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Third Annual Arts Trail Driveabout Returns to Schoharie County this Fall

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 9/7/25 | 9/7/25

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie County Arts (SCA) is busy preparing for the Schoharie County Arts Trail Driveabout, a self-guided tour of studios and other spaces where art is created, displayed and sold.

The third annual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, featuring work by dozens of local artists throughout Schoharie County and coinciding with the peak of fall foliage season.

“This is our third Driveabout, and our goal remains the same – for people to experience the scenic beauty of Schoharie County and the unparalleled creativity of local artists and artisans,” said Lisa Ovitt, SCA board president.

With a focus squarely on Schoharie County, the nonprofit arts organization is an offshoot of CREATE

(Council for Resources to Enrich the Arts, Technology and Education), which administers arts grants for

Columbia, Greene and Schoharie counties.

SCA works to promote cultural and arts-related activities, advance individual artists and organizations,

and contribute to the county’s cultural and economic growth.

In keeping with that mission, SCA provides grant funding, sponsors community events throughout the

year and collaborates with Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) to shine a light on local artists by

providing a venue to display their artwork at 287 Main St. in Schoharie.

SEEC will be a stop on the Schoharie County Arts Trail Driveabout, with the exhibit “The Path Will Bend,” featuring graphics by local artists Amy Silberkleit and George Dirolf.

New this year, the Cherry Valley Art Trail (https://www.cherryvalley.com) is being held on the same weekend as Schoharie’s, and the two organizations are cross-promoting events in the hope patrons will cross over and visit the neighboring counties.  

For information, go to https://www.schohariecountyarts.org or https://www.facebook.com/SchoharieCountyArtsNow.

 

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All About Racing

Harlan Heroth of Ephratah celebrates his first Junior Slingshot win at Glen Ridge on Sunday. Biittig photo

William Liberatore of Schoharie took the Four Cylinder, single cam honors at Glen Ridge on Sunday.  Biittig photo 


 

By Ed & Betty Biittig

DIRTcar rules require sanctioned track championships to conclude by Labor Day. At Albany-Saratoga, on Friday Mike Mahaney of Elizabethtown won his second Modified title, Tim Hartman Jr. of Niskayuna earned his sixth Sportsman championship, and Pete Stefanski of Wheatfield secured his first Pro Stock crown.

Jack Speshock secured his fourth Modified victory at the Malta oval, while Mike Mahaney won the 358-Mod Shootout. Elliott Lussier celebrated his first career Sportsman win. Lussier said in victory lane, “I’m so happy.  Everything I’ve touched in my life, I’ve been able to conquer, but not this. I can’t even believe it.”

Additional winners included Brandon Emigh in Pro Stocks, Alex Smith in Limited Sportsman, Matt Mosher in Street Stocks, Adam Montville in Four Cylinder dual cam, and Ben Ladd in Four Cylinder single cam.

Ahead of the $10,000-to-win Pro Stock Autism Awareness event on Friday, September 5, several drivers, including Malta’s 2024 Pro Stock Champion Beau Ballard and 2023 Fonda Champion Ivan Joslin, tested their cars at Malta in hopes of claiming the top prize.    

Thursday, August 28 Mr. Dirt Track USA played out at Lebanon Valley and winner of the prestigious event was Kolby Schroder taking home the biggest win of his career along with a guaranteed starting spot for Super Dirt Week in October at Oswego Speedway. 

Lebanon Valley recognized its champions in all categories on Saturday. The honorees included Andy Bachetti (Modified), Chris Curtis (358-Modified), Tim Hartman Jr. (Sportsman), Dylan Holmes (Limited Sportsman), Zach Sorrentino (Pro Stock), Anthony King (Street Stock), Steve Burka (Four Cylinder, single cam), and Jason Peck (dual cam).  Winners at Lebanon Valley on Saturday were, Eddie Marshall (Modified), Andy Bachetti (358 Mod), Anthony Maxon (Sportsman), Daniel O’Dell (Limited Sportsman), Zach Sorrentino (Pro Stock) and Gary O’Brien (Street Stock). 

