SCHOHARIE COUNTY DESTINATION FARMERS MARKET SEEKS FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS

SCHOHARIE — Many people agree that Schoharie County needs a centrally located, easily accessible farmers market. Since last spring, an exploratory committee has surveyed community members and local producers, held productive community meetings to discuss the results of the surveys, and the county’s Agriculture Development Specialist has applied for grant funding to pursue this goal.

The next step in the process of creating a new farmers market is the formation of a Board. Local agricultural producers, vendors and community members who are interested in participating in the formation of a farmers market are invited to apply to serve on the farmers market’s founding board by completing a brief application (linked here). Applications should be submitted by September 30, 2025. Applicants will be invited to participate in brief online interviews in early October.

Farmer's Market Board Application: https://forms.office.com/g/QVvLwUyKWe

If you have questions, or need a hard copy of the application, please contact Caroline Myran, Schoharie County Agricultural Development Specialist, caroline.myran@schohariecounty-ny.gov, 518-295-8785

 

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Schoharie Crossing “Mid-Hudson” Tour of Erie Canal Programs

FORT HUNTER – Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will be hitting the road in September to provide a series of Erie Canal related outreach programs to libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System to celebrate the canal’s Bicentennial.

This tour of libraries is intended to provide engaging, entertaining, and educational programs to highlight the history of the canal in New York State.  Squeezed in between the exciting tour of the river circus Flotsam, the Tugboat Round Up in Waterford, and the upcoming statewide journey of the replica Seneca Chief barge constructed by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the Schoharie Crossing “Mid-Hudson” Tour is a wonderful way to discover more about the impressive impact the canal had on the State and the Nation. 

This series starts on Sunday, September 7th at 12:30PM with “Creating the Empire State” for the Kinderhook Library.  This program explores the construction of the canal and its impacts. On the 8th, the Reed Memorial Library will have “Erie Canal at 200” starting at 1PM. The Lagrange Association Library will have the same program at 4PM followed by the Mahopac Library at 6:30PM. “Erie Canal at 200” explores how the canal has been recognized and celebrated over the last two centuries.

On September 9th the Claverack Library will host a children’s program called “A Sound Lesson on the Erie Canal” at 1PM. This hands-on program shares the history of the canal’s opening in October of 1825 by way of creating sound cannons. 

The series continues with “Dewitt’s Duel: Rivalry at Ten Paces” for the Clinton Community Library on the 9th at 4PM that shares the interesting history of political rivalry that surrounded Governor DeWitt Clinton in the early 1800’s. Then at 6:30PM “Erie Canal at 200” will be shared at the Poughkeepsie Library and again the following morning on the 10th at 10AM at the Stanford Free Library. 

At 1PM that day, the Heermance Library will host  “Strange History Along the Canal in Fort Hunter” that explores some common tales of death, murder, arson, and disaster along the transportation ways of the Mohawk Valley. The library will then offer “DeWitt’s Duel” at 4PM.

The tour concludes with a 6:30PM presentation for the Livingston Library at the Recreation Center. A final offering of “Erie Canal at 200” will highlight the celebrations of the centennial and how the canal has been part of American pop-culture. 

For more information, please these libraries or David at Schoharie Crossing: (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov.

 

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Schoharie to Contract Bookkeepers

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - On Tuesday evening, the Schoharie Village Board convened to discuss a potential contract with Evening Star Bookkeeping and announced a public hearing for a change to their lawn mowing code.

With the retirement of Village Clerk and Treasurer Leslie Price, which was first announced last month, the Board has decided to consider a contract with a local company named Evening Star Bookkeeping.

“Since we’re losing Leslie and we’re not sure how much we can pull from the pool of applicants, we just need the extra assistance while we transition,” said Mayor Colleen Henry.

The Board reaffirmed that they still plan to take on a new hire when they find a suitable replacement, so they would likely consider a temporary contract with ESB until that time.

A few residents of Schoharie were skeptical of the decision, with one person in the audience saying “Did you do any shopping around at all, or did you go with the first choice?”

Mayor Henry explained that they did reach out to numerous firms, but most did not want to take on a municipality, citing one that was promising but quickly cut contact after their discussions.

The Board noted that they will discuss a potential contract in an executive session at the end of the night, along with Mrs. Price’s reimbursement for unused vacation and sick time.

