Rattlesnake Rescue in Delaware County

HANCOCK — On July 25, ECO Osborne responded to reports of a timber rattlesnake stuck in a garage in the town of Hancock. Officer Osborne located the snake tangled in black mesh netting and hanging from the wall of the garage. The ECO successfully moved the snake and mesh outdoors, cut away the mesh with scissors while controlling the snake’s head with a snake hook, and released the reptile unharmed back into the wild and away from the residence. ECO Osborne is a member of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement Wildlife Response Team and is equipped with appropriate snake gear for a variety of potential encounters. 

Timber rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers, native to New York State. These snakes are generally found in small, localized areas and are considered a threatened species protected by State law. Timber rattlesnakes seldom display aggression unless in defense. The public is reminded to leave snakes alone, observe them from a safe distance, and call ECOs if they need a snake removed.

 

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Get to Know Your Hospital Board Members - Dr. Diana Dr. Mason

MARGARETVILLE — Dr. Diana Mason joined the Margaretville Hospital Board in 2020 after previously serving on the Wellness Committee since 2016. Dr. Mason said that much of her focus is on “building a healthier community, including through primary care.”

Dr. Mason is a Registered Nurse with a doctorate in Nursing and is a Professor Emeritus at Hunter College and has an appointment at George Washington University's Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement. Her history working in health care and a focus on health policy and “looking at healthier communities” brought her to the table to help “health systems understand we have to build a primary care system” as robust as the “acute care system.”

“We would not need as much acute care if we would invest in promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities,” she said.

Dr. Mason hopes to build the primary care capacity of the hospital, as well as the wider holistic health of the community.

She is also the Secretary of the Board of the Primary Care Development Corporation. In 2015 the organization was tasked by the state to conduct a survey of primary care county-by-county and Delaware County was found to be largely a primary care desert.

Dr. Mason led an effort by a community group to bring a federally-qualified health center to the area by  working with Open Door from Westchester to rent the Palen Building at Margaretville Hospital Campus for the health center that was to open next year. Such federally-qualified health centers are required to provide primary care to those who need it, regardless of income. However, with the changes in federal funding, there is currently a hold on the project. Instead, she and the community group are working with the hospital and board to help it build its primary care practice.

Dr. Mason credits Executive Director Michael Hochman and Board Chair Emilie Adams, who is “advocating the board’s voice” and aiding in community-oriented programs.

While the board does not have direct fiduciary responsibility, it is responsible for “quality of care being provided at the hospital.”

The board takes that “very seriously,” said Dr. Mason. She was the chair of the Board Quality Committee and still serves on it.

She added that WMC Health Executive Director Elissa Chessari is “listening to our voice.” She also credited President and Chief Executive Officer of the Westchester Medical Center David Lubarsky and his effort to build out WMC Health’s primary care capacity, both in the network and in Margaretville.

“These are really challenging times,” she said, asking “how do we all come together to support the hospital and the nursing home?”

Dr. Mason said that Margaretville Hospital is staffed by people “from the community, who care about the community.” 

“When you go to the hospital, you have people who really care about you,” she said. “That’s really important.”

Such a personal touch and the hospital's emergency response are vital, she added.

Building primary care capacity is essential for health systems to be able to respond to the forthcoming federal cuts in Medicaid, in particular. Building a quality staff is also crucial. In the current climate of a nursing and primary care shortage, the hospital is addressing “workforce development,” with Dr. Mason personally serving as a mentor to assist local employees, including with her international and academic connections. There are programs that assist individuals become a family health practitioner, even without tuition.

Part of the effort is attracting employees, she said, but also retaining them through a “positive work environment.”

She cited national studies that found that if employees are not cared for, their quality of care changes.

In particular, Dr. Mason credits Hochman for supporting and listening to employees.

“Communities die when hospitals close,” she said. It’s up to each person to help keep the hospital alive and thriving and “how to support this really important institution in the community, including the nursing home.”

Dr. Mason has also produced and hosted health radio programs for over 40 years in NYC and now here with HealthCetera in the Catskills on WIOX Radio on Wednesdays at 2:00.