The annual Cole Cup featuring the Empire Super Sprints ran at Utica-Rome on Sunday and taking the win was Davie Franek.  Other winners were Bodie Marks, Limited Sportsman and CJ LaVair, dual cam and Wayne Russell, Jr., single cam, Four Cylinders. 

After winning at Albany-Saratoga on his first trip to the track, Camron Hotaling of Schoharie made the trip and tried his skills at Utica-Rome on Sunday.   He won his qualifying heat race and went on to finish in the runner up spot in the feature.  Jim Mallia of Middleburgh also won his qualifying heat event. He later finished fourth in the Limited Sportsman main event. 

The Short Track Super Series (STSS) ran at Afton on Sunday and Chris Raabe came away with the win. 

Glen Ridge was also one of the many tracks in action on Sunday winners there were Brian Pessolano (make-up 358-Modifieds) Jordan McCreadie (358-Mod), Dan Palombo (Limited Sportsman), Zach Buff (Sportsman), Charles McSpirit (Pro Stocks), Adam Montville (Mini Stocks, dual), William Liberatore (single cam), Harlan Heroth (Junior Slingshots), and Justin House (All Star Slingshots).

Looking Ahead

Friday, Sept. 5 at Albany-Saratoga the Autism Awareness $10,000 to win event plus all other divisions and Four Cylinder. 

Lebanon Valley will host the Race of Kings on Friday, Sept. 5 and Sportsman 200 on Saturday, Sept. 6. 

Glen Ridge, Sunday, September 7, Small Engine night and Back to School night, Kids 10 and under Free Grandstand admission. All Weekly Divisions plus Crown Vics.

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com

 

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Annie and the Hedonists to Perform at Middleburgh Library Sept. 14



MIDDLEBURGH — A band with a great lead singer and tight harmonies, covering an eclectic mix of acoustic blues, vintage jazz and swing, and folk roots Americana — Annie and the Hedonists will perform at 4pm, Sunday, September 14th at the Middleburgh Library, as part of the Not So Quiet Concert Series. 

There is a suggested donation of $15.00 – space is limited, so reservations are required – call 518-827-4953.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by CREATE County Council on the Arts.

 

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Award-Winning Movie to be Shown at Gilboa Museum Sept. 6



GILBOA — It is unusual for an historical society to show a film that is so new it is still in movie theaters, but “Flow” is no ordinary movie. Winner of a Palme d’or at Cannes and an academy award for best animated film of 2024, it has received glowing reviews for its beauty, technical brilliance and its profound emotional impact.  These qualities are enough to make it worth seeing, but the reason the Gilboa Historical Society decided to screen it in the Gilboa museum is the cataclysmic flood that drives the action of the film. This resonates with the town, as the Gilboa Dam flooded the once-populous valley and, more recently, Irene wreaked havoc on many lives.

Flow will be shown on Saturday, September 6 at 4:30pm at the Gilboa Museum, 122 Stryker Road, Gilboa.

Reservations recommended! Call or text (914)572-7289 It is free, and there are refreshments.

 

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Calling All Volunteers – Help Honor Our Revolutionary Heroes!

JEFFERSON – In 2026, our nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. As part of this historic milestone, community members are invited to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest at Old Jefferson Cemetery.

On Saturday, September 6th at 10 a.m. (rain date: Sunday, September 7th at 10 a.m.), volunteers will gather to help clean and document the headstones of Revolutionary heroes, ensuring they are remembered with the dignity they deserve.

The group will meet at Judd Hall, 163 Main Street, Jefferson before heading to the cemetery. Gentle, historically safe cleaning supplies and instructions will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a jug of water and  a kneeling pad. The cemetery itself is opposite the bandstand north of Main Street. It is marked by a yellow sign along the street and is a couple hundred-yard walk down a grassy walking path.