However, the second issue was brought up during the meeting by Mrs. Price herself, saying “I don’t understand why you’re looking at me and my time so closely when you didn’t do that with other retirees.”

“Billy and Ken were both approved at this table no problem,” she continued.

Mayor Henry was quick to ease the tension, saying “We just want to do our due diligence because you controlled the books.”

Board member Sal Medak also jumped in, saying “We just need the time to decide on it.”

“None of that was done with Billy or Ken,” Mrs. Price concluded before dropping the subject.

Finally, the Board dived back into the topic of lawn mowing, which dominated the meeting last month due to heightened grass around the Village despite everyone complying with the code.

Mayor Henry brought up the notion that they may change the code from an amount of mows per month requirement to a grass height requirement not to exceed seven inches.

The Board said that they will hold a public hearing to address the possible code change at their regular meeting in November before entering into the aforementioned executive session.

 

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SCS Appoints Department Heads, Coordinators

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members recently named a full slate of department heads and curriculum coordinators for the new school year.

At their August 19 meeting, school board membered appointed the following junior-senior high school department heads for the school year at a stipend of $4,500:

* David Cummins, English/reading.

* Leah Schaefer, fine arts.

* Lindsay Peterson, foreign language.

* JoLyn Borst, guidance.

* Marion Burghart, library/media specialist.

* Erika Robert, math.

* Tammy Drinon, physical education/ health.

* Jennifer Chavez, practical arts.

* John Styles, science.

* Edward River, social studies.

* Brittany Heintz, special education.

Board members named the following elementary curriculum coordinators at a stipend of $3,500:

* Danielle Mason, ELA K-2.

* Darcie Schmid, ELA 3-6.

* Melanie Paloski, math K-2.

* Bridget Kepcio, math 3-6.

* Jeneca Kenny, science K-6.

* Rachel Lenart, social studies K-6.

* Megan Langan, special area K-6.

Board members also named the following high school class/club advisors:

* JoLyn Borst, Best Buddies co-advisor, stipend of $425.

* Jennifer Sanders, Best Buddies co-advisor, $425.

* Christina Vincent, freshman class advisor.

* Heather Fretto, sophomore class advisor.

* Jennifer Chavez, junior class advisor.

* Pam Guest, senior class co-advisor.

* Tammy Drinon, senior class co-advisor.

* Marion Burghart, crafting and giving club, $1,150.

* Amy Church, drama club.

* Rylie Smith, environmental stewards club, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, food pantry coordinator, $850.

* Madison Dunbar, FFA advisor.

* Christina Vincent, gay-straight alliance, $850.

* JoLyn Borst, high school adventure club, $1,550.

* Nadine Standhart, high school adventure club, $1,550.

* David St. George, high school gaming club, $1,550.

* Joanne Spina, Key Club.

* Amy Church, musical director.

* Pam Guest, musical assistant, half-time.

* JoLyn Guest National Honor Society, $1,550.

* Dan Ringuette. National Junior Honor Society, $1,550.

* Eric Croote, Outdoors Club, %1,550.

* Carrie Styles, select choir, $1,550.

* Patrick Lamont, STEAM, $1,550.

* Ed Rivers, student government advisor.

* Gabrielle Warren, Teen Talk.

* Martin Messner, travel club advisor, $1,700.

* Tammy Drinon, varsity club.

* Kelly Takacs, yearbook club co-advisor.

* Leah Schaefer, yearbook club co-advisor.

* Carrie Styles, youth belonging leadership team, $850.

Board members named the following elementary club advisors:

* Ashley Hannan, elementary adventure club co-advisor, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, adventure club co-advisor, $1,550.

* Anthony Monescalchi, intramurals, girls, fall, winter, spring.

* Angela Jackson, intramurals boys, fall, winter, soring.

* Anthony Monescalchi, Just Run co-advisor, fall, spring.

* Lindsay DiMaso, PBIS coordinator, $1,550.

* Amy Thalheimer, student council grades 3-5 co-advior, $775.

* Lindsay DiMaso, student council grades 3-5 co-advisor, $775.

 

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SCS Names Fall Coaches

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members named a slate of fall coaches last month.

At their August 19 meeting, school board members named the following fall coaches:

* Prince Knight, boys varsity soccer head coach.

