Wawaka Lake Race Raises $5,000 For Bill Sprague Scholarship Fund

HALCOTTSVILLE — A record 155 runners and walkers registered for this year’s Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk held on Saturday, Aug. 23 in Halcottsville.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to establish a scholarship in memory of Bill Sprague, lifelong community member and a 25-year member of the Roxbury Highway Department. Bill had served as Superintendent of Highways since 2019 until his passing last January at age 50.

To honor this longtime public servant, race organizers decided to use funds raised at this year’s race to establish a scholarship at Roxbury Central School to be awarded to a senior graduating next year from one of the BOCES programs. Proceeds from entry fees, the post-race breakfast and general donations ($1,700) totaled about $5,000.

The Halcottsville Fire Department is pleased to announce that a check in the amount of $5,000 will be presented to Roxbury Central School for the Bill Sprague Scholarship Fund, made possible by the proceeds from the 2025 Wawaka Lake 5K. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, and donated to help launch this scholarship in honor of our dear friend and neighbor, Bill Sprague.

Additional donations are welcome and can be sent to: Roxbury Central School, Bill Sprague Scholarship Fund 53729 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY 12475

“Thank you again for your generosity and support!” — Halcottsville Fire Department.

“Everybody had a good time. The weather was beautiful. We had a huge pancake breakfast with pancakes, egg sausage, bacon, yogurt, and bananas. DJ Greg Passarelli added to the festivities by playing some fun tunes,” one of the organizers commented.

On the racecourse, top finishers were, first overall male - Kyle Loftus with a time of 19.37. Placing first overall among female competitors was Brooke Trotta with a time of 21.38.

The complete list of finishers included:

Male Age 8-19: 

1. Javier Sputnik  23.09

2. Sebastian Bertinelli  24.06

3.  Connor Noonan 25.44

Female Age 8-19: 

1. Fiona Waters. 23.44

2. Akasha Finkle 30.06

3. Lyra Fields 32.22

Male Age 20-29:

1. Kyle Loftus 19.37

2. Nicholas Sprague 23.16

3. Kevin Craig 24.32

Female Age 20-29:

1. Bella Poniros 29.10

2. Sundee Kroyer 31.29

3. Erin Craig 32.15 

Male Age 30-39:

1. Mark Seeley 20.39

2. Irwan Awalludin 28.37

3. Cory Johnson 54.13

Female Age 30-39:

1. Danyelle Gockel 25.48

2. Kaela Roe 25.49

3. Beryl Deutsch 28.36

Male Age 40-49:

1. Ilya Korolev  21.49

2. Carlos Santalesa 24.31

3. Todd Passcarella 25.01

Female Age 40-49:

1. Brooke Trotta 22.38

2. Evy Gonzales 25.56

3. Carla Fuquene Pena 26.37

Male Age 50-59:

1. Jim Shanahan 20.16

2. Gary Barnsley 22.02 

3. Pieter Van Hatten 25.11

Female Age 50-59:

1. Christy O’Donnell 25.29

2. Karen Forte 27.55 

3. Irene Newman 30.24

Male Age 60-69:

1. Eric Klann 36.15

2. Scott Carpenter 37.34

Female Age 60-69:

1. Jacque Schiffer 24.03

2. Cheryl Hinkley 34.55

3. Kris Carpenter 39.0 

Male Age 70-79: 

1. Thomas Skeados 27.30

2. Richard Siegel 40.40

3. Doug McLaurine 40.41

Female Age 70-79: 

1. Pat Johnson 27.24

2. Polly deMille 34.25

3. Anita Reibel 54.36

Male Age 80-89:

1. Sherwin Wilk 44.39

2. Herbert Navarro 44.40 

Top finishers at the Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk were first overall male Kyle Loftus with a time of 19.37. Placing first overall among female competitors was Brooke Trotta with a time of 21.38.

Nick Sprague, son of Bill Sprague whose memory is being honored with the establishment of a scholarship fund, was among the race participants. Bill’s wife, Amy, and daughter, Raven, were among those who walked the 5K route. 

 

 

WMCHealth, which operates Margaretville Hospital and Mountainside Residential Care Center, was one of the Platinum Race Sponsors.

