Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Tonight brings you Thunder Series race no. 4 at Dodge City Speedway on Mangino Car Dealership Night, and next week is a Money Race for the Senior Clone Heavy division on Chavis Motorsports Night. Albany-Saratoga Speedway's program has a $4,000-to-win modified feature and the CRSA 305 winged sprints. Downtown Johnstown will host the 28th annual Vintage Cafe car show, as they shut down Main Street so attendees may enjoy a walk amongst the classic and modern pieces of shiny chrome and paint. Show hours are 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Utica-Rome Speedway is off tonight and will be back next Friday with their Championship Night.

Saturday is a full day with a variety of events. The Johnstown Moose Lodge is having a car show from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at their Lodge located at 209 South Comrie Avenue/Route 30A in Johnstown. The Hummingbird Hills Winery is hosting its annual car show and its 15th-anniversary celebration from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 1442 Burtonville Road. The Charleston Volunteer Fire Department is the co-host. Raffles will be available, and food trucks Chris’s Concession and Emma's Coffee Trailer will be on site. The Clifton Park Elks Club will host its 19th annual car, truck & bike show from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at 695 MacElroy Road in Ballston Lake. The Saratoga Automobile Museum has Corvette's on the lawn tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. until noon at their 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs location. Currently, their main exhibit inside the museum is the Corvette Story: Speed-Style-Legacy. On Sunday, they will host the British Motorfest Car Show from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the St. Patrick's Lodge no.4 & VFW Post 8690 in Broadalbin will host a car show at the Broadalbin Memorial Lodge at 19 Pine Street in Broadalbin. Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

SummerFast is coming up, with four nights of Super DIRTcar Series modified racing starting on Sunday, August 17, at Weedsport Speedway with a 75-lap feature paying $7,500. The series continues on Monday, August 18, at Brewerton Speedway; Tuesday, August 19, at Land of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua; and Wednesday, August 20, at Fulton Speedway. Alex Yankowski is the defending SummerFast champion.

The Ranch at Carlisle will host the Grass Drag Nationals on August 23 & 24 at their 442 Lykers Road facility. Coming up is another fundraising effort, this year for Operation at Ease. The fifth annual Sunflower 50 will take place on Sunday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m. at 176 Midline Road in Broadalbin. This is the largest Go-Kart charity race in the area, filled with many of your favorite drivers and others. On Sunday, August 24, Brookfield Speedway will have big block/small block modifieds, with sail panels competing in a 30-lap feature.

Get well cards for car owner John Kollar, who is still recovering at Albany Medical Center, can be sent care of Amanda Edwards at 118 East Avenue, Gloversville, N.Y. 12078. Tickets for the Fonda Speedway 2025 Awards banquet are now available through their Facebook page or website. Dinner will consist of a Brook’s House of Barbecue chicken dinner, with a cash bar. Awards will be handed out after dinner.

Friday night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, a.k.a. The Great Race Place, in the Next Generation Roofing DIRTcar modified division 35-lap feature, Jessey Mueller earned his first victory of 2025. In the Saratoga Masonry Supply DIRTcar pro stock division feature, Kim Duell scored the win.

At Utica-Rome Speedway, a.k.a. The Home of Heroes, in the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division 30-lap feature, Matt Sheppard claimed the win over Willy Decker and Matt Janczuk. In the Taylor’s Trailers crate 602 sportsman division feature, Payton Talbot took the win ahead of Tyler Peet and Mike Richmond. In the Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division feature, Bret Belden was the winner over Devon Camenga and George Cushman. In the Fastline Performance limited sportsman division feature, Jayden Wust earned the win over Matt Bukovan and Ayden Goodier.

Christopher Bell was driving the Halmar-Friesen Racing no. 52 on Friday at Watkins Glen International race track. Bell qualified for the second starting position to begin the Mission 176 at The Glen, a 72-lap/176.4-mile race. Bell would finish fourth at the end. Tonight, the NCTS will be at the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia.

Last Friday at Outlaw Speedway, Mike Maresca scored the win and Bobby Varin finished third.

