LEGISLATURE STUFF - Maintaining Peace in Your Mind

“Maintaining peace in your mind is the biggest thing for us,” says Army  veteran Bill Pillon (left)  joined at Vet2Vet Day by (second left to right) veteran and good friend Rich Millard with veteran Tom Tiano and his wife Amy, organizers of the fundraising Route 66 Corn-hole Tournament

Greene County Vet2Vet Community Day was held, last Saturday, at Angelo Canna Park in Cairo. Among those on hand were (left top right) Vietnam War veteran John Telga, county legislator and veteran James O’Connell (District 3, Athens), county Veterans Services Officer Anthony Derrico, county Veterans Services Agency director Tyler Lynch, county Human Services executive director Amanda Lyons, Vet2Vet program manager Arin Vandermark, county legislature chairman Patrick Linger, legislator James Thorington (District 6, Prattsville, Ashland, Windham & Jewett), and county sheriff’s office Sgt. Andrew Messina. 

By Michael Ryan

CAIRO - “It was different” is all that U.S. Army veteran Bill Pillon would say about his own military service during Vet2Vet Community Day, last Saturday, at Angelo Canna Park in Cairo.

Pillon, an armor crewman, was more than willing to open up about his compatriots, however, saying, “I’m here to serve all these people.

“They deal with a lot. So many of us are struggling with a multitude of different things, adjusting to being back here,” Pillon said.

“Maintaining peace in your mind is the biggest thing, dealing with what they’ve seen and done, what we all saw and did,” Pillon said.

“This is about being there for them. Sometimes it can feel like yourself against the world,” said Pillon, in uniform from 1997-2003.

A battle of a personal, private sort is fought by Vet2Vet Community Day, hosted by the Greene County Veterans Service Agency and strongly supported by the county legislature.

Lawmakers contributed $5,000 to the event, connecting with military veterans on the most human level, understood only by those who experience the realities of service to country.

“This is about bringing our veterans and the community together,” says county Veterans Service Agency director Tyler Lynch.

The mission of Greene County VET2VET, operating under the NYS Joseph P Dwyer Program, is to provide peer support to veterans and their families, according to their website.

That is accomplished by “raising awareness about the unique struggles veterans face, and building a stronger veteran community with camaraderie and mutual support, while honoring the veterans for their dedication to our country,” the website states.

“The program is 100% confidential and FREE and it provides non-clinical support and advocacy to the military community as well as their families,” the website states.

Greene County Vet2Vet links veterans to “resources such as benefits (SSI, SSD, service connection), food pantries, housing assistance, social activities and much more,” the website states.

“There are two purposes,” says Amanda Lyons, executive director of the county Human Services agency, overseers of Veterans Services.

“It is meant to let veterans and their families know the community embraces them. We also want to make sure veterans are aware of the services and programs available to them,” Lyons said.

This was the second Vet2Vet Day in what is now an annual gathering that in the viewpoint of lawmaker James O’Connell should know no bounds.

“We don’t do enough for our veterans,” said O’Connell, who served with the 82nd Airborne Paratroopers. “Don’t get me wrong, this is a great thing.

“Amanda Lyons is crushing it. She is a godsend, But we are where we are in this country because of veterans,” O’Connell said.

“Many of these veterans are struggling. We should be there for them the way they've been there and sacrificed for this country,” O’Connell said.

John Telga was among the vets stopping by, serving two tours in Viet Nam from 1964-67, assigned to Navy Sea Wolf Operations, providing river support in the delta region.

He and his wife Marilyn have been married for 55 years, still having that look in their eyes when they speak of one another.

Marilyn is the daughter of John Smith who ran the old National Bank of Windham in the historic brick building on Main Street.

John Smith was a trusted banker and Marilyn picked someone of the same trustworthy ilk to go with side-by-side through life.

“Fifty-five years isn’t long enough,” John Telga said, smiling and listening to the Lost Cowboys Band offering country music, led by Carson Hotaling from the getting-mountainy village of Palenville. 

“I love what is happening here today,” said Hotaling, who served with Air Force Security Forces between 1998-2001.