 

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“Read All About It!” Chuck Henry and Historic Newspapers Online

By Carolyn Bennett

GILBOA — Chuck Henry loves his job. And we’re delighted he does. As manager of NYSHistoricNewspapers.org, Chuck digitizes old newspapers (like this one will be) and puts them online for you to read whenever for whatever. It’s a free user-friendly site and marks thousands of visitors monthly for its millions of pages of newspapers from every county throughout New York State. 

Coming to the Gilboa Museum from his base in Potsdam, NY, Chuck will talk about these historic newspapers on Saturday, September 13th at 1pm. Introduced by well-known former editor of the Catskill Mountain News, Diane Galusha, Chuck will illustrate his comments with what’s new on the website that is free and easy for all of us to use.

Chuck proudly describes the many kinds of information the papers make available to the international public. And, you can sense his excitement when he describes his memorable ‘user’ stories.

While genealogists make up the largest audience for the newspapers due to published obituaries, marriage announcements, births, and other details about family lives, other users appear regularly.  One fellow remembered a murder in his neighborhood when he was growing up. His childhood friends didn't recall it and, he wanted to share it with them. “We helped him find details about the case such as the murderer and eventual court case against him,” Henry said, adding “If you're into true crime, our site is a treasure trove!”

Henry also mentions people looking for old bowling scores, displaced Adirondack mining town residents, cars no longer made, price points for groceries, and even recipes! “These users dig through the newspapers looking for recipes published in the 1800's and then attempt them in their modern kitchens. Sounds like a fun culinary adventure!”

So, how did Henry get involved in the historic newspaper project?

As a NYS certified teacher. Chuck always had a strong interest in computers and technology. With an eye on a career helping teachers get a handle on technology and use it effectively in the classroom, he advanced his degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Masters degree in Instructional Technology and Media Management from SUNY Potsdam. When he learned the Northern New York Library Network was looking for a technical services librarian, he landed the job. Luckily, even without formal library science training, they saw the value of his educational background and he became their Integrated Technologies Coordinator in 2013.

“The NYS Historic Newspaper website actually was started to solve a problem for our membership. Our members are libraries, library systems, academic libraries and other cultural organizations like historical societies or museums,” explained Henry. “These organizations had large amounts of historic newspapers on microfilm. For libraries it was hard to let the public use the film because it required constant staff time to assist users' searches and operation of the film readers.  They wanted an easier way for people to access their collection of historical newspapers.”

“Northern New York Historic Newspapers” was born.  “We started the project In 2004 and digitized around 2 million pages of newspapers local to our coverage area. In 2014 we decided to expand the focus of the website to the whole state and rebranded as "New York State Historic Newspapers.” We’ve since added 13 million pages from more than a thousand titles!

The NYS Historic Newspaper Project has a large number of writers and researchers exploring daily news events in local communities all over the state. These researchers publish articles in current newspapers, history publications, and books. “We also have students from elementary to high school and college that research statewide news trends as part of their studies,” Henry added.

Using the Historic Newspaper site is free for the user which means funding the project must be found in various ways.

“We digitize microfilm, process the images and post them to the site. We charge enough to cover the processing as well as the hosting for those images. We also receive some funding from New York State, National Endowment for Humanities grants and private donations,” said Henry.

Henry explains that If you want your town’s paper included on the site,  your first task is to check to see what the site may have of that title already. Then check with your local library or museum or historical society to see how much else of it they have on microfilm. If it exists on paper only, the path to being online is longer and more expensive.

“Partner with your local organizations, Henry advises. “Across the state, the councils of the Empire State Library Network (esln.org) have grants available that can assist if you're a member or you're partnered with a member.  Once you have an idea of what needs digitization and funding lined up, the microfilm can be processed for inclusion on the site.”

Chuck Henry will be speaking at the Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History on Saturday, September 13, 1 pm.  Co-sponsored by the Gilboa Historical Society, Jefferson Historical Society and Historical Society of Middletown, the event is part of a “First Drafts of History” series to encourage the use of our local archives. 

