Our own Robert Brune got this photo of volunteers, visitors, residents, and former residents during the Margaretville 150th Anniversary celebration this past weekend. Much more inside
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8/3/25
150 Years!
Written By The Mountain Eagle on 8/3/25 | 8/3/25
Margaretville Community Travel Club Toured Italy
Staff Report
MARGARETVILLE — Members of the Margaretville Community Travel Club recently returned from an 11-day educational trip to Italy.
Making the excursion were Margaretville Central School (MCS) students Brynna Asher, Evie Curlew-Sickaire, Chloe Buerge-Finn, River Williams, Miley Balcom, Alani Mendez, and Taide Trijillo. Olivia Wells, a former MCS student who now attends Delaware Academy in Delhi, was also a participant. They were accompanied by MCS staff members Beth Tanzer and Denise Asher, as well as Roxbury Central School staff member Liz Cowan.
The group began its journey in the city of Venice. From there, they visited Lucca and Florence, which are in the famed Tuscany region.
Up next, the tour took the travelers to the Umbria region where they visited Assisi and Pompeii. The latter was a Roman city destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. As a result of the quick burial under ash and debris, the city was largely preserved. Today, Pompeii serves as a vast archaeological site where visitors can explore the ruins of streets, houses, and public buildings as they once existed.
The group then headed to the Sorrentine Peninsula in the region of Campania in southern Italy. After touring the city of Sorrento, they spent a day visiting the island of Capri. Ms. Tanzer noted that a highlight was taking a boat ride around the island and seeing the iconic Fara (Faraglioni) rock formations (famously portrayed in Dolce and Gabbana commercials).
The group ended its trip in Rome, where points of interest included Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
“We were also visiting Rome during the 25-year Jubilee and had the opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors which are only open for the year during a Jubilee. And all of this in 10 days!” Ms. Tanzer commented.
The Margaretville Community Travel Club was established under Ms. Tanzer’s guidance in 2011. Since then, members have visited China, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, London, France, Switzerland, Brussels, Amsterdam, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Ms. Tanzer has also chaperoned a trip to Equator and the Galápagos Islands.
Ms. Tanzer commented, “I’ve also traveled throughout many cities in each country with students on several different occasions. Sometimes we travel to singular countries and other years we visit multiple countries. Each opportunity is unique and exciting mainly because of the students’ willingness to embrace new cultures, experiences and perspectives. So much personal growth occurs on our trips for students and leaders alike.”
Trips are open to all students in grades 9-12 and are funded individually by students and their families. The club’s next trek will be a multi-country trip being planned for 2027 and will hopefully include Paris, Germany, and the Alps. The itinerary could change depending on availability. Anyone interested can contact Ms. Tanzer for more information.
The Margaretville Community Travel Club’s trip to Italy included a tour of the historic Pompeii archeological site.
Taide Trijillo and Miley Balcom are enjoying the boat ride to the island of Capri.
Travel club members, from left, Miley Balcom, Olivia Wells, Chloe Buerge-Finn, Evie Curlew-Sickaire, River Williams, and Brynna Asher are pictured at the famed Colosseum in Rome.
Miley Balcom (from left), Taide Trijillo, and Olivia Well take time for lighting candles and blessings at the Duomo.
Pictured at the Duomo in Florence, from left, are Olivia Wells, Alani Mendez, Taide Trijillo, Miley Balcom, Conner (from a group in Washington state), River Williams, Chloe Buerge-Finn, Evie Curlew-Sickaire, and trip leader Beth Tanzer.
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More Scenes from Margaretville's Special Day
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Local Volunteers Complete Firefighter 1 Training
Staff Report
MIDDLETOWN — Two Middletown-Hardenburgh firefighters and one Arkville Fire Department member graduated with Firefighter 1 certification in a ceremony at SUNY New Paltz on Monday, July 28.
Graduates of the Firefighter 1 training course included Maria Barca and Kevin Hubbell; both have been members of the Halcottsville Fire Department for about two years. Arkville Fire Department volunteer Nicholas Caratzas also graduated with Firefighter 1 status. He joined the AFD about a year ago.
Former Halcottsville Fire Department member and current Olive Fire Department Lieutenant Michael Finch also graduated from the Firefighter 1 program during the July 28 ceremony. He spent seven years in the HFD before joining the Olive Fire Department in May 2022.
In addition, Christian Davis, a member of the Margaretville Fire Department completed Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO) training.
Firefighter I is the foundational level, focusing on basic firefighting skills and technique. Along with teaching basic fire science and safety, a Firefighter 1 certification covers basic rescue operations and the field's history.
Once volunteers have earned Firefighter 1 certification they are eligible to enroll in the Firefighter II training program. The advanced training builds on the Firefighter 1 foundation, emphasizing more advanced tactics, leadership, and decision-making in emergency situations.
The Arkville Fire Department's Officers and Members offered congratulations to Firefighter Nicholas Caratzas on completing the BEFO and IFO training programs, which cover exterior and interior firefighter operations.
“We also congratulate Halcottsville Fire Department members Kevin Hubbell and Maria Barca on their successful completion of the program. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of you for your dedication to your departments, communities, and surrounding areas. These programs require a significant time commitment, totaling hundreds of hours, consisting of instruction, firehouse work, and commutes to the Ulster County training facility for the majority of classes,” the AFD representatives said in a statement to The Catskills Chronicle.
The graduation ceremony was organized by the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, Ulster County Firemen's Association, and the instructional team at SUNY New Paltz.
Middletown-Hardenburgh firefighters Maria Barca, left, and Kevin Hubbell, right, are pictured at the July 28 graduation ceremony at SUNY New Paltz marking their completion of Firefighter 1 training. Nicholas Caratzas, center, was also among the volunteers earning Firefighter 1 certification. He is a member of the Arkville Fire Department.
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Bovina 5k Raises Over $4,700 For Local Playground
Runners received safety instructions before the start of the 2025 Bovina 5K race at Cremery Park.
Young runners practice cartwheels before the Bovina 5K race on July 26 in Cremery Park.
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Second place for males went to Alton Francisco, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 17 minutes and 55 seconds.
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First place for males went to Hans Hilson-Schneider, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 17 minutes and 8 seconds.
Family team Jen and Gareth Hughes finish the Bovina 5K together in around 32 minutes and 13 seconds.
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Second place for females went to Gretel Hilson-Schneider, who finished the 3.1-mile race in 21 minutes and 36 seconds.
By Mary A. Crisafulli
BOVINA - The second Bovina 5K, organized in collaboration by the Catskill Mountain Club, Livestock Foundation, and local volunteers, including Alan Davidson, was held on July 26. Nearly 200 participants walked and ran the course, which began and ended at Cremery Park, with loops through Bovina Center.
In a press release, Davidson said, "The 5K isn't about the miles we run, it's about coming together and making a difference in the community."
This year, that difference will be an update to the town's wooden park. All proceeds, totaling over $4,700, will be donated to the project. The Bovina Town Council has been working to update the existing playground at the corner of County Highway 6 and Maple Avenue for over a year. The playground, last updated in 2000, requires new fencing, surface excavation, and structural updates to existing equipment. Despite funding challenges, project lead and Bovina Councilmember Jillienne LaFever announced that the project will break ground at the end of summer. With the Bovina 5K donation and a grant from the O'Connor Foundation, the project can finally proceed, she said.
The three top female runners include Kate Cochran, 18:25; Grettel Hilson-Schneider, 21:36; and Julie Hilson, 21:48. The top three male runners include Hans Hilson-Schneider, 17:08; Alton Francisco, 17:55; and Langston Comer, 18:12. Winners received pendants created by Tim Cunningham and maple syrup from Bovina Syrup. Full results can be viewed at runsignup.com.
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Fun in the Sun - Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Margaretville’s Incorporation
Burr Hubbell with the 1907 family Maxwell, One of the eight classic vehicles on display.
Corinne & Gerard Debari of Catskill Embers whose pizzas were very popular.
By Iris Mead
MARGARETVILLE — The sun shone, the humidity was tolerable, and the two closed blocks of Margaretville’s Main Street were filled with vendors and businesses, and there was Dancing in the Street. Sue’s Garage, a seven-member band from Roxbury played 60’s and 70’s rock to keep the celebration going till 7:00 PM.
Almost on the dot of 4:00, as advertised, a large crowd, estimated at 200, formed in front of the historic Bussy Building at Walnut and Main Streets for a community picture. Following in the tradition of previous community photos taken in 1979 and 2000, Joan Lawrence Bauer got the crowd in place and smiling as the Mountain Eagle’s own Rob Brune, standing on an 8’ ladder in the middle of the street, aided by known photographer Alan Powell, on a fire escape above the sidewalk, took the third iconic photograph of community spirit.
The crowd then dispersed to check out the businesses, taste spirits from Union Grove Brewstillary, wine-taste at Margaretville Liquor Store, and enjoy Mexican food from Sacred Soil. Hamburgers were also cooked on the grill by Freshtown, Balkan specialities from Oda, tacos from Café Marguerite and Catskill Mountain Embers famous pizza. The Margaretville Central School’s Class of 2028 was busy selling hot and cold food and beverages, and ice cream cones were very popular. Souvenir t-shirts, designed specially for the 150th celebration, were selling briskly at The Happy Giraffe’s table.
The colorful Westchester Medical Center’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) bus drove up from Valhalla for the day and conducted basic health screenings free of charge. Fairview Library was busy with children’s activities and book sales. There were a lot of oohs and ahs when viewing the classic and custom cars on display. Especially capturing the crowd’s attention was the 1907 Maxwell touring car that has been in the Hubbell family for years. There was a chance to cool off in the Village Hall while viewing a display of early photographs of Margaretville and panels showing historical facts about the village and the Galli Curci theater. A scavenger hunt was an ongoing event during the afternoon. Former residents of Margaretville, Dr. Orson Allaben (portrayed by John Bernhardt) and Catherine Decker (portrayed by Connie Jeffers) mingled with the crowd to relate their stories of early Margaretville. Then the band started rockin’ and people started dancin’ in the street.
To end the day on a high note, literally speaking, Gina Hanzlik, a classically trained soprano, presented a concert of 12 songs that, through her research, had a connection in some way to the Catskills. Accompanying her was Anna Stromer, a Grammy-nominated violist, and Dan Meinhardt, currently pianist for the NYC Ballet. They blended together seamlessly with Gina’s strong operatic voice. It was a beautiful way to end the day’s celebration.
The 150th celebration was coordinated by Iris Mead, Village Trustee, Diane Galusa, Historical Society of Middletown’s president, and Carol O’Beirne, President of the Chamber of Commerce. As Diane noted, a Sesquicentennial only comes around every 150 years, let’s celebrate it.
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AMR Artists Open Studios Tour 2025: A Radiant Success
AMR President Deborah Ruggerio
Rebecca Andre
By Robert Brune
DELAWARE COUNTY — Despite sporadic summer rain, visitors enthusiastically navigated the winding mountain roads and scenic byways of Delaware County to attend this year’s AMR Artists Open Studios Tour. Spanning eight towns and showcasing the work of 45 artists, the event was a resounding success not only for the art community, but for the region’s economy and spirit.
“Meeting our mission to create lifelong lovers of art was apparent as visitors of all ages eagerly dodged raindrops to visit the studios,” said AMR President Deborah Ruggerio in a statement following the weekend. “I would like to thank our community for their continued support and enthusiasm, the artists that shared their creativity and love of the arts, our loyal business sponsors, and most of all our dedicated AMR team and volunteers, without them, this event would not be possible.”
One of the highlights this year was the involvement of students from Margaretville Central School, whose photography was exhibited at the Longyear Gallery. Ruggerio emphasized, “Encouraging young people to value and participate in the arts is vital in creating a lasting community of artists. I look forward to the future in that the AMR Open Studios continues to share their vision of community and the arts.”
The AMR Artists Open Studios Tour began in 2012 as a grassroots initiative led by artist Alix H. Travis. Originally based in Andes, Margaretville, and Roxbury, the event has since expanded to include a wider network of towns and creatives. In recent years, AMR Artists has established itself as a nonprofit and now promotes both emerging and established artists across the mountain region. The rotating roster of participating artists keeps the tour fresh while maintaining its deep community roots.
Beyond the annual studio tour, AMR also organizes events such as the Annual Exhibition and Paint the Town (launched in 2021), further embedding the organization in the region’s cultural fabric and developing connections between artists, tourists, homeowners, and local businesses.
Executive Director Rebecca Andre reflected on her time with AMR with warmth and gratitude: “It has been an honor to work alongside so many talented artists. I’ve made cherished friendships that began with art as the common ground,” she said. Andre credited mentors within the organization for their guidance: “Oneida taught me resilience… Tabitha showed me the importance of leading with grace and staying true to one’s own art. And Deb has been my better half these last three years, teaching focus and encouraging me to never give up.”
Andre’s comments underscore the intergenerational nature of AMR, where experience and new energy intermingle to sustain a vibrant creative community.
The success of this year’s Open Studios Tour was not just cultural, it was economic. Participating artists reported strong turnout, and the influx of visitors served as a welcome boost for the region’s business community during a season where tourism has seen a downturn. With fewer international travelers from Canada and Europe visiting the U.S. this summer, the draw of local arts events like AMR’s studio tour proved essential to keeping restaurants, rentals, shops, and other small businesses bustling.
Later this fall, the Mountain Eagle will feature extended interviews with several AMR artists, offering deeper insight into their techniques, inspirations, and studio life in the Catskills. For now, the 2025 AMR Open Studios Tour stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift.
We will have more artist profiles in the newspaper in coming weeks.
AMR Artist Jenny Neal
Jenny Neal is a writer, publisher of Upstate Dispatch, photographer, and painter. Most current Neal has been doing a wonderful job of reporting on Arts and Culture for the Mountain Eagle, as well
Interview with Jenny
“My latest work is a mandala painting.
It’s my tribute to the natural world.
I was like, "What am I doing here? And then I decided to go around in a circle.
So that's really what happened to that's really the bridge between this and that. It’s leaves, seeds, mushrooms, and kind of words.”
Scott Ackerman
Interview with Scott Ackerman @lovescott3 in Margaretville
“I’ve mixed things that probably shouldn’t be mixed. I paint on things that maybe you shouldn’t paint on, you know, but. I like to keep it really fun and loose. And if I make a mistake, that’s fine. You just keep going with it. Yeah, it’s just really all about me in here, having a good time, and hopefully at the end of the night, something that I like turns out a bit, you know. sometimes doesn’t, but that’s fine”
Mina Teslaru
Mina Teslaru talks about her new works… “So while textiles have been a part of my life since forever, I’m just beginning to write my own story with this medium. I used to do fine photography I’m taking a long, long break from it because it’s too beautiful up here in.” “I was inspired to work with soft, slow art. It feels almost like a rebellion to work in slow art nowadays.”
Holly Cohen and Ricky Zia
Interviews with AMR Artists Ricky Z & Holly Cohen on the Open Studios Tour talking about their favorite things about this year’s tour. The is so well put together, it looks like a professional gallery space located on Main Street in Roxbury
Holly Cohen
“So my favorite part, hands down, is sharing the space with Ricky and Steve. It is so much fun. And the other part is the people who’ come in. I have met so many people, neighbors, houses that I have passed while running and taken photos of and loved, and now I know who lives in there, and made a few new friends”
Ricky Zia
I’ve enjoyed. It’s a good title. I’ve enjoyed sharing a space with Holly. Our artwork of jells as well, and people coming to visit us, that’s my favorite parts of this year’s art tour
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Award-Winning Documentary on SUNY Cobleskill Students' Adventure to Screen Aug. 20
COBLESKILL – The Cobleskill Gathering Place will host a screening of the award-winning documentary "The Duck Diaries" on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m.
The film chronicles the remarkable journey of a group of students who, in 1960, embarked on an international goodwill mission that predated the Peace Corps. The idea, hatched at SUNY Cobleskill, saw the young men from Ticonderoga, Gloversville, and New Jersey travel through Central and South America in a military amphibious duck to meet fellow students.
Before their trip, the students conducted extensive research, wrote letters seeking support, and found a surplus vehicle for their journey, which was eventually featured on NBC in 1961. Their adventure was filled with challenges, including difficult border crossings, hostile students, vehicle breakdowns, and a three-day period of being marooned on a deserted island with nearly no money or means of communication.
The documentary, which has won awards at the NYC Independent Film Festival and the Arizona International Film Festival, tells the story of their journey and their quest to build friendships across the Americas during the Cold War.
The screening will be held at the Cobleskill Gathering Place, located at 127 Kenyon Road.
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