 

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SHE SHE at ArtUp Gallery

By Jenny Neal

MARGARETVILLE — Friday, August 1 saw the opening of a new show “SHE SHE” at ArtUp Gallery in Margaretville featuring two artists: Beth Reisman and Donna Tadelman. 

ArtUp frequently shows art that leans towards abstract and SHE SHE is no exception. The name of the show is partly a humorous play on the phrase chi-chi, but this show is fabulously bold and striking.

Both artist’s use of color is remarkable, but their styles - the way they arrange and create the color - contrast vividly. 

Beth Reisman’s work evokes nature and her paintings feel soothing like nature, and uplifting. The paint appears to flow like ripples or waves rendered in muted and soft tones. Her starting point is wood grain patterns, but why? “I use wood grain as a metaphor for the interior marking of existence,” she says. “It started by accident. I painted on wood panels because I like the surface. I didn’t like the texture of canvas. The panels had grain and I started to become intrigued with that, and one thing led to another and it felt right”.

Beth says she has been inspired by the mountains since she starting working here. “I find the line of the mountains against the sky when you’re driving up here magical”. 

Donna Tadelman’s compositions are geometric and more brightly colored, one piece looking like a pixelated image of nature in a variety of earthy hues. There’s a 3-D aspect to one piece, where some of the shading makes the painting look like the sun is shining across it. Another piece looks like a multicolored patchwork canvas.

Asked what her main inspiration for this body of work is, Donna replies: “freedom from having to work anymore. Freedom from anyone having any expectations of me”.

“I did mostly still-life in my young adult life and then I had to take a break from painting for about a decade. When I came back, still-life felt like a job”.

Asked what parts of her personality her work expresses, she says: “it’s everything: color and visual things are my touchstone. It’s where I can be calm and aware and mindful. It’s a feeling that nothing else gives me in the world. I  grew up kind of poor and I always thought I didn’t have what other people had. At one point in my life I thought: I can make whatever I want”. 

“At my age - I’m going to be 73 this year - there’s a freedom in getting older. It’s not terrible. It’s wonderful. I’ve never felt so comfortable in my own skin. Feeling that way, I’m free to do whatever comes to my mind”. 

When asked why their two distinct styles work so well together, Beth says: “it’s the attention to detail - and color”. 

Beth Reisman received a B.A. from Clark University, B.F.A. from Tyler School of Art, Phila., PA and a M.F.A. from the Art Institute of Chicago. She lives in Jackson Heights, Queens and works in Long Island City and Margaretville, New York.

Donna Tadelman has been a Chicago based painter. Initially self-taught, she received formal training in painting and drawing at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) in the early 1970s. 

This truly wonderful show will be on view until August 24, 2025. Gallery opening hours are: Friday to Sunday, 12-4pm. ArtUp Gallery, 746 Main Street, Binnekill Square, Margaretville, NY 12455. 

artupmargaretville.com artupmargaretville@gmail.com / @artupmargaretville

 

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SENTENCE IN MIDDLETOWN TOWN COURT DWI CASE

 

 

 

  

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that William George, 63, of Margaretville appeared before the Honorable Judge John R. Fairbairn in Middletown Town Court and pleaded guilty to one count of Driving While Intoxicated, a Misdemeanor and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, a Misdemeanor. As a result of the conviction, the Honorable John R. Fairbairn sentenced the defendant to a one-year conditional discharge as well as paying fines to the court.  

The Court also revoked the defendant’s license for one year and it was ordered that if he obtains a license, he will need to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he owns or operates. If the defendant violates any conditions of the conditional discharge, he is subject to being resentenced to up to one year in jail.  

On May 29, 2025, New York State Trooper Timothy Murray conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by William George.  Trooper Murray detected signs of impairment and after further investigation, it was determined that George was intoxicated.  