* Connor Lawyer, boys modified boys soccer head coach.

* Tammy Drinon, girls varsity soccer head coach.

* Samantha Smith, girls modified soccer head coach.

* Terry Minton, girls soccer program assistant, volunteer.

* James Foland, girls soccer program assistant, volunteer.

* Heather Palmatier, varsity volleyball head coach.

* Sherry Hahn, JV volleyball co-coach.

* Amnda Stigberg, JV volleyball co-coach.

* Jacqueline O'Rourke, modified volleyball coach.

* Christopher Davis, volleyball program assistant, volunteer.

* Jeremy Karker, girls varsity cross-country head coach.

* Keith Machabee, boys varsity cross-country head country.

* Amy Thalheimer, modified cross-country, boys and girls, head coach.

* Anthony Monescalchi, varsity golf head coach.

*   *   *

In other board members, board members:

* Approved additional period stipends for the following teachers: Marie Krohn, AIS English, $4,000; Ron Mastin, sociology, social problems class, $8,000; and Lindsay Peterson, Spanish I class, $8,000. All stipends are per the STA contract.

* Approved the following for summer curriculum work per the STA contract: Marie Krohn, Keith Machabee, Natalie McKay, Carey Raymond, Heather O'Brien, and Darcie Schmid.

* Appointed Carrie Styles as equity coordinator for the current school year at a stipend of $8,000.

* Named Melanie Paloski as CTLE committee chair for the school year at a stipend of $8,000.

* Appointed Ashley Hannan as chairperson of the elementary behavior committee at a stipend of $4,000.

* Named Lindsay DiMaso as chairperson of the secondary behavior committee at a stipend of $4,000.

* Named Megan Caruso as K-12 mentor coordinator for the school year at a stipend of $3,500.

* Appointed the following Lebel 1 mentors at a stipend of $1,808: Erika Robert, Adriene Bush, and Rachel Lenart. The mentees are: Pamela Cooke, Mariah Thompson, and Erica Vickers.

* Named the following Level II mentors at a stipend of $603: Bridget Krepcio, Michele Borst, JoLyn Borst, Jeneca Kenny, Lindsay Peterson, Kelly Fagnani, Brittany Heintz, Darcie Schmid, and Natalie McKay. The mentees are: Sarah Cuscino, Shauna Rockwell, Gabrielle Warren, Amanda Stigberg, Aimee, Yorke, Alicia Loucks, Sherry Hahn, Alexandra Nash, and Catherine Bikowicz.

* Approved an unpaid leave request for Pam Guest for 10 days from April 13 to 24.

* Approved an unpaid leave request for Karen Hotaling for 15 days on October.

* Approved Ben Fox as a pre-K volunteer for the school year.

 

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SCS OKs New Deal with Administrators Association

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members have approved a new deal with the Schoharie Central Administrators Association.

At their August 19 meeting, school board members approved a memorandum of agreement by and between the association and the district.  According to Superintendent David Blanchard, school  board members approved a five-year contract that was, for  the most part, was a rollover of the previous agreement.  The 3.2 percent annual increase in salary was maintained for each year of the  contract.  Dental insurance was added for retirees.  Longevity payments were removed for new hires.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

* Accepted the resignation of teacher aide Kelly Hartzel as of August 14.

* Accepted the resignation of Shawna Mattoon as a full-time teacher aide in order to be appointed as a probationary part-time teacher aide as of September 1.

* Appointed Joelene Mercer as a bus driver, effective September 1.

* Named the following part-time teacher aides for bus runs: Sharon Lamont, Jean Luniewski, Rachel Price, David St. George, Valerie Thom, and Tina VanAller. The appointments for the new school year.

 

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SCS Says So Long to Bus Driver Cheryl Deffer

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School said good bye to long-time bus driver Cheryl Deffer at their August 19 meeting.

At their August board meeting, school board members accepted Ms. Deffer's retirement resignation effective August 21. Ms. Deffer served the district for 26 years.

"She was dedicated and did an outstanding job for us," Superintendent David Blanchard said.

In other personnel moves, board members;

* Appointed Yajaira J. Lopez as the high school nurse.

* Named Mariah Thompson as a high school special education teacher.