This free illustrated presentation promises a lively talk and a look at new search tools and easy ways to discover information at the NYS Historic Newspaper website. Chuck will also be discussing some background on newspapers and how they're published that'll help speed up searcher's work.

Gilboa Museum activities are funded by New York Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature; NYPA, Joyce and David Barber Fund, Nicholas J. Juried, and the Town of Gilboa.

 

                                                    Chuck Henry, digitization manager. 
Digitization Specialist Brenna Link-Barkley reviews images from the Holley Standard looking for corrections that need processing.



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Gilboa/Conesville News by Dorothy Pickett


It is back to school for our children. Remember especially the little ones who are attending school for their very first year, you need to be cautious when driving past any school. Being so excited they tend to avoid looking both ways when crossing a road.  Always be aware of your surroundings. One little tyke starting Kindergarten is Wilder Pylinski. His mom tells me he spends his free time playing with their lovable great Pyrenees puppy, riding the sheep and then pretending to do hay like his grandpa Harry and Uncle John. One day he is sure to have a hay business like his grandpa!

Marilyn Wyckoff Pylinski has a unique farm stand “Wild Desire a Frugal Homestead” located on 268 Wyckoff Road which is open 24/7. Many items including eggs, local maple syrup and honey, Tallow skincare and no spray produce seasonally. They offer NYS Grown and certified chicken and lamb. They are taking orders for Thanksgiving Turkeys. So… that means you need to stop by this stand, follow the parking signs that are off the main road and just have a great time. I will keep all of you posted as Fall arrives and what she has in the farmstand. 

It was ladies’ night out Friday as my friend Barbara and I enjoyed dinner at Hubie’s in Middleburgh. We have been looking forward to it since last Christmas. We decided instead of giving gifts we would go out to dinner. Since the weather did not cooperate during the winter months, we thought it was best to do it later in the summer. Following that, we made a short stop at Wayman’s Auction. 

Saturday morning, I stopped by Ginny Gurley and Shelly Brainerd’s garage sales. The weather could not have been better for people to hold their sales. I did purchase a few things from both of the sales. It was a busy day for them for sure. 

On Sunday fifty people gathered at daughter Diane’s home in Grand Gorge for her annual end of the summer picnic. Diane had a huge tent set up along with three canopies. Everyone bought food, their chairs and their friendship. Lots of laughs, conversations, great food and just an all-around good time. All were in awe with Alicia Terry’s wonderful gluten free peanut butter iced cake. The peanut butter icing was a beauty to behold as she had swirled, curled and just had that amazing look almost like it had been sculptured. It was gone very quickly. So much food, so many desserts and so many selections. Best of all was the whole day.

Neighbors Gary and Ann Elizabeth were up to their camper Sunday afternoon. Saturday, I mowed their field. It did not take long with the Zero turn. When I arrived home Sunday evening there was a thank you note at my door. On Monday they left a gift. I stopped by to visit them during the evening.

Flat Creek Baptist Church’s Pastor Paul and wife Karen held a Labor Day picnic at their home in Greenville. Pastor baked several homemade pizzas in the hugs brick pizza oven that was under their pavilion. Everyone came with a dish to pass. After the blessing and delicious food, Debbie McMillian played her guitar as everyone joined in some great hymns. When it came time for dessert a Happy Birthday was sung to Nina Mateyunas as she blew out a candle in the cake Yvonne Wood made. Nina celebrates her special day on September 4. This was followed by toasting marshmallows while everyone sat around the fire pit as the night sky filled with stars.

