as Richmondville Soccer Club President next season, and Davis said new leadership will allow for new ideas.

Lape will also be stepping down at the end of this year, but will be leaving behind a legacy of the wonderful program objectives and knowledge she has imparted during her 3 years on the Board.  

Lape is happy to see volunteers step up to coach who want to be a part of improving and expanding the program with input, enthusiasm, and by teaching fundamentals that make a huge difference for kids like juggling, trapping, passing, and being able to dribble with their heads up. Lape also explained fair play concepts sometimes overlooked or unknown of offsides and the build-out line, and shared a helpful YouTube video with dribbling drills you can find by searching for its title on YouTube: 10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills for U6, U8, U10 Fun Soccer Drills by MOJO.

Teams and schedules are compiled by ages of U4 Tiny Tots, U5-7, U8-10, and U11-13. If there is enough interest, they may expand to an 18+ age group next year.

They had to post a second call for coaches on June 3rd when more primary and assistant coaches were still needed for U5-7 and U8-10 groups to avoid refunding teams without coaches. Volunteer coaches are typically parents of players who indicate they are interested in coaching while filling out the digital registration for their child to play, and Davis thanked volunteers profusely for stepping up to make the program possible. 

Referees are paid positions, made up by a majority of kids 14-16 that are still learning themselves, which is another example of the wonderful opportunities this program provides for all involved.

Business sponsors will be looking at a price increase next year to compensate for the growing number of participants from $300 to $350 or $400. This year has proven to be their largest number of registrations yet with over 260 players, 17 team sponsorships, 20 referees, and 37 coaches. 

The Richmondville Soccer Club begins inviting interested sponsors to reach out each February and posts updates on their Facebook page. The treasurer’s report confirmed that all funds go directly into the program, and this year, one of their big expenses was the need for brand new goals for the U8-10 age group’s games. 

The Board follows safety procedures with all the best interests of kids at heart. Shin guards are required for all practices and games. Warmups, cool down stretches, and staying hydrated are encouraged to prevent injuries. Coaches also have the opportunity to become CPR certified. They plan to continue adding more available coaches’ resources at a pace that still makes requirements manageable for volunteers’ schedules like concussion management, etc. Referees all come prepared with first aid kits and the AED access point is made clear to coaches in advance. They also make sure that coaches and referees consider times to switch players during games based on how hot the weather is.

Follow The Richmondville Soccer Club Facebook page to stay informed on when its signup window is open each year. If you have any soccer equipment you are no longer in need of, they take donations. 

Practices and games are held on Ryder campus for CRCS at 143 Golding Dr.

Whenever the separate program (at an additional fee) of Corever Camp is also offered at Ryder for extra summer soccer training, Richmondville Soccer Club shares the link for that in a Facebook page post. Davis praised Corever Camp, saying it is a great program that he has witnessed yielding big results for those who participate. 

Families participating in Richmondville Soccer Club this year, follow their Facebook page for updates posted 45 minutes before a game’s start time if extreme weather conditions require cancelations, and please follow the school ground’s no-dogs policy.

The Board stressed that this is a rec program. No trophies. Not a win or lose focus. They want to see kids given the chance to gain experience in all field positions and they want kids to walk away with great memories and a love of soccer.

 

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Veteran CRCS Board Member Retires

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday evening, the CRCS Board of Education gave a warm farewell and sincere regards to one of their oldest members, Mary Black.

According to Board President Bruce Tryon, Mrs. Black has served on the Board since 2013, and in her twelve years of service to the community, she’s passed down both her knowledge and her kindness to her coworkers.

“This is very bittersweet,” President Tryon began. “Me and Mary have worked together over twelve years, and she is obviously a very strong and contributing member to the Board of Education here.”

“Behind the scenes, Mary does a lot of work that people don’t see, and we greatly appreciate that. Through the years, the most important thing I’ve gained through working with Mary is that I’ve cherished her friendship,” he continued.

Superintendent Matthew Sickles also offered his own sentiments, saying “I’ve had the honor and the pleasure to work with you over the last few years, and I certainly wish you congratulations.”

Both Superintendent Sickles and President Tryon presented Mrs. Black with a certificate of appreciation that detailed her commitment to the school district, and offered one last word of thanks.

“On behalf of the entire Board and community and the CRCS school district, we thank you for your service,” President Tryon concluded.