Saturday at The Track of Champions, a.k.a. Fonda Speedway, held the finale for the Thunder on the Thruway Series. In the Amsterdam Truck Center modified division, Ronnie Johnson claimed the win over Alex Yankowski and Cody Clark. Rocky Warner was crowned the modified division Thunder on the Thruway Series Champion. In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature, Chad Edwards earned the win ahead of Brian Calabrese and Tyler Peet. The Thunder on the Thruway Series Champion is Chad Edwards. The Leatherstocking Credit Union pro stock division 20-lap feature saw Ivan Joslin of Fultonville take his second win of the season over Beau Ballard and “Cousin” Luke Horning. Beau Ballard was declared the Thunder on the Thruway Series Champion. The Montgomery County Office for the Aging limited sportsman division feature saw Corky Warner take the win in a borrowed car after damaging his normal ride during a heat race. Zach McSpirit and Jim Mallia completed the top three. In the Fonda Fair 4-cylinder division feature, Wayne Russell Jr. earned the win in the single cam division, and in the dual cam division, Jay Ingersoll was the winner.

Otto Sitterly of Canajoharie won the Mr. Super Modified 75 at Oswego Speedway, and Kreig Heroth of Ephratah was racing at the Wiscasset Speedway in Maine, where he finished 13th in the 45-lap SMAC feature.

On Sunday at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, Andrew Buff won the makeup DIRTcar 358 modified division feature, followed by Jordan McCreadie and Brian Pessolano. In the makeup DIRTcar mini stock feature, Adam Montville won the dual cam division, and Danielle Joubert won the single cam division. In the regular scheduled races, Chip Constantino won the DIRTcar 358 modified division 35-lap feature over Brett Graham and Brian Pessolano. In the Yurkewecz Auto Crushers DIRTcar pro stock division 20-lap feature, “Cousin” Luke Horning took the win. In the DIRTcar mini stock division feature, Bob Liberatore won the single cam division, and Adam Montville won the dual cam division.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway raced on Sunday, with the C.J. Richard’s Memorial for the sportsman modified division going 67-laps for a $5,000 to win purse and a guaranteed starting spot in the Vermont 200. Brian Calabrese of Johnstown scored the victory over Joey Scarborough and Payton Talbot. Bobby Hackel IV won the SCoNE winged sprint car feature.

On Monday night, the Super DIRTcar Series was at the Sharon Speedway in Ohio, where the modifieds ran in the Steel Valley 75-lap $10,000 to win main event. Anthony Perrego led every lap in beating Matt Sheppard and Dalton Slack. Mike Mahaney finished 5th, Jack Lehner 8th, Felix Roy 13th, Alex Yankowski 15th, and Peter Britten 16th.

On Tuesday night, the SDS visited Ransomville Speedway for the Ron Martin Nationals. After destroying his primary car in hot laps, Mat Williamson earned the win in his backup car. Gary Lindberg and Matt Sheppard filled the podium. Peter Britten finished 5th, Mike Mahaney 6th, Felix Roy 8th, Anthony Perrego 9th, Jack Lehner 14th, and Alex Yankowski 22nd.

Tuesday at Utica-Rome Speedway, the VP Racing Fuel 358 modified Challenge Series division 30-lap feature saw Payton Talbot pass Rocky Warner at the halfway point and score the win, with Willy Decker third. The Taylor's Trailers crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature was also won by Payton Talbot.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

The Bluebillies headline first ROCK the LOCK of 2025 at Schoharie Crossing

Fort Hunter – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is happy to announce the 2025 ROCK the LOCK music series begins on Saturday, August 16th at 1pm featuring The Zorbas Trio opening for The Bluebillies. The event takes place at Yankee Hill Lock, 550 Queen Anne Road, Amsterdam.

The Zorbas Trio performs original Indie Alt Gypsy Rock Jazz with a classical sensibility. Calista, Demetra, and John Zorbas have been nominated for an Eddies Award, featured on Channel 10 News and in the Daily Gazette newspaper. As one music reviewer put it, "The Zorbas Trio writes original and groundbreaking music that is unafraid." 