Proceeds from this year’s Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk are being used to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Bill Sprague, a lifelong community member and 25-year employee of the Roxbury Highway Department. He was the Superintendent of Highways at the time of his passing last January. Sprague family members turning out at the race to help honor Bill’s memory were, from left: Weston Peters (grandson), Nick Sprague (son), Amy Sprague (wife) Kathy Johnson (sister), Raven Sprague (daughter) and Cole Ballard (grandson).

 

Margaretville Fire Department members George Vining and Bob Vining assisted with traffic control at the Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk.

The Kids’ Dash is always a fun start to the day’s festivities at the Wawaka Lake 5K Run and Walk.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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

Democrats Hosted Soapbox Social Community Gathering

MARGARETVILLE — Delaware County Democrats hosted their annual Soapbox Social at the Margaretville Village Pavilion on Sunday, Sept. 7.

The event, with more than 100 people in attendance, provided an opportunity to meet Democratic Party neighbors, local elected officials and candidates.

Featured speakers were Delaware County Family Court Judge Gary Rosa, Town of Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner, Middletown Council Member Robin Williams, and Middletown Town Justice John Fairbairn III. All are incumbent candidates running unopposed in the November 4 election. The candidates offered brief remarks focusing on their philosophies, achievements, and goals going forward.

Middletown Council Member Colleen Martin, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term, is running for a full term. She was out of town and unable to attend.

Other remarks were offered by Delhi resident Michele Frazier, who has announced her candidacy for the 2026 race for New York State Senate in the 51st District. She previously ran for this position in 2024.

Janet Tweed also addressed the gathering. She previously was a candidate for NYS Assembly in District 102 and plans to again run for that position.

Several audience members accepted the invitation from event MC Lisa Tait, Chair of the Town of Middletown Democratic Committee, to offer brief remarks. Several speakers remarked upon the unprecedented overreach on the part of the federal government that is having devastating effects on everything from health care, SNAP benefits, the environment, and to the rule of law. 

In publicity for the event, organizers welcomed “Dems, Progressives, Independents, and Dem-Curious” to turn out and learn more about local and statewide candidates. The free event was open to the public and paid for by Town of Middletown Democrats.

The afternoon gathering included free ice cream, a fund-raising bake sale and grilled food for sale. Live rock music by Sue’s Garage added to the festivities.

Michele Frazier, who will be running for the NYS Senate in 2026, serves up some ice cream to Delaware County and Middletown Democratic Committee member Josef Schoell. — Photo by Dan Flanagan

 Middletown Town Justice John Fairbairn III has served in this post for 12 years and is seeking another term. Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner looks on during John’s remarks. — Photo by Dan Flanagan

 

Local and statewide Democratic candidates and officeholders took time out for a group photo during September 7 Soapbox Social in Margaretville. From left are Michele Frazier, who is running for the NYS Senate in 2026; Middletown Town Council Member Robin Williams, Middletown Justice John Fairbairn III, Middletown Town Council Member Brian Sweeney, Delaware County Family Court Judge Gary Rosa, and Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner. Absent was Middletown Town Council Member Colleen Martin. The Middletown incumbents are running unopposed for another term this fall, with the exception of 18-year Council Member Sweeney, whose term runs through 2027. — Photo by Dan Flanagan

Delaware County Family Court Judge Gary Rosa sets up Middletown Town Council Member Robin Williams with some ice cream at the Democratic Soapbox Social on September 7 in Margaretville. At center is longtime Middletown Democratic Committee Member Mary McKeon. — Photo by Dan Flanagan

Janet Tweed has been a candidate for NYS Assembly in District 102 and has announced plans to again run that office in 2026. She offered brief remarks at Sunday’s Soapbox Social in Margaretville. — Photo by Dan Flanagan

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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

ROBIN S. HALPERN’S “REiGNiNG COLOR” AND HEDI KYLE’S “MOTTEN”

LONGYEAR GALLERY  SEPTEMBER 12th – OCTOBER 13th, 2025

OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th from 3-6 p.m.

Longyear Gallery of Margaretville is pleased to announce the opening of two featured artists’ solo exhibitions: Robin S. Halpern’s “REiGNiNG COLOR” and Hedi Kyle’s “MOTTEN.” These exhibitions will be accompanied by a group show featuring the art of all other Longyear Gallery members. Opening on Friday, September 12h, these exhibitions will run through Monday, October 13th with the Artists’ Reception on Saturday, September 13th from 3-6 p.m. Hedi Kyle will also give a short talk and a demo of how she does the stenciling in an Artist Talk/Demo Sunday, September 21, from 2- 3 p.m.