Hotaling played rhythm guitar, accompanied on the drums by Gene Edwards, also of Palenville, a Marine and National Guardsman.

“My son just graduated from boot camp,” Edwards said. “What’s his name? His name is Jacob. How do I feel about it? Proud of him. Very proud.”

 

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Looking at Windham Noise Law Lucidity

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - There have been occasions when complaints were received in the town of Windham about howling coyotes and cows mooing too loudly.

Government leaders couldn’t do much about it, minus a Noise Law, and even if legislation did exist, how do you tell coyotes to hush?

A much simpler situation was presented to council members, at a meeting last week, when County Route 10 resident James McCabe asked for clarification of the rules that have since been created.

“I’m not here to complain,” McCabe said. “I understand the law is here to protect the community, but I have some confusion about how the Noise Ordinance is working.

“I am an Average Joe so I would assume when it says lights out at 10 p.m., it means lights out at 10 p.m.,” McCabe said.

“But if you read on, there are separate paragraphs that make it okay for the lights to stay on, and it makes more sense, but an Average Joe like me wouldn’t know that,” McCabe said.

Specific reference was made to the law’s section on Unreasonable Noise which is defined as, “any excessive or unusually loud sound or any sound which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.”

The section continues, “any noise which occurs continually for more than 15 minutes or intermittently for more than 30 minutes with a sound level reading above 60 [decibels] as measured from the property line boundary shall be considered prima facie evidence of an unreasonable noise.”

It is true the rules apply between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., however, “it makes sense that if people are having a party and the noise is over 60 decibels, they can clear it up and the party can go on,” McCabe said.

“But it’s confusing when you read the law, the way it is written. Why not say it all in one sentence?” McCabe suggested.

While acknowledging there could be language “flaws” in the law, which was initially written in 2022, town supervisor Thomas Hoyt said changes can be enacted and have, in fact, already occurred, in 2024.

“If people just read the top part and don’t read a few more paragraphs down, how do we convey to them to read further, so they can totally understand the law?” Hoyt said.

When the law was originally penned, it was sent to the State for a thorough review of the wording, etc. “Could a section be moved up here or down there?” Hoyt said.

“Maybe there is a flaw here and a flaw there, but we have also said from the beginning this is a law in progress,” Hoyt said.

“We appreciate any input on the pros and cons. We will take a look at this and if it needs to be more readable, we can do that,” Hoyt said, noting public hearings would take place prior to any modifications.

Hoyt pointed out the original law contained language setting the acceptable decibel level at 75, lowering it after concerns were raised about the limit being too high, particularly when the stars are out.

“We know that living in a rural area, hearing noise at midnight when it’s very quiet is very different compared to two o’clock in the afternoon when the birds are chirping and cars are going by,” Hoyt said.

Some issues have arisen related to short term rentals and parties being raucous well beyond the legal deadline.

“Let’s say we have an Airbnb and the noise doesn’t last more than fifteen minutes, but if it’s two in the morning, it’s going to wake you up anyway,” McCabe said.

“And maybe there is a loud party and they are warned and they fix it, but then the next weekend there are different people and the problem is the same all over again,” McCabe said.

“I don’t want to call the cops. I want to be a good neighbor. What is the protocol for this kind of thing?” McCabe said.

In the recent past, there was preliminary talk about possibly writing a short term rental law in Windham, discussions that quickly resulted in stiff resistance begin expressed by many short term rental owners.

A successful alternative was arrived at, Hoyt said, noting the Windham Area Stakeholders Association stepped up to try quelling any storms.

“We have formed a good relationship with the Association,” Hoyt said. “If a person who rents a home isn’t being a good neighbor, the Association will reach out to the owner of that property.

“They will tell them ‘You are giving the rest of us a bad name,’ and we have been very fortunate. We can call the president of the Association and say there is a problem,” Hoyt said.

“Before we had this arrangement, we maybe had at least one complaint every weekend. Since they have started to police themselves, we have maybe two complaints at year,” Hoyt said.

 

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The Moss Ensemble Plays Sept. 20

HUNTER — This Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7pm at the Doctorow Center for the Arts at 7971 Main Street in Hunter will be the music of the Moss Ensemble, with the goal of “Continuing a Legacy of Bringing Humanity and Music Together.”