The Bluebillies don't just sing Country songs; they embody them, performing their unique blend of country, bluegrass and folk music with traditional style, sound and spirit. Husband and wife team Mark and Melody Guarino have been singing together since 1984 when they first made it their mission to help revive and preserve the rich heritage of this great and uniquely American art form. With the addition of nationally renowned resonator guitarist Kevin Maul and guitarist Greg Bucking The Bluebillies were complete and perform together with all the joy and simpatico that only a “family” band can produce. The Bluebillies are in the studio finishing up a brand-new EP. They also produce a series of traveling Old-time Gospel Music Revues each season, and also hosted their own gospel music open mic each summer, and have released three CD’s; Adirondack Angels in 2016, Gal From Ioway in 2014, and Train to Paradise in 2013.

Bring a lawn chair, snacks, beverages, dress for the weather, and enjoy the afternoon along the canal and river. Free parking, free open-air event. Right off the Empire State Trail/Canalway Bike Path on Queen Anne Rd. 

ROCK the LOCK is: Three afternoons of music in August outside the Putman Canal Store at Yankee Hill Lock that feature local as well as regional music acts. These performances will begin at 1pm on Saturday, August 16th, August 23rd, and August 30th.  Save the dates, mark the calendars, set reminders, alerts, and tell your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, the folks at the bus stop and even uncle Larry down by the Schoharie!

* August 16th we welcome Zorbas Trio opening for The Bluebillies

* August 23rd join us as Dust Bowl Faeries open for the Nisky Dixie Cats

* August 30th we offer Question of the Century opening for E.R.I.E.! 

Thank you to the Friends of Schoharie Crossing. These programs are made possible by the support of Saratoga Arts, WEXT Radio, Metroland Now, Stewarts Shops, and Karen's Produce & Ice Cream.

For more information, please call the Visitor Center: (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. Find more details and updates on our Facebook page.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 88.3 million visits in 2024. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.

  THE BLUEBILLIES

THE ZORBAS TRIO

###

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Bryan Salisbury Book Signing

SCHOHARIE – Bryan Salisbury will be presenting copies of his Blacksmith Series at the Schoharie Mercantile, 303 Main Street, Schoharie. The book signing is on Thursday August 14, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Bryan Salisbury grew up in rural upstate New York.  Yearning for a more adventurous life, after high school, he joined the Navy, vowing never to return to the farm.  Years later, after his Navy days, Bryan met his wife, Andrea.  She had always dreamed of owning horses, and the craving for open spaces had been tugging at Bryan.  He found himself returning to what he knew best … a life in the country.  They worked hard together, along with their children, and their dream came to fruition. 

The need to repair farm equipment inspired Bryan to take up blacksmithing, and he derived great joy from it.  His skill eventually turned into a successful business (www.forgeriesblacksmithing.com).  Having always been an avid reader with a particular fondness for Westerns, Bryan decided to draw on his life experiences which became the basis for writing his books.

Bryan and Andrea live in Esperance, where Bryan continues to blacksmith and write.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Enthusiasm High For Proposed Schoharie County Farmers' Market

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Plans for a Schoharie County Farmers' Market are progressing and will hopefully result in the market opening in May or June of 2026, County Agricultural Development Specialist Caroline Myran said in a recent telephone interview.

Myran said results from four listening sessions held at various locations around the county in July reinforced a previous survey that indicated strong support for the market. The listening sessions were attended by a total of about 40 people, a mix of farmers and other community members, she added.

"The next step will be for our working group to move forward with creating the board or committee that would be the managing entity for the market and make decisions, including finalizing where it would be," Myran noted.

It's looking right now as if the probable initial location would be in either Cobleskill or Schoharie, and a decision would be made once the market is up and running on whether to make it a permanent fixture. Myran reiterated the board or committee would make the final decision on location.

"We want to get it started and make sure the market is successful and sustainable before building something that is permanent," Myran said.