Robin S. Halpern’s solo exhibition “R E i G N i N G  C O L O R” reveals this artist’s creative practice, which is deeply informed by her dual passions: the art of psychotherapy and the fine arts—including painting, drawing, collage, and mixed media. These seemingly distinct disciplines converge in her work, each enriching the other and shaping both her emotional and visual perspectives. Using paint, graphite, ink, and a range of papers, Halpern constructs layered, textured compositions that explore the dynamic interplay of color, shape, and form. According to the artist, “My abstract and expressionist figurative paintings are born through this fusion of materials and techniques—works that evoke mood, memory, and sensation. The same intuitive and imaginative energy that animates my therapeutic practice also inspires my approach to the canvas.” Viewers are invited to engage with the work not just visually, but emotionally—attuning to the subtle ways in which color, texture, and form may stir inner responses.

Robin Halpern earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, where she studied under noted figurative painter Jerome Witkin and George McNeil, the founder of The American Abstract Artists. After becoming drawn to the interior world of the human psyche, Halpern began working as a psychotherapist for many years while also resuming life as a painter. A member of Longyear Gallery in Margaretville, NY, she has shown in group and solo exhibitions throughout the New York area. Her work hangs in private collections throughout the country. She resides and paints in both NYC and the Catskills. 

Hedi Kyle’s solo exhibition “MOTTEN” uses the German word for Moths, which Kyle chose for its sound and pronunciation. As Kyle notes, “When I say the word moth it sounds like moss, the plant that grows on stonewalls and the forest floor. The correct sound of th in the English language does not come easy for me. Since I wanted to feel comfortable when pronouncing the title of my show I chose “Motten.” Real moths have always intrigued Kyle, who says she “finds them secretly beautiful and haunting, being attracted to light when it is safer in the dark. Moths have appeared off and on in my work for 50 years. When I started to call them ‘Motten,’ the word worked like a key opening a vista of moth-like images--fantasy moths which I envisioned as compositions of parts such as wings and bodies. Light and texture, transparency and colored overlays led to arrangements of my imagination.” For Hedi Kyle, “Folding, crumbling and shaping paper has fascinated me throughout my career as a book conservator and book artist. The pages of an open book remind me of creatures with wings. ‘Motten’ presents the drawings, stencil prints and 3D creatures that emerged during spring and summer of 2025. Now, in retrospect, I see that meine Motten possess certain personalities I never saw in real moths.”

Born in Berlin in 1937, Hedi Kyle graduated from the Werk-Kunst-Schule in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1959 with a degree in graphic design and, after a year spent painting in Greece, she was subsequently employed as a commercial artist in Frankfurt. After moving to the United States, a serendipitous job in the library at the New York Botanical Garden opened up and soon offered her additional training with conservator and master binder, Laura S. Young. She began teaching book arts workshops at the Center for Book Arts in lower Manhattan. In 1983, along with Timothy Barrett and Gary Frost, Kyle co-founded the Paper & Book Intensive, an annual series of bookbinding, papermaking, and conservation workshops, now in its 35th year. In 1993, the Center for Book Arts held an exhibition "Hedi Kyle and her Influence: 1977-1993" which featured work by Kyle and twenty contemporary book artists influenced by her. In 2015, the 23 Sandy Gallery in Portland, Oregon held an exhibition entitled "Hello Hedi" featuring the work of 56 international artists making works inspired by Kyle. Her work has appeared in many exhibitions and collections, and she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from the Guild of Book Workers (GBW) and a Distinguished Career Award in 2016 from the College Book Art Association (CBBA).

Future Fall 2025 Longyear Gallery exhibits include one solo exhibition featuring the art of Longyear Gallery member Louise Kalin, running from Friday, October 17th – Sunday, November 16th accompanied by “New Voices,” a group show featuring the art of Jennifer Lord Rhodes, Jerry Gallo, GG Stanciewicz, and Cena Pol Crane with the Opening Reception on Saturday, October 18th from 3-5 p.m. These exhibitions will be accompanied by a Members’ Group Show.

Longyear Gallery is located Downstairs in The Commons, 785 Main Street, Margaretville. The gallery will be open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays. For information, please see Longyear Gallery’s website, www.longyeargallery.org, email the gallery at http://info@longyeargallery.org, or call 845.586.3270 during gallery hours.

 

                                Halpern Robin S., Christina, mixed media on canvas

                                Halpern Robin S., Fahrklimt, mixed media on canvas

                            Halpern Robin S., Nature v. Nurture,mixed media on canvas

                                            Kyle Hedi, Stencil Wings 2, Mixed media

                                        Kyle Hedi, Creature Moth 4, Mixed media

 

                                            Kyle Hedi, Creature Moth 5, Mixed media
 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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

Cement Pump Truck Cashes Near Roxbury

A 36-ton cement pumper truck from downstate after it was winched back to the state Rt. 30, a process that took several hours after the driver lost control and crashed at the intersection of County Rt. 8 in the town of Roxbury. There were no injuries.

 

A tow truck from Gersters Triple E Towing winches a large cement pumper back to the highway last Wednesday after GPS took the driver over Scudder Hill and other back roads.

 

A cement pumper truck traveled well off state Route 30 last Wednesday after crashing through trees when the operator lost control and was unable to stop, according to officials.

By Liz Page

ROXBURY –  A downstate truck driver escaped injury last Wednesday as the truck he was operating lost control and crashed along state Rt. 30 in the town of Roxbury.

The large truck that pumps cement crashed near the intersection of County Rt. 8, tying up traffic and keeping first responders busy for several hours as a towing company, along with other equipment was brought in to remove the truck, according to Roxbury Constable Stephen Williamson.

Fortunately, said Williamson, there were no injuries and he believes geopositioning systems (GPS) need to remove county and town roadways from the system for truck drivers, which is what contributed to this crash.

The truck, driven by Agusta "Angel" Deleon, of Far Rocakway, was traveling from New York City to the Oorah Girls Camp Division on South Gilboa Road in the town of Gilboa where they are undertaking a large building project.

In interviewing the driver, Williamson said the operator said he was following his GPS from the Fleischmanns area, which took him over the mountain via Big Red Kill Road onto Dimmick Mountain Road to Denver-Vega Road to Scudder Hill Road (County Rt. 8) and on down to state Route 30. He told Williamson his brakes failed and he lost control at the intersection with Rt. 30 and the rig traveled across the highway where it struck trees and ended about 10 feet from the stream. Although the accident is still under investigation, according to Williamson, it is possible the brakes overheated due to the trip down the mountain.

Assisting at the scene were the Roxbury, Halcottsville and Grand Gorge fire departments, in addition to Gersters Triple E Trucking and Hubbell's equipment. Williamson said it took a backhoe, a bulldozer and two wreckers to upright the truck and get it back onto the highway.

No school buses were traveling through at the time, and it missed any traffic on state Route. 30.

"I think the county and the town should have these steep local roadways closed to these heavyweight trucks," said Williamson.

The cement pumper weighed 36 tons and had traveled a windy and steep route. Roads that are not equipped for that type of traffic, according to Williamson.

"I give a lot of credit to the firefighters and the others. My hat goes off to them, they did a very good job. Let's hope this never happens again." said Williamson. 

Roxbury Fire Chief James Bouton agrees there should be restrictions placed on large trucks using the back roads. He said there was a very bad accident along West Settlement Road previously and this is at least the third long duration accident they have responded to in a year, where large trucks have been negotiating back roads.  Roxbury was on the scene from 11:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.. He said this accident could have been much worse. State Rt. 30 was closed and traffic rerouted for about an hour and first responders directed traffic at the scene throughout the day.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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

[Meet Your Hospital Board Members] Diane Munro

 

Diane Munro is a former teacher in Sidney prior to twelve years as a counselor, with a long history as a school administrator, including time as a superintendent. She joined the board around three years ago following her “passionate” administrative experience.

She also serves on the boards of Delaware County Planning and the Olympic Regional Development Authority. 

Raised in Margaretville as a member of the Healy family, Munro studied at Skidmore college, SUNY Oneonta, and the University at Albany.