Please join this quartet of world-class performers for an evening of adventurous and beautiful music. This year’s concert marks Moss’s third appearance at the CMF and features new pieces by living composers, works from varied musical periods, and includes favorites from past concerts as well. The ensemble will offer stories that help illuminate the music—all of which we hope will excite and move you.

Darcy Dunn - Soprano

Marshall Coid - Countertenor, Violin, Composer

Mary Wooten - Cello

Elizabeth Rodgers - Piano

 

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The Prattsville Scoop

By Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE - We appreciate all our volunteers in all the many organizations that help us in so many ways. Special thanks to our veterans, may they be recognized for their willingness to give their all for us. September 19 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Had an afternoon visit with Friztie Martin and Wanda Powell of Tannersville. Fritzie now divides her time between West Virginia, Florida and her friends in the Hunter area. She plays it smart and visits our area in the summer months. She and her late husband Lou were co-proprietors of Traphagen Honey Farm and many of us frequented that store and also become great friends with the couple. Wanda and Fritzie are both retirees from the United States Postal Service. Wanda divides her time between Tannersville and Florida. They were laughing over having spent one morning trying to fix Wanda’s washing machine only to discover that mice had nibbled at some of the wiring and electronics. They even tried to tried and true method of “if it doesn’t start, kick it”. A new washing machine will soon be delivered to Wanda’s home. They also dropped in for lunch and a visit with Lorraine Banks, bringing sandwiches etc. for their lunch. Now is a good time to wish Lorraine good health.

Good to have Anita Creazzo and Pat Bifolco attend the September meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary, Prattsville, on Tuesday evening. They make it a point of attending those meetings while the weather is not a problem. Sometimes snowy weather arrives early in Prattsville and especially on meeting nights. The upcoming Christmas Celebration for the veterans at Stratton VAMC were discussed. At the present time there are 43 veterans on the residential floor, our special group. Pat Minew and Ginny Gurley met for an inventory of Christmas material for sewing the Christmas gift bags. Thanks to Debbie Beckwith, Ginny Gurley and Joanne Smathers, a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 468 in Rochester NY, they are well on the way in preparations for the 2025 Christmas Celebration. Call 518 989 6877 or 518 299 3219 if you would like to help with this program.

The Zadock Pratt Museum’s Victorian Tea was well attended and people are hoping for more. Steve and Lisa Birnbaum were the greeters and they and others kept your table full of savory finger sandwiches and out of this world desserts and, of course, assorted teas. The weather played nice and it was a most enjoyable afternoon for a fashionable tea. Thanks to the members of the Zadock Pratt Museum for sponsoring this tea. Our Museum is worthy of a visit and support in any form is always welcome.

Skeet and Carol Constable were aided at the gas pumps by a younger gentleman. In our area, you do not always have to ask for help, it is offered. Of course a conversation ensued. Nice to catch up with family news.

Jim and Roxie Mudge King stopped by with a really large bag of apples, including Cortland, my favorites, and macs. Apple pies will soon be scenting the air and enjoyed for dessert. Thank you Roxie and Jim. Their anniversary was September 6 and they always take a few days away to enjoy and make more special moments. Roxie’s sister Gretta can use some get well prayers and the good news is she is making progress towards a return to good health. We send prayers and good health wishes to all the members of the Mudge family and others who are in dire need of prayers and good wishes.

Is it true Jim Young lost or misplaced his cell phone and was absolutely lost? Wonder if he has found his way home to their new hot tub. This is a humorous tidbit for the week. No news means “necessity is the mother of invention” or something like that.

Don’t forget the Minew/Albano yard sales on Beech Ridge South Road on Saturday, September 20, 9 AM – 3 PM. Plus you will be favored with wonderful autumn scenery from that area. Take some pictures and send them to me for publication.

Know you have seen other notices of the upcoming Patchworker’s QUILT SHOW, Saturday, October 11, 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sunday, October 12, 2025 10 AM – 2 PM, at the Ambulance Building/Senior Center, at the corner of Route 23 West and South Street, Windham, NY, but an extra reminder is always welcome. Have seen some of the quilters’ work and they are true artisans nonpareil. They do make “eye candy”.