The county Board of Supervisors recently voted to apply for a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, and are hoping to hear whether the grant is awarded by the end of the month, she added.

If it comes through, the grant would be $50,000. Together with some matches, including in-kind, there would be a total of about $73,000, Myran explained. She continued that she and other county officials will continue looking for grants and other funding sources to pay for various aspects of the market, including for construction of a permanent structure if a decision is made to make the market permanent.

The money from the USDA if it comes would be used to pay a part-time Farmers' Market manager for two years, site evaluation, the manager's professional development, and marketing and advertising, Myran stated.

"I've done research that shows markets with a paid manager make four times more for vendors than markets without one," she said.

The market would likely be once a week _ possibly Friday or Sunday _ from May or June through the growing season ending in early October, Myran said. She added, however, that the board or committee would make final decisions on all those kind of details.

She pointed out that agriculture in Schoharie County and the surrounding area is largely small farms, whose owners often don't have access to the larger marketplace or the ability to open their own farmstands.

The survey which ended April 1 and the subsequent listening sessions gathered information on what people wanted from a county Farmers' Market, including desired products and amenities and many other items. The survey drew a total of 455 responses, including 102 from farmers and 353 from potential customers.

In comments emailed to this newspaper, Myran laid out the hopes and vision for the Farmers' Market based on the data gathered from the community.

"The Schoharie County Farmers' Market is envisioned as a destination public market in Schoharie County _ a dynamic, open-air hub that supports small farmers, food producers and local entrepreneurs," she wrote. "The Schoharie Public Market will be accessible by sidewalks and public transportation. The market will serve as both a vibrant community gathering space and a powerful engine for rural economic development.

"With a focus on equity and access, the market will offer affordable vendor space and accept SNAP/EBT benefits in addition to the other Farmers Market Nutrition Program fresh connect coupons for seniors and veterans, fostering small business growth and improving food access across the community. The public market will play a critical role in investing in the next generation of farmers and food entrepreneurs. Through direct-to-consumer sales opportunities, affordable vendor space and partnerships with educational institutions, the market will create an essential on-ramp for beginning producers."

Myran continued: "A Farmers' Market not only serves farmers and vendors with a new market opportunity, it can become a hub for community gathering, agricultural events and farm/food related educational programming, reinforcing pride in regional identity and shared investment in a resilient local food system. It also offers important social benefits for all ages, especially in this post-Covid world, where in-person connection is really needed for our older residents.

"We also see the market having the power to bring new energy to the local economy by attracting foot traffic to downtown villages, supporting microenterprise development, and enhancing visibility for area farmers, artisans and producers. The market will provide the opportunity to position Schoharie County as a gateway to the Mohawk Valley region by introducing visitors and tourists to the region's agricultural richness _ creating a welcoming entry point for a branded destination for regional agritourism."

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Full Moon Lights Up a Great Hike

                                                                    Full Sturgeon moon

The Moon Over Minekill State Park

The Moonlight Hikers

By Ian Koontz

BLENHEIM — This past Saturday on August 9th, Minekill State Park hosted an evening hike under the dim gaze of a full Sturgeon Moon. The event began at 8:30 pm just outside of Minekill’s office, where patrons gathered in a circle of families and friends. Equipped with headlamps, flashlights, or the occasional phone-light, the large group of over twenty hikers were well prepared to tread the trails in the absolute of night. 

The moonlit hike began; guided by the Environmental Educator at Minekill State Park, Hannah Young. In good order, the patrons walked away from the office and across Minekill’s intake road. Where then they entered the deep-dark woods, where only a few beams brightened the path. Taking a short descent down the Long Path, the hike took a quick left, and then followed Minekill’s own Orange Path–winding over and around the encompassing wood, breaking into the Red Path, and finally opening like a deep breath into the Mid-Level Pavillion. 