* Appointed Erica Vickers as an elementary school teacher.

* Named Amy Church as a temporary high school English teacher.

* Appointed Azim Khan as a temporary K-12 ELL teacher, half-day and regular substitute, half-day.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

*Added the following people to the SCS substitute list: John Hendley, Celeste Hinkley, Edward Kruzinski, Sean Laraway, Ashley, Massey, Jennifer Redmond, Shane Smith, Luke Van Cleef, Jessica Wilson, Mackenzie Gage, Emily Hailey, Erica C. Hubbell, and Suzan Weber.

* Approved the list of the following people returning to the SCS certified sub list: Maryanne Hammond, Margaret Hesdorfer, Alex Mackie, Bonnie Newberry, Ellen Richter, Stephen Usher, Jacqueline Wayman, and Donna Wissenbach.

* Approved the list of the following people to the SCS non-certified sub list: Heather Barrett, Mackenzie Barton, Olivia Bryant, Ethan Drinon, Haley Drinon, Heather Estrada, Norman Gathen, Max Karker, Patrick A. Lamont, Sharon Larson, Caryn Lediuzet, Rose Mattas, Hope Morgenstein, Jessica Oevering, Anne Reynolds, Pamela Snyder, Sophia Styles, George Wilber III, and Valerie Williams.

* Added a list of 71 people returning to the Capital Region BOCES teacher sub calling service list.

 

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Those Darn Cats -- Cabaret Night in the Maple Museum

JEFFERSON – The Jefferson Historical Society is hosting Cabaret Night in the Maple Museum on Friday, September 19, at 7 pm.  This event tops off this summer’s Maple Museum Free Music & More concert series.  Those Darn Cats will perform familiar music from the Great American Songbook and familiar jazz classics.  This project is made possible with support from Upstate Coalition Fairgame, Fenimore Asset Management, CORE Values, The Apple Barrel, Scoville-Meno Honda, and from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts.  Refreshments will be served!

The Maple Museum is the restored 1837 former church building on the corner of the Jefferson Town Green at 221 Creamery Street.

 

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IDA Names Bender New Director

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency and Schoharie County Capital Resource Corporation are pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Bender as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. His appointment was ratified at the August 28th Meeting of the SCIDA and SCCRC.

Mr. Bender has over a decade of experience in the fields of economic development, as well as public policy at the state and municipal level. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

He is joining the SCIDA and SCCRC after serving as Vice President of Syndicate Strategies, where he has been a registered lobbyist or consultant for a variety of clients including economic development, housing, engineering, and more. Prior to that he was the Legislative Director of Park Strategies where he built coalitions and developed advocacy strategies through client engagement. Before that he was Legislative Director for several majority members of the New York State Senate. 

“I’m excited to join the teams at the Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency and Schoharie County Capital Resource Corporation as we work to bring growth and development to Schoharie County in addition to supporting the wonderful businesses that make the local economy so special. Together we will build on current momentum to bring new business, jobs, and economic activity to Schoharie County. I look forward to working with private sector partners, local municipal leaders, community groups, and other key stakeholders to build upon the successes of the past.” said Mr. Bender

Mr. Bender will join the SCIDA and SCCRC on September 15, 2025. He can be reached at director@schoharie-ida.org or 518-918-9735. 

Additional details on the SCIDA and SCCRC, including its Mission, Board of Directors, Programs, and Incentives, are available at www.schoharie-ida.com. 

 

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DTC Scholarship Aids Three Local Students

DELHI — Three local students have been selected from numerous entries to receive DTC scholarships totaling $2500. 

The scholarships were made possible through efforts of Delhi Telephone Company and generous donations received by many local businesses and affiliates. The donations received were raffled at DTC’s Annual Open House. 

All of our scholarship winners are staying in the state to continue their education.

Pictured winners are, Caitlyn Deysenroth, Killian Newman, and Tanner Alger. 

Caitlyn Deysenroth graduated from South Kortright and plans to attend St John Fisher University

in Rochester. Killian Newman h graduated from Delaware Academy and plans to attend SUNY Cortland in Cortland.

Tanner Alder graduated from Sidney Central School and plans to attend Alfred State College in Alfred. 

Best wishes to all our winners in their future endeavors

Visit DelhiTel.com to stay informed

 

 

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