Back in Time: With a chill in the air my mind wandered back to when we had to head to the woods to cut and gather wood for the winter months ahead. Erniel and I would head out early on the Silver King Tractor pulling the wagon behind. With a little bit of a bite in the air we both had dressed warmly only to have to shed our jackets before noon. The trees that had fallen throughout the spring and summer months were cut up with a gas driven chain saw by Erniel. My job was to pile the branches upside down on top of each other until they were quite high. Erniel made it a point to me that was the way you did it so the rabbits could crawl underneath and be warm all through the cold winter months. When it came to cutting wood, and clearing the area he was very particular, and I had to do it just right. We would load the wagon and up to the boarding house we would go. The men’s job was to split the wood with a sharp ax (wood splitters had not been invented then). The wood was placed neatly from stake to stake until a full cord was piled There were always enough cords to go the whole winter. Coming in from the barn on a fridged evening, after milking time, the first thing we did was walk to the wood stove and stand with our backs to the stove, hands crossed behind our back just to get warmed through.  th Not Erniel, he sat down in the rocking chair next to the stove and fell asleep.   

Birthdays: Sept. 6 John DeWitt, Sept. 7 Caleb Wyckoff, Sept. 10 Daughter Diane Pickett, Patsy Nicosia, and Stephanie Knap. Everyone, enjoy your special day, Blessed in the Lord.

Anniversary Blessings: Sept. 5 Carla and John Maggiolo, September 8 Preston and Marilyn Pylinski. Congratulations with Blessings on both couples. 

Upcoming Events:

Friday Sept. 5 Welcome back with Happy Time at Rockland Cidery 3-7pm.

Friday, Sept. 5 Farmers market Gilboa Museum Pavilion 4-6pm need more information      contact Marilyn at wyckoff12076@gmail.com or 518 646-3348

Saturday Sept. 6 Rockland Cidery Yoga 11am-12noon, Live music from Soul City 3-6pm and Food truck Sass Squash.

Sunday, Sept. 7 Rockland Cidery line dancing 1pm-3pm, Live Music Bob Naumowicz 3-6pm and Sass Squash food truck available.

Saturday, Sept. 13, 1:00pm Gilboa Museum presents First Drafts of History with Chuck henry from NYS Historic Newspapers.

Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:30am Conesville Historical Society presents Ted Shurart who will be speaking on Inns, Taverns and Hotels of Schoharie County followed by Conesville’s Touch a Truck event 12noon-4pm held at the Conesville Town Field BBQ Chicken available then at 7:00pm the Tremperskill Boys will hold a Square Dance. 

Saturday, Sept. 13 Zadock Pratt Museum will hold a Victorian Tea. With seating at 11;30am, 1;30pm & 3:30pm $35 per person reserve your spot text Lisa for more info 713-594-8118

Monday, Sept. 15 Conesville Hist. Soc. presents In Their own Words. 6:00pm. This is an ongoing oral history project with Debbie Hill interviewing residents of Conesville and their special memories with video clips of ten residents.  

Sunday, Sept. 14, Gilboa Museum Psychic Fair 11, 11am-4pm

Sunday Worship Services: 

Gilboa Methodist: 9:00am located on 990V

Sept. 2 3:00pm worship service at the senior living in Stamford with Peg leadingthe service. 

Flat Creek Baptist: Flat Creek Road, 9:30am Sunday school, 10:30am worship service with coffee and fellowship following the service. 

Conesville United Methodist Chapel: First and Third Sunday of the month 4:00pm, Route 990V.

Got News? E-mail pickee@midtel.net 

 

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Remembrance Service to Honor the Life and Ministry of Pastor Russell B. Greene, Sr. Who Served Berne, Central Bridge

   
                                                            Greene, Sr., Rev. Russell B. - Summer 1975
                                                    Greene, Sr., Rev, Russell B. Seminary student 1930

                                                                                                                                                                                                      BERNE & CENTRAL BRIDGE – Helderberg Lutheran Church will host a special Remembrance Service on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM to honor the life and ministry of the late Pastor Russell B. Greene, Sr. who served St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Berne (now Helderberg Lutheran) from 1936 to 1961, and passed away 50 years ago on September 15, 1975 while serving as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Central Bridge.

The service will follow the traditional Lutheran liturgy used during Pastor Greene’s time and will include Holy Communion. Robert Holt, Synod Authorized Minister for Helderberg Lutheran and a mentee of Pastor and Mrs. Greene in the 1960s and 70s, will preside and deliver a message originally written and delivered by Rev. Russell B. Greene, Jr. in 1956, on the 25th anniversary of his father’s ordination.

Local members of the Greene family, including grandchildren from Connecticut and South Carolina, will be in attendance, with grandchildren participating in the service. Two grandsons are members of Helderberg Lutheran. We invite you to bring a covered dish to share as we enjoy fellowship and share memories together in the Friendship Hall following the service.

Pastor Greene’s ministry spanned more than four decades, touching the lives of countless individuals through his service to congregations in Berne, East Berne, Gallupville, Kingston, Central Bridge, Seward, Sharon and Leesville. His wife, Ruth (Houghton) Greene, was a devoted partner in ministry, remembered for teaching confirmation, preparing the altar, and serving her community with warmth and dedication.

All are welcome—family, friends, former parishioners, and members of the wider community—to attend this meaningful service and meal as we give thanks for the life and legacy of a faithful servant.

Helderberg Lutheran Church is located at 1728 Helderberg Trail (Rt 443) Berne, NY 12023.

 

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Schoharie Chapter NSDAR Supports Local Schools



SCHOHARIE & ALBANY COUNTIES – The Schoharie Chapter NSDAR recently made donations of supplies to the kindergarten classes at Schoharie Central, Middleburgh Central, and Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central Schools.

Preparing the supplies were Alicia Malanga, Schoharie Chapter Education Chair, Arrietta Kuehnle, member of the Old Stone Fort Society Children of the American Revolution, and Jeneca Kenny, Kindergarten Teacher Schoharie Central School.  

 

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Porchfest Will Bring Music to the ‘Burgh Sept. 14

By Matthew Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH — Recent years have seen Middleburgh develop a significant music scene, especially during the last 12 years’ Fourth Friday street festivals organized by the Middleburgh Area Business Association (MABA) and the village. Now, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, that music scene will grow brighter during the first Porchfest Sunday, Sept. 14 from 1-5pm.

We spoke to Jim Snyder, who along with Rick Hamm, organized the effort.

Porchfest is an outgrowth of the music from Fourth Friday, Snyder said. After changes with the way MABA organized music, he invited Dr. Tom Gruning to his porch on the corner of Main Street and Chestnut Lane. This provided the template that has already proven successful over the last several years and will now grow in its own right. Snyder and Hamm are organizing performances under their group Music in the Burgh.

The premise is straightforward: utilize a number of porches around the community to host live music on Sept. 14. The performances will come in one-hour blocks and will include a number of genres. Snyder said that a number of styles are welcome, from rock to bluegrass to classical to Americana, or country, blues, yodeling, Irish, honky-tonk, heavy metal, funk, folk, punk, jazz, ragtime, or more.

Snyder said that Hamm recommended the change due Play Music on the Porch Day, which is celebrated in more than 70 countries worldwide. The first Porchfest started in this state in Ithaca in 2007.

“Rick said ‘let’s do this in Middleburgh,” related Snyder.

Those interested in playing or hosting can fill out a Google Form in the QR code next to this article. The group is looking for as many locations and artists as possible.

The event is “for everybody,” he said. Snyder added that there has been “quite a bit of interest.”

The current venues for the Sept. 14 events are at Snyder’s house, the Middleburgh-Schoharie Railroad Depot on the corner of Wells and Maple Avenues, Dr. Gruning’s on Grove Street, and BJ’s on Railroad Avenue.

The hope is to make this an annual event, said Snyder.

So far multiple groups and artists are slated with more likely to be added. This includes Doug Goss, Justin Behan, Dr. Gruning, Peter Enders, Kari and Dave from Force of Habit, Greg Bucking, North Slope, 30 Rack, and Cow Belle. 

The “grassroots” group “got it off the ground,” Snyder said.

For more information, contact Snyder or Hamm at 518-519-0758 or musicintheburgh1@gmail.com, as well as their Facebook page.

 

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