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Trooper Murray of the New York State Police for his detailed investigation.  “As a result of Trooper Murray’s work, another drunk and dangerous driver was removed from our roadways.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

 

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Summit Enjoys Covered-Dish and Quilt Show, Eminence Tour

Carl Clapper's jellies and jams- Fulton historical society community picnic & quilt show

 

From Karen Cuccinello: On August 3rd I had a nice time at the Fulton Historical Society Community Covered-dish and quilt show and bought some jam from Carl Clapper. Monies from the sale of the jam are donated to the West Fulton Methodist Church. AND later I lead a very well attended Walk-About of Eminence that was coordinated by Kevin Berner of the Jefferson Historical Society. The tour started at the Eminence Walled Cemetery.

 

                                                           Photo courtesy Kevin Berner

 

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Roots, Rhythm, and Ale at the Iroquois Museum

 

It was a great night to get on the dance floor during the well-attended event. Photos by Matthew Avitabile.

 

Mary DeBonis explains the role of rescuing mustangs at Mustang Valley Sanctuary in Fulton

 

It was a great night to get on the dance floor during the well-attended event. Photos by Matthew Avitabile.

 

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Art Meets Astronomy During Dudley Observatory’s Community Library Program

 

Community Library Director Kim Zimmer in a Color Our World Summer Reading Program-themed apron to help kids swirl, blend, and salad spin paint drops into Nebula Spin Art.

Everyone made crayon drawings and got to watch colors disappear when looking at their artwork through red, blue, and green glasses, which Dr. Mindy Townsend explained allowed them to study like astronomers who use filters on telescopes to see different wavelengths of light in different ways. 

 

Dr. Mindy Townsend was excited to prove that everyone in the Cobleskill Library’s Community Room was glowing in infrared light during an interactive demonstration. Groups huddled together in awe as they saw an infrared camera reveal how many fingers Townsend was holding through a blue trash bag and red and white hot spots and handprint remnants of volunteers. The experiments showed the way astronomers use infrared equipment to see stars through all the dust. And they got to use diffraction grating cards to see different rainbows produced by different light colors.

By Heather Skinner

COBLESKILL- When you walk into The Community Library, the thoughtfully crafted décor immerses and transports you into the Color Our World Summer Reading Program’s theme. Paper plates have been used to make flower and paint pallet designs, paper chains line the stairway, and art, banners, and streamers hang down from the ceiling. Paint cans have scarves coming out to match each paint can color, giant pencils and crayons can be found on pillars, paint splatter Washi Tape line bookshelves, and the 2025 Messtival event piece can be found hanging in the kids’ room. 

The art theme was a perfect combination with their July 31st Nebula Spin Art program, presented by astronomer and educator Dr. Mindy Townsend from Dudley Observatory of Siena College and Library Director Kim Zimmer.

With the main art activity being based on nebulas, Townsend described them as basically a bunch of gas and dust out in space that can be the birthplace of stars or leftovers of dead stars.

Townsend made lots of science and art concepts easy to understand and relatable with explanations including microwaves using light to heat our food, radios translating radio waves/light waves into sounds we can hear, and UV light being the reason we have to wear sunscreen outside. Townsend illustrated if you’ve ever had a doctor point something at your forehead to take your temperature it was infrared light being measured, and if you’ve ever had an x-ray that is light going through your skin, hitting your bone, and bouncing back out. Kids saw a color wheel and image of a supernova and Townsend specified that 99% of what astronomers study is actually light from space.

During the class, photos of Carnovsky RGB Wallpapers were shown, and different images can be seen within each one when wearing special red, green or blue glasses. The website link where you can view that is https://www.carnovsky.com/RGB_wallpapers.htm . The special glasses aren’t required to see the different images through the website, and while Townsend doesn’t do the equipment ordering for their classes, it was recommended to look for similar colored glasses used during the library class on Amazon if you are wanting to try art projects inspired by the Nebula Spin Art class at home.

Dudley Observatory’s upcoming events can be found on their website (dudleyobservatory.org) and on the NASA-supported website Night Sky Network, where you can search information added from astronomers from all over the country by location and interests. Townsend said every month from April – November there are free astronomy lectures (regardless of weather) and star parties (weather permitting) at the Knox Octagon Barn in Delanson.

Also on Dudley’s website, you can navigate the Learn tab, to Kids and Family Programs, to click on Rising Stars Internship. Townsend praised the 10-months of monthly meetings with hands-on learning for astronomy enthusiasts in grades 6-10. The program has been offered for over a decade, and participants get awarded a telescope to keep that they learn how to operate. Townsend remembers a Rising Stars student who was very enthusiastic in the program, and their father updated that student is now going on to study astronomy in college. The internship’s next application period will be in Spring of 2026.

Townsend has been with Dudley Observatory since January of 2023 and called getting to teach these classes “energizing, “adding, “It’s really fun working with kids, basically all ages and adults who are having a good time.” Different libraries book their Nebula Spin Art class all summer long. It was about an hour drive on the rainy day for Towsend to come out to The Community Library on the 31st and Towsend said, “I’m happy to be here to let people experience this type of event. There’s a nice mix of ages; I think this had a good mix of people who are young enough to appreciate the fun art, but old enough to get what I was trying to tell them about the spectra and how light behaves. I hope they have me back!”

Zimmer reminded attendees that if you haven’t signed up for the Summer Reading Program yet, you still can. The Community Library is located at 110 Union Street, their Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party will be on August 23rd, and tracker sheets need to be handed in before that date. All Nebula Spin Art participants got raffle tickets to enter to win Summer Reading Program baskets of their choice on the way out. The Library has lots more exciting programs coming up, check their website Events Calendar for details! 

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Local History at the Old Stone Fort - Trench Art and Church Bible

Trench Art from World War I

The Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds sent us this vase made from a 75mm shell casing, a classic example of a souvenir made from materials found on the battlefield. Lt. George Hanson crimped and decorated an artillery shell with the initials "AEF" (American Expeditionary Force) and engraved the name of a battle he was in, Belleau Wood. Given in memory of Albert H. Hanson by Leonard Hanson.

 

Church Bible

1726, German

This is the original Bible used in this High Dutch (German) Reformed Church of Foxesdorf, organized around the year 1724. When the Old Stone Fort (at that time a church) was erected in 1772, this bible became the pulpit fixture, and was used as such until the services were rendered in English, instead of German.

 

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Friends of the Community Library Sept. 20

COBLESKILL – The Friends of The Community Library are wrapping baskets for their September 20, “Basket Raffle and Used Book Sale,” from 10 AM to 1  PM at The Community Library located on 110 Union Street Cobleskill.  Raffle tickets will be going on sale Tuesday, September 2, through  September 20, during most library hours. The tickets cost are 1 for $1, 7  for $5, 15 for $10, and 35 for $20. 

 

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Auto Racing News

A view inside the Fonda Speedway Museum, which includes the anniversary Go-Kart from Dodge City Speedway.

By Tom Coughlin

To update you on Sprakers resident Stewart Friesen and his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. For tonight 2017 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Christopher Bell will substitute for Stewart in the Halmar-Friesen Racing Toyota Tundra TRD no. 52  at the Watkins Glen International race track in Watkins Glen, New York. Bell currently sits fifth in NASCAR Cup Series standings.

 After tonight Kaden Honeycutt has been signed by Halmar-Friesen Racing to drive the no. 52 beginning next Friday, August 15 at the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia and for the balance of the 2025 season. Honeycutt currently sits sixth in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver points standings.

  A couple other area drivers also need your well wishes. Hall of Fame driver and car owner John Kollar suffered severe injuries from an automobile accident a couple of weeks ago. John is currently healing and recovering in Albany Medical Center. John’s family and friends are asking that the racing community keep the owner of the 10% in your thoughts and prayers. Sprint car driver Chase Moran of Fultonville suffered a non-racing injury to his hand this week that will most likely end his racing season for 2025.

 Tonight the Runnings Store in Gloversville will present Cars 4 Charities Car Show at their location on the corner of Route 30A and 5th. Avenue, from 5:00 pm. until 8:00 pm. 

 Dodge City Speedway has a regular program tonight on Power House Motorsports Night. Next Friday is Thunder Race no.4 on Mangino's Car Dealership night. 

 Albany-Saratoga Speedway has Kids Night with bicycle giveaways and the 500cc mini sprints.

  The Parks Companies and The Boro will present tonight's Utica-Rome Speedway program offering $5 grandstand general admission and Autograph Night, with a full schedule of weekly divisions racing.

The annual Schoharie County Sunshine Fair is on this week in Cobleskill through Sunday, August 10th. Tonight will see

NYTPA tractor pulls in front of the grandstand beginning at 6:00 pm.. Saturday at 11:00 am. is an Equipment Rodeo and at 5:00 pm. are truck pulls, Sunday morning at 9:00 am. will be out of field tractor pulls and at 5:30 pm. There is a demolition derby.

 On any race night you should make a point to visit the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame. For something that is free to see. You will not match a larger collection of historical memorabilia. From the floor, up into the rafters, and everywhere in between there are racing artifacts for you to view. While you are there, be sure to buy a Raffle ticket to support the museum efforts. The museum is also looking for staff to work during the annual Fonda Fair later this month. If you would like to become more involved with the Fonda Speedway Museum and Hall of Fame. They are also looking for volunteers to join in on the Museum/HoF Team.

 This Saturday, Hall of Fame driver and author Bob Vedder will be on hand from 4:00 pm. until 6:00 pm. signing copies of his book "Thoughts to Live By".

 Tickets for the Fonda Speedway 2025 awards banquet will be available soon for the year end festivity. On the weekend of the Fonda 200-Sunday, September 16 is the planned date inside the Kane Entertainment Building on the Fonda Fairgrounds.

 Saturday, August 9 at the Wildlife Sports & Educational Museum in Vails Mills. The Mohawk-Hudson Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club will host a Swap Meet. Antique motor displays-buy, sell, or trade motors and parts. Get advice on your old motor, identify your motor, find sources for parts and services. From 9:00 am. until 2:00 pm. Located just south of the Roundabout at Route 29 & Route 30. For further information contact Michael Glenn at 518-505-3558. Open to the general public and no admission fee. Refreshments available. Donations accepted.

 Going back to results from last week. Wednesday night the Super DIRTcar Series was at the Brockville Ontario Speedway in Ontario, Canada for the 75-lap Canadian Classic. The feature was won by Alex Payne over Mat Williamson, Matt Sheppard, Alex Yankowski, Felix Roy, and Mike Mahaney. Peter Britten finished 9th. and Jack Lehner 10th.

 This week at Fonda Speedway the modified, crate 602 sportsman, and pro stock divisions will be taking part in a Thunder on the Thruway Series event. With sponsor Doug’s Pool & Spa also offering bonus money throughout the limited sportsman division feature.

 Friday night’s results  Albany-Saratoga Speedway  In the Next Generation Roofing DIRTcar modified division 35-lap feature Peter Britten scored the win ahead of Marc Johnson and Justin Stone. In the DiCarlo’s Auto Body 358 modified division 25-lap feature Mike Mahaney took the victory over Felix Roy and Matt Delorenzo. In the Greg's Towing 4-cylinder division feature the single cam division winner was Kenny Hollenbeck.

 Utica-Rome Speedway  In the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division 30-lap feature Matt Sheppard earned the win over Rocky Warner and Alex Yankowski. In the Taylor’s Trailers crate 602 sportsman division feature Payton Talbot scored the win. The Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division feature was won by A.J. Walters, ahead of Bret Beldenand Cousin Luke Horning. 