Upon the Pavillion the group stopped–bats, a blur, gliding overhead. And the group hushed to listen for the echoing hoot of local owls. Unfortunately, some phantom concert, perhaps a hiker with a speaker, or something of other effect, was playing loud away in the forest. This certainly scared most animals into silence, said the other Park Naturalists present during the hike. The crickets and frogs didn’t seem to mind.

The latter half of the hike marched from the mid-level to the pool complex’s rightmost wall, then dipping back into the Long Path. At this point, in the wide-open twilight fields, the grand yellow disk, the Full Sturgeon Moon was finally visible. Under the watchful light of the large, uncommon moon, the hike concluded by looping back on the Long Path and ending in the mowed clearings behind Minekill’s Office. Here a group picture of all the patrons and staff was taken. 

By 9:45 goodbyes were said and thanks were given to Minekill’s Naturalists for their excellent guiding and administration of this fleeting moonlit journey. And mentions were made by Environmental Educator, Hannah Young that upon this Friday, August 15th, at Max V. Shaul Campground, there will be a free Meteor-watch to see the magic of the Perseids meteor shower from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm, no registration required.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Flat Creek Road Is Open, South Gilboa Road Under Repair

The area repaired by the town of Gilboa highway crew that had been closed for three years on Flat Creek Road, owned by Schoharie County. The road is now passable, in what is described as a “soft reopening”.

By Liz Page

GILBOA  – Gilboans are celebrating the fact that the town highway crew in collaboration with Schoharie County has repaired the portion of Flat Creek Road that was damaged by a landslide in April 2022. They also left a public hearing open for both written and verbal comments until the September 8 meeting on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchase of approximately 517 +/- acres of BARI Valley Farm LLC, property along Road Seven and state Route 30.

With the re-opening of Flat Creek Road, the Gilboa Town Board members are happy the road is now passible, although it is a gravel road in that area at this point. It alleviates the traffic that has been using Wyckoff Road which is due for repairs due to the extra traffic.

Flat Creek Road is a county owned roadway and traffic, a lot of it, including heavy trucks, has been detoured  onto town-owned Wyckoff Road for the past three years. It has increased traffic through a school zone and deteriorated the town roadway. 

The town and county struck a deal to make the repairs using town manpower and equipment. The Shoharie County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement to allow the town and the county to work together to reopen Flat Creek Road. The infrastructure committee was supportive of funding for the project.  After a meeting of the minds on July 10, the work was begun by the Gilboa Highway Department to stabilize the area of the landslide and repair the county road. They finished the project  on July 25.  

A loop showing photos of the repairs was being played during Monday's meeting of the town board. Two more culverts still need to be replaced, so the road is now passable.

The next project of concern is South Gilboa Road (County Rt. 14) which was closed after a flash flood in June washed out a large section between Whispering Pines Drive and state Route 30. This closure is also taking traffic along town roadways. 

Supervisor Alicia Terry reported last month that it was a two-phase project to repair South Gilboa Road with a long lead time for  pre-cast concrete culverts, pushing completion of the project into late October.  On Monday she reported that there has been a change in the type of culverts to be used, which places reopening sometime in late September or early October. The change in  culvert style has allowed the county to step up the completion date.

Now that Flat Creek Road is passable, work will begin to repair Wyckoff Road. The County has agreed to pay up to $205,000.00 towards the hot mix asphalt pavement of Wyckoff Road. It is being done in cooperation with a capital project at Gilboa-Conesville Central School. Supervisor Terry said they were waiting for Flat Creek Road to be reopened before making repairs to Wyckoff and having it torn up by the many construction vehicles necessary to haul fill for Flat Creek Road.

The meeting opened with comments from the floor. Resident Pete Magnani was present to again discuss the possibility of the town providing a garbage collection. He said the town of Blenheim provides a garbage truck and operator for three hours each Saturday at a cost of $600. However, discussion again reverted to previous research of the issue which indicated private hauler fees would be less costly to individual residents than a townwide collection point. Supervisor Terry said there is no way the town could offer an unsupervised dumpster or container for such purpose. Although Magnani said they could get signatures to petition the town, he relented that he trusts the earlier research. Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff has a list of private haulers she can provide to residents to choose a hauler if they prefer not to travel to Cobleskill to dump their garbage.