Speaking of candy, get your vegetable candies in for the winter at RSK Farms on Route 23A. They are open every day except Wednesdays, 10 AM – 5 PM. Check out their autumn offerings, and their fall displays are always fun to see and have pictures of your little ones taken with them.

Happy Birthday to Steve Voorhees Jr. on September 20. On September 22 we wish the Brainerd twins, Cody and Brandon, a Happy Birthday. Debbie Case Brainerd is wished a very Happy Birthday on September 24. Happy Anniversary wishes are sent to Michael and Connie Brainerd Constable on September 24. Some families seem to double up on birthdays and anniversaries in certain months. Helps cut down on the parties – boo hoo.

News? Send to 518-299-3219 or gurleyrv@gmail.com.mm  

 

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Steadying the Flame

Each of us holds a shared flame. Our hope and kindness and our humanity make up the fuel for this shared candle.

In storms of anger and grief or diversions, our collective task becomes to shield each other's flame so that no one's light goes out.

Compassion and steadfastness become the stabilizing forces when emotions are heightened. 

There are many ways that we can practice these actions.

Grab a pencil and circle this stuff. It’s good.

PAUSING. Taking a breath and remaining nonreactive is a first step. Try it now. JUST stop and put life on hold…

LISTEN MORE. That means being quiet while the other party is speaking and focusing on their words. Not your reaction to what they’re saying. That can keep for a moment.

REACHING OUT. It becomes obvious by perhaps a facial expression or a clear look in someone's eyes that beckons a sincere inquiry on your part asking…

“How are you?”

Thoughts are our fuel. Those spoken or unspoken reflections need to carefully be considered  before adding unnecessary commentaries that could result in extinguishing either a relationship or a future desire in the case of all parties to find a better platform to communicate from. 

Intentional reflection steadies the emotional fire that can erupt unnecessarily closing all parties off from achieving the best result.

Not permitting  a small flare up to erupt that then creates apathy among all parties.That is simply a waste of time and emotionally destructive.

Gather in the glow of that flame coming from each of our candles. Invite people to come closer. Similar to gathering around hearth to share stories in a community then finding warmth in the stillness of each of our experiences.

We each can find a shared purpose together if we reject isolation that then becomes polarizing to all.

Small acts can go a long way. 

Help to steady the flame in our world by acts of connection. It’s what we know deep in our hearts that will result in the best result of all.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives in Greene County, NY with her husband, Chris and pup, Lily. 

Please feel free to connect with Pat via phone to chat, 518-275-8686 or email, pelarsen5@aol.com.

Her stories and columns often come from her connections to her community.

 

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Village of Tannersville 13th Annual Cruisin' On the Mountaintop Fall Car Show this Sunday

TANNERSVILLE — Hot rods, street rods, rat rods, customs, classics, antiques, trucks, muscle cars and motorcycles through the current year line Main Street from the traffic light to South Main Street. Drivers are welcome to still pre-register for $10 or enter on the day of show for $15. The first 100 entries will receive a T-shirt, dash plaque and goodie bags to all, so don’t delay and register today! Admission is free to spectators, so bring the family out to the largest car show on the Mountaintop while visiting the local businesses and vendors. Live performances by Whiskey Cross featuring Just James from 11-3:30.

Important Info: Main Street will be closed approximately 9:30am-4:30pm from the traffic light to the top of South Main Street with local detour being via South Main Street and Railroad Avenue.

LOCAL BUSINESSES WILL BE OPEN – spectator parking will be in the Municipal Lots on Tompkins Street and Park Lane with overflow parking at the Tannersville Lake Parks on Lake Road and Upper Lake Road.

This year's top sponsors are Thorpe's GMC,  Pancho Villas Mexican Restaurant and Lamont Engineers.

For more detailed directions, more information, or to register, call Robin at 518-589-5850 opt. 2 or Email: tannersvillecarshow@gmail.com Facebook: Tannersville CarShow Instagram