 On Saturday at Fonda Speedway fans saw Alex Yankowski win his first 30-lap feature in the rain delayed event from June 28, beating Bobby Hackel IV and Jack Lehner In the regular scheduled Amsterdam Truck Center modified division regular 30-lap feature Cody Clark driving for Laudy Hoyenga claimed the win over Alex Yankowski "Kid Rocket" and Rocky Warner the Flyin’ Squirrel. In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature first time winner Tyler Bobar finished ahead of Jonny Feagles and Dave Constantino. In The Montgomery County Office for Aging limited sportsman 20-lap feature Mason Gray earned the win over Corky Warner and Bobby Rhinehardt. In the Leatherstocking Credit Union pro stock division 20-lap feature. It went caution free and for his  first win in 22 years of racing Andy Graves stood on Checkerboard Square. Fonda Fair 4-cylinder division feature winners were Single cam division Tim Warner and dual can division Jay Ingersoll 

 Monday night the Short Track Super Series made its debut at the Nasty Track of the North, Can-Am Speedway near LaFargeville, N.Y. where the modified division competed in  The Gloves are Off 51 offering  $5,051 to win. Mat Williamson earned the win over Tim Fuller and Chris Raabe. Area drivers finished as follows: Felix Roy 6, Jack Lehner 8. Rocky Warner 11, Alex Yankowski 17,

Jordan McCreadie 19, Robert Bublak 20. The sportsman division competed in a 25-lap feature for which was listed as paying $1,051 or $1,551. Donovan Lussier scored the win over Cedric Gauvreau and Tyler Peet. 

 Tuesday night saw the STSS at the  Mohawk International Raceway near  Akwesasne, N.Y. for the  Summer Showdown on the Border 50-lap $10,000 to win modified feature. Mat Williamson again took the win over Jackson Gill and Matt Sheppard. It was a caution free feature. Felix Roy finished 8th., Jack Lehner 10th., Robert Bublak 17th., The sportsman division 35-lap feature, ran caution free with Tyler Peet getting the win over Joshua Jock and Joe Toth.

 

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Village Of Richmondville Pool Closing Aug. 10

The Village of Richmondville Pool will be closing for the season soon. Last day is Sunday, Aug. 10. Photo by Chris English.
 

 

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — Swimmers looking to take a few more cool dips in the Village of Richmondville Pool only have a few days left this summer to do it.

As expected, the pool will be closing early this season because of a lack of lifeguards. Village Clerk-Treasurer Jenifer Fisher confirmed Wednesday the last day will be Sunday, Aug. 10, with normal hours that day of 1 to 7 p.m.

She and other village officials had indicated the early closing was more than likely at the July 21 Board of Trustees meeting, but Fisher still attempted to find more help without success. She said Wednesday she was unable to find more lifeguards and that the existing staff is unable to extend their seasons because they need to get back to their colleges.

The pool is normally open through the end of August. At the July 21 meeting, several suggestions were brought up to possibly prevent this problem next summer. Trustee Robert Hyatt said maybe the village could pay for required fees for lifeguards to get qualified to work up front rather than reimbursing those fees afterward.

Trustee Lisabeth Kabel said perhaps lifeguard jobs could be promoted more on Social Media sites like Facebook and Mayor Carl Warner Jr. suggested the positions could be promoted more at Cobleskill-Richmondville schools. Discussion at the meeting indicated difficulty finding enough lifeguards was not a problem unique to Richmondville but common at pools throughout the region.

A notice recently posted both at the Richmondville Pool and the village municipal building on Main Street reads: "Pool is scheduled to close August 10th due to staffing availability." The pool is located off of Main Street in back of Radez Elementary School.

 

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Chamber President Resigns

Staff Report 

SCHOHARIE — Longtime Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce President Ron Ketelsen resigned last month, according to the chamber board and Ketelsen himself.

The Chamber announced in a statement last Thursday that Ketelsen had “formally resigned from the Chamber’s Board of Directors and is no longer affiliated with the Chamber in any official capacity. Dwayne Illsley has been appointed as interim President.”

“Any views, statements, or opinions expressed by Mr. Ketelsen are made in his personal capacity and do not reflect the views, values, or positions of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce,” the statement added.

While the Chamber did not add additional detail about the portion about “views, statements, or opinions,” the post implied that it was tied to an online article in which Mr. Ketelsen was interviewed about the history of Sharon Springs. In the interest of both factual accuracy and context, we are reviewing the article.

"I have really enjoyed my time as President of the Chamber for the past four years. We have made some tremendous strides during that time. I wish the Chamber the best of luck in the future,” Ketelsen said.

We will continue to report as the situation develops.

 

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