The newest Board member to fill Mrs. Black’s shoes will be seated next month, as will the newly mandated student Board member, as the state-wide law goes into effect on July 1st.

Brett Barr, the principal of the high school, gave the Board an overview of the election process for the student member that took place last month.

He noted that each interested student had to mimic the methods of how the other Board members were elected, requiring a petition with at least twenty five signatures to get onto the ballot.

With the results of the election in, Principal Barr revealed that the candidate voted as the student member is rising senior Patrick Mallard, who was described as academically excellent with involvement in the FBLA, National Honors Society, and track.

The alternate to Mr. Mallard will be Danielle Hughes, who also enjoys challenging herself, taking agriculture classes while balancing music and athletics, and who is also part of the FBLA and National Honors Society.

Superintendent Sickles explained that he will be reaching out to both students for a quick onboarding process, after which the Board will welcome them to the table next month.

 

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Oak Hill and Vicinity by Mary Lou Nahas - Bitten by a Horse and More

End of the Lane Farm has a building to house products at their farm.

The Market Place has a fresh look for an old building.

Home Town Heroes Banners are appearing around town.  Photo contributed by Claudia Every.

 

Durham Center Museum is progressing in their work getting ready to reopen.

OAK HILL The News from Oak Hill and Vicinity: I’ve always enjoyed reading old newspapers which reported local happenings:  A 1906 Durham column in the Oak Hill Record reported that two autos passed through this village on Saturday last.  Bradley Bunce was recently bitten in the arm by a horse owned by Sidney Crandall.  Dr. Conkling dressed the wound. The gypsies have arrived, several wagons passed through here last Sunday. We are sorry to say Mr. E. Lawrence lost his horse after a sickness of a week.  There are 278 pupils registered at Middleburgh High School.  A Hudson grocer sold 30,000 cucumbers, for pickles, in a single day. There are 1,081 dogs in Kingston that have been tagged and registered this year.  Oscar Fields sold a fine horse to a Mr. Hahn of Cairo.  E. Ford is in New York this week buying new goods. Mrs. Delia Graham from Oak Hill has returned from Washington D. C.  P. T. Hoagland and J. W. Mulberry visited Gilboa.  

On Monday last, the Town Board met to appoint a truant officer to look after the interests of our schools.  ‘Squire Borthwick, of Cornwallville, and ‘Squire Rockefeller, of East Durham, suggested the name of Platt Hill.  Accordingly, Mr. Hill appointed. There are now 28 prisoners in the Delaware county jail, filling the jail, two of whom are women.  This is a larger number than has been confined at one time in many years.   James F. Clark, the largest hops grower in this State, finished gathering and curing last week.  The yield is 12,400 boxes which at 16 pounds to the box will give 198,400 pounds or 1,000 bales.  Since the first of July, Newton Houck of Pineville, has gathered 42 pounds of ginseng, which he sold for $1 per pound. 

Today, instead of writing about one topic in Oak Hill and Vicinity, I’m going to report on a number of events which are happening here now,  They may not be as interesting as number of car or cucumbers, horse bites or inmates  or truant officers, or weddings, but they are what we have.

The “Hometown Heroes Banner” program recognizing service men and women from the Durham area who have served or are serving our country in a branch of the military is being rolled out by the  town. The banners are 24” wide by 48” long and in full color.  Each individual banner will honor a specific Durham service man or woman and will include their picture, rank, era of service, years of service, branch of military and sponsor’s name.  Banners will be displayed on poles throughout the hamlets in the Town of Durham from May through November

The Town will maintain custodianship of the banners, and ensure they are hung each year.   Those [like me] who missed the deadline to purchase a banner in the first group, will have an opportunity to participate in the next round.  For details interested parties should contact the Durham Town Clerk by email at  townclerk@durhamny.com, or  but calling 518-239-6122 ext.1.

The Durham Center Museum has completed exterior work on the site on Hwy 145.  John Quirk, chairman of the trustees, noted the wonderful job Quest Star II headed by Erik Nicholsen, has done on that part of the project.    New heating and air conditioning have been installed inside the building.  The research wing is being set up.  Some interior cleaning and tending to the collection need to be done before the Museum can once again open to the public; so, while the board cannot put a time on reopening, the project is well underway.