The board member said her role at the hospital is “about service.” Her parents were deeply involved in the community. Her father Walt Healy is one of the originators of the ambulance hospital squad. Her mother Donna was a stay-at-home mom prior to running offices for Ray Huggins (“Uncle Ray”), then worked at Margaretville Hospital. She retired as personnel director.

Some members of the hospital community still hold fond memories of Munro’s parents, including their service in the Fire Department and PTO.

She previously served as a “candy striper” at the hospital volunteering to help cheer patients and remembers when the hospital opened.

Munro speaks warmly of the hospital’s emergency response.

“Good people there. They’re working hard. Really hard. I appreciate them all.”

“The reason I’m on the board is that I really care about a piece of the community that needs to be strengthened,” she said.

Her focus is on primary care, Munro said.

In addition, Munro credited the current board for its focus on primary care and new direction in leadership that “makes us feel like we’re making progress.”

The board has worked hard and “pulled together.” As representatives of the community, this is especially important for its members.

This includes blood work, X-rays, or other services, which is a “robust patient-centered primary care that understands and cares about the whole needs of a person.” This includes referrals for mental health or drug or alcohol treatment.

“The whole person is considered,” she said.

This approach is different from simply walking in and scheduling a test. Instead, it’s working with someone “who knows you” and is focused on an individual’s health.

The health care system can seem like it’s focused on illness rather than wellness, Munro said. This includes doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistance.

This is crucial and brings back memories of the primary care that Munro enjoyed at Margaretville Hospital and wants to see expanded again.

“I want to see the system expanded and built up again,” into “patient-centric” primary care.

“The whole patient.”

Munro said that she feels some “positive momentum” and the board plans to build upon this further. As much as she appreciates the health network’s efforts, in particular the move to focus on primary care is especially valued.

 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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

Fall in Love with the Catskills: A Guide to the Region’s Best Foliage Experiences

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — As autumn approaches, the Catskills come alive with vibrant colors, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, shares his insights on why the Catskills should be at the top of every fall traveler’s list.

“The Catskills offer so much more than just stunning foliage,” says Senterman. “We have 300,000 acres of protected parkland, rugged hiking trails, scenic drives, breweries, cafes, and charming mountain towns—all set against a backdrop of brilliant fall colors.”

One of the newest and most exciting destinations is the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, which just opened this summer in the western Catskills. From its summit, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys awash in autumn hues. The Catskills also boast seven other fire towers—six on mountain summits and one at the Catskills Visitor Center—perfect for panoramic views without a strenuous hike.

For classic mountaintop vistas, Giant Ledge remains a favorite, though visitors are urged to plan ahead due to limited parking. For a gentler hike, the Shavertown Trail climbs steadily above the Pepacton Reservoir to a peaceful pond and breathtaking overlook. For easy access, Palmer Hill on Route 28 between Margaretville and Andes offers postcard-worthy views right from the roadside.

The region’s colorful tapestry comes from a variety of trees: maples shifting between reds and oranges, birches transitioning to a deep gold, poplars showing bright yellow with hints of orange and red, and oaks adding russet and deep brown. Together, these trees transform the Catskills into one of the most spectacular foliage destinations in the Northeast.

Peak foliage season generally runs from late September through mid-October, with early October offering the most brilliant colors. Senterman recommends planning a weekend or longer trip to experience the range of colors across different elevations. To track the changing leaves, the statewide I Love NY foliage map is a great resource, while local updates are best sourced from the Catskills Visitor Center.

For scenic drives, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28) and the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway (Routes 23a/214) showcase some of the best fall views in the region. Adventurers can also drive up Mount Utsayantha in Stamford, where a short walk from the parking area leads to a fire tower with sweeping views.

Beyond the foliage, the Catskills offer unique fall experiences. Hiking to the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower provides a short but rewarding adventure. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad in Arkville offers a comfortable, scenic ride through the mountains, followed by visits to nearby towns like Margaretville and Roxbury. And no trip is complete without a stop at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, where visitors can explore exhibits, pick up free trail maps, and climb the on-site 80-foot fire tower.

“The Catskills aren’t just a place to see fall foliage—they’re a place to experience it,” says Senterman. “Whether you’re hiking, driving, or simply enjoying a coffee in a small-town café, the mix of nature, community, and culture makes the Catskills an unforgettable fall destination.”

For more information about visiting the Catskills this fall, visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org or stop by the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

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