Supervisor Terry reported on the July 30 public hearing regarding the construction of a new building at the girls Zone of Camp Oorah in Gilboa. She said there was good attendance at the hearing, held by the Schoharie County Capital Resource Corporation at the Gilboa Town Hall. The hearing involved consideration to issue revenue bonds to help finance a $19.3 million project at Oorah. The project is construction of a three-story,  92,000 square foot building, the tax exempt bonds not to exceed $12 million.

Supervisor Terry said those attending the public hearing spoke against the issuance of the bonds and she said the four supervisors present were not in favor. She said the fact is that the facility is tax exempt is an issue for the community and wanted everyone to know "It is on our radar".

A report on the Summer Youth Program will be forthcoming at next month's meeting.

The public hearing on the DEP land purchase was opened to the public with Jeff Graff, of DEP outlining the proposed areas. There is a 120-day response period, which will allow the town to leave the public hearing open into their next meeting.

Supervisor Alicia Terry said there are concerns about allowing power lines and other utilities to have access over the property. That area, she said, is notorious for significant power failures in recent years. She said it is important utility crews would have access to make improvements or repairs. She said it needs to be clear that it will not hinder that line or the utility's rights and easements. Graff said no title review has been conducted.

Councilman Lester Parker asked about the agriculture use and the length of time of licenses and if they would be renewable. Graff said they are five-year licenses which are renewable.

Larry Mattice asked about access to a spring on the mountain above the property, which serves as his water supply. Graff said it would not change his deed.

Town resident Bill Sharick said he favored the purchase and drew on his experience as a retired wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). He said the public is always looking for land they can utilize for hiking, hunting, fishing and other recreation where they don't have to worry about trespassing. He said it provides a boon for the town, which should provide brochures and parking areas to promote these public recreation areas. He said public-owned lands are always very popular and are in big demand. He said it could also benefit through timber management and harvest. "I'm in favor of this and would work toward this if you wanted me to do that. You could create maps and brochures for  the public access areas and recreation.”

Comments may be forwarded to the Gilboa Town Clerk or oral comments made at the Sept. 8 meeting as the hearing remains open. 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Local Students Build Character at Scout Camps in Three States

By Matthew Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH — Three local students built their skills and learned teamwork as part of multiple Scouts events in New York, Connecticut, and Arizona. Jacob Work, Christiana Moak, and Lauryn Work took part in the events as a result of their own hard work with assistance from their families and volunteers.

The trips were partially funded through a fundraising spaghetti dinner in April.

The students spent time at Camp Philmont, a scout facility in Arizona.

Each had their own favorite memories, including ten days on trail. This included hiking Baldy Mountain, which is 12441 feet, on Day 8. Overall, the students did 150 miles in total.

Christiana described it as a “very fun experience.”
Jacob said that while it was hot during the drip, he had a “really good time.”
Christiana added that the trip was something you may “hate in the moment, but joy after.”

Lauryn said that it was interesting having a birthday on such a trip, which she said was “not a good idea.” She had been getting a number of ‘happy birthdays’ before eating at the chuck wagon, in which the entire delegation wished her a happy birthday. However, she did get to go rock climbing that day and received a birthday muffin on top of the rock wall.

The students said that the entire process may seem slow, but at base camp they realized how quickly it went.

Christiana said that she especially enjoyed shooting during the trip, including shotguns and a .38 Special revolver.

Jacob cited the great hiking experience and views.

Lauryn said that she also enjoyed hiking and the view on her birthday.

The team then went to Camp Read in Brant Lake, New York for about a week stay. They worked for Merit Badges, with each earning six. They each had days of two to three classes followed by lunch, then two more classes.

These classes included Pulp, Paper, and Plumbing, Soil Conservation, Open Boarding and learning to paddleboard.

The skills came in handy as Jacob described flipping a canoe on his friend without telling him and having “a little fun with it.”