The Durham United Methodist Church is working with the State to list their building on Rt. 22 on the State and National Historic Registers.  While there is no promised date for listing, the work is well underway

There are a number of new businesses on old sites in the Town of Durham:  the   former Becker Electronics Manufacturing building in East Durham is now home to The  Market Place an indoor vendor mall that feature antiques, handcrafted items, vintage clothing, collectables and much more.   Established in May, 2018, located conveniently at 2195 Route 145 in East Durham, over 125+ vendors ensure that the selection is constantly changing. Continuing our commitment to growth, we’re excited to announce the expansion into the East Wing, adding 47 new vendors to our thriving marketplace, the manager says. This expansion offers even more opportunities to discover rare and unique treasures, with an even greater variety of items to explore.  The Market Place is committed to being the premier destination for collectors and shoppers alike.

They are always open to new ideas and welcome any questions.  Shoppers should free to reach out to Ken Dudley at (518) 577-1441 or e-mail them at the.market.place.east.durham@gmail.com for more information

Nellie’s in East Durham is now under new ownership as  Reilly’s!  Reilly’s also owns a bar in Queens and in Ireland according to Bernadette Gavin, prior owner who will  be busy  at Gavins..

The new business at Mooney’s is being developed.  They have not yet advertised opening information but have appeared at the Town Board meetings.

Dale Handle is working on Tanglewood Ranch II .  Oak Hill has two new businesses being worked on.

This is the time to visit our local farms:  End of the Lane Farm in Cornwallville now has a farm store to house their refrigerators; East Durham Farms in currently open for self-service; Lazy Day Farm will be opening for business soon.  Dean’s Mill’s started their Farmers/Artisan Market last weekend.  They invite people to participate:  “Whether you grow, bake or make something we are looking for you. It could anything from homemade goods to homegrown fruits �and veggies.”

Older newspapers would have given lots of details about events which celebrated local weddings.   The paper might have listed the guests, the decorations, the food, the music.  I won’t go into detail but will only end by saying that Blackthorne kept that tradition alive with a wonderful three-day celebration recently.

Oak Hill and Vicinity keeps the traditions alive and we have a good time doing so..

 

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Multiple Roads Closed for Work

DELAWARE COUNTY — The Delaware County Department of Public Works will begin oil & stone operations in the northern portion of Delaware County on Monday, July 7, 2025.  The work will begin on CR 9 and then move to CR 29, CR 30, CR 33, CR12 and then CR 10.  Work will then move south to CR 4, CR 20, CR67, CR27S and finish CR 47.

Work is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 weeks, weather depending.  The traveling public should use extreme caution during this time and should expect significant delays during work periods.  Suggested reduced speed limits will be posted for the roads as the process will create loose stones that can be thrown and cause damage at normal speeds.  We would ask that the traveling public please slow down and respect our workers and other drivers during construction.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

 

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

How about the weather last week?  Yes, we're at the time of the year when we complain about the heat.  Wasn't it just last week when we were complaining about how cold it was?  Literally.  We have been lucky though, except for one or two nights, it has cooled off so we can sleep.  The biggest complaint that I hear from all over is it's too wet to mow.  There has been so much rain that all of the springs are open, and the ground doesn't dry enough to get a lawn mower through.  'Seriously, what would we do if we didn't have anything to complain about?

Craft classes have started at the Senior Center in the Windham Ambulance building.  They are held on Tuesday mornings starting at 10 am.  We have several budding artists this year, and many learning, or brushing up on stained glass techniques.  A few are starting to clean off their lawn ornaments for repainting.  A lot of work, a lot of gossip, and a lot of fun.  What more could you ask for a summer morning?   The ac in the building is definitely a PLUS!!

My sons and I just got back from the WAJPL trip.  We left the parking lot of St Theresa's at 6 am and headed out to Cape Cod.  There were 46 of us making this wonderful trip together.  We had taken a family trip up that way many years ago, so we had fun remembering some of the details.  Our first stop was Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower.  Next to Sandwich Island where we watched a glass-blowing demonstration.  A Grist Mill was on the agenda which had Arlene M. Asking about the mill on Mad Brook/ Mill Street in town.  Travel time was spent trying to remember who lived where along the brook.  We came up with Kathryn Brockett, Kathryn Miller, Harriett Campbell and "you know, the one who lived there".  A fine way to pass the trip.  The only real problem was the heat.  But the hotel we stayed at had a pool and water park, so we survived.  Our next trip is the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty in August.

Continuing prayers for Eric Towse, Claudia Brac., Greg Beckman.   Cataract surgery is becoming quite the thing" with Kathy Gibson and Barb Cooke joining me in the procedure.

AS I REMEMBER IT

As I close this week, I think of June and how hot it was during regent's week when we all had to go to school and wait on the buses for the regents' students to come out.  We didn't get special hours because they were testing.   The elementary grades had outdoor activities but still had to sit on the bus until the last tester was out.  While going through it, it seemed like forever, but in retrospect, it was only 2 or 3 days, but it was traditionally HOT!!   We would come home, strip, don a bathing suit and jump in a creek.  Our own rite of passage.  Our parents would be out planting the garden in the hot sun, then take a quick break to cool off with us.  Meals were still cooked, no "run out to the diner" or Chinese takeout.  There was no such thing around here.  Maybe that's what made up stronger.  We are survivors of hot and cold weather.  We didn't get a trophy  just because we participated.  We may be old, but we are tough.  

Many best wishes for the members of the class of 2025.  Enjoy what life has to offer.  It's not always sunshine and rosebuds, but the thorns, the weeds and the rain are what makes you an adult.

 

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Catskill Mountain Shakespeare Announces 2025 Summer Mainstage Production: Romeo and Juliet 

Twelve Outdoor Performances in July Under the Tent at The Red Barn in Hunter, NY 

HUNTER – This summer, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare, in association with The Catskill Mountain Foundation, proudly presents its 2025 Mainstage Production: Romeo and Juliet. One of the greatest love stories ever told comes alive in an exhilarating new staging directed by acclaimed theater director Rebecca Wahls—Artist in Residence at Duke University, Carnegie Mellon University graduate, and TEDx speaker. 

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, outdoors and under the tent, Romeo and Juliet runs July 12–27, 2025, at The Red Barn, 7970 Main Street, Hunter, NY. With nature as the backdrop and stars overhead, twelve performances will fuse powerful storytelling with dynamic stage combat, breathtaking design, and the timeless energy of Shakespeare’s classic. 

Returning to the stage are audience favorites and CMS company members Jordan Mann, Sydney Berk, and Devante Owens. Max Gallagher (fresh off CMS’s Pericles Community Tour) stars as Juliet alongside Carnegie Mellon graduate Julio Gutierrez as Romeo. Local favorite Jess Gibbons and six additional cast members round out this talented ensemble. 

Visit catskillmountainshakespeare.com for tickets and details. 

Expanding Access Through Community Outreach 

In addition to its Mainstage production, CMS’s robust 2025 Outreach Program runs parallel to the performances and includes: 

● Low Cost/No Cost Tickets for those in need 

● Community Book Club – July 13

● Pay-What-You-Can Performances – July 16 & July 23 

● 4th Annual LGBTQ+ Midsummer Social – July 18 

● Relaxed Family-Friendly Performance – July 20 (with free babysitting and special needs accommodations) 

● Post-Show Talkback with the Creative Team – July 25 

● Arts & Crafts at Local Farmers’ Markets – Various Dates 

● CMS Youth Company (YOCO) Theater Intensive (Grades 6–12) – August 4–9 

Love. Violence. Vision. Nature. 

In the heart of summer, two young lovers collide in a world divided by ancient hatred—and dare to imagine a future no one else can see. 

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Catskills, outdoors and under the tent, Romeo and Juliet fuses the wild beauty of nature with exhilarating stage combat, stunning design, and epic romance. Whether you're a longtime fan or stepping into Shakespeare for the first time, prepare to be transported. 

This Romeo and Juliet pulses with contrasts—love and loss, masculine and feminine, tradition and bold innovation. Come experience the electricity of opposites in motion. Join us under the stars. Let the night air carry the story. Watch as the stars align… and fall. 

Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theater company committed to presenting classic plays and immersive theatrical experiences in natural settings, with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and community. Founded in 2020, CMS continues to bring high-quality professional theater to the Catskill region—welcoming locals, weekenders, and visitors to share in the magic of live performance. 

For tickets, programming details, and more information, visit: 

www.catskillmountainshakespeare.com

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