Lauryn mentioned one scout working on a community banquet campfire for Troop Night.

The Trio each went to Camp Workcoeman in Connecticut. This included a five mile hike with cooking on the train with a 4pm open swim. There were open activities, including rifle and shotgun practice.

On day two there were three campfire meals, though some of the foil packets for lunch were “cremated by accident.”

There was also an open program for boating, which Christiana described as “a lot of fun.”
Lauryn described finishing meals for a merit badge.

Overall, the experience at the camps were extremely positive for the students, with Christiana saying that July was “tiring but a very fun experience.”

It was “one of the best experiences I had,” she said.

During the whole month of July, the students were home for just four days.

Next the students will be headed for National Youth Leadership Training in Averill Park.

“I can’t wait for the next one,” said Lauryn.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Hilltown Hoedown in Rensselaerville

RENSSELAERVILLE – The Rensselaerville Historical Society (RHS) is hosting its third annual benefit, Hilltown Hoedown Community Contra Dance on Friday, August 22 at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville. The hall opens at 5 pm with food for purchase being provided by High on the Hog and Scarpas Catering food trucks. The dance is from 7-9pm with Paul Rosenberg calling to the live music of Tamarack. This is an evening full of family fun.

The dance is in memory of Janet Haseley. Janet was the research chair of the RHS for many years and after her husband passed in 2002 she became an avid contra dancer at the age of 71. She loved both the RHS and the contra community and would often bring the two together at her favorite place on earth, Rensselaerville. Janet passed in 2020, and it was great to have another community dance in Conkling Hall the last two years. Together, RHS and Paul Rosenberg revived what Janet started. In 2023, close to 200 people came. Individuals of all ages attended and the dance floor was packed with everyone dancing and singing along. Many of the participants expressed how much fun they had and they encouraged RHS to host another one. So, RHS is once again hosting the event.

All proceeds will benefit RHS and requested donation at the door is $10. All ages are welcome and no partners are required. Come on out and have a great time dancing at the community dance and supporting the Rensselaerville Historical Society.

Karen Haseley (Janet’s daughter and RHS volunteer)

443-745-1596

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Schoharie Becomes Climate Smart

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - On Tuesday evening, the Schoharie Village Board presented the Climate Smart Initiative from the state, pledging to support the reduction of emissions contributing to climate change.

The pledge, which was started by New York State in 2009 and a website launched in 2018, states that it “serves to acknowledge the reality of climate change and commit to take action,” being free with no requirement of regulatory obligation.

As read by Mayor Colleen Henry, the pledge encourages Schoharie to inventory emissions, decrease energy use, shift to renewable energy, support a green innovation economy, and inspire the public to do the same.

She explained that if the Village takes on the initiative, they get bumped up on the waiting list for certain grants, saying “There’s a lot of grant money out there for green energy, and some of these funds go to not just the municipality, but elsewhere as well.”

When member Jeffrey Palmer asked if the pledge would impact future development or construction, Mayor Henry replied that it would not, stating that it was more about joining a network of like-minded municipalities.

With no reason to deny the initiative, the Board unanimously voted in favor of taking on the pledge. “We are now a climate smart community ourselves,” Mayor Henry concluded.

In other news, the Board was happy to announce that the Parrott House finished their installation of electricity last week, meaning that the repairs are on schedule for a fall opening.

“I talked with the owners, and they seemed very excited,” Mayor Henry said, and further elaborated that they plan to open the restaurant portion in October of this year, while the hotel rooms will still be further out.

Finally, the Board discussed a potential amendment to two local laws, those being the lawn mowing requirement and a potential alternate to the Village Planning Board.

Mayor Henry said that she saw a business that had high grass yet was adhering to the number of mows required each month, and floated the idea of making it a maximum height requirement instead of number of mows.

As for the alternate, it was brought to the Board’s attention that one member of the VPB is in the army reserves, and will need someone to fill in for them when they are gone.

For both cases, the Board will convene with experts on how to tackle drafting the new amendments, and tabled the discussion until they could come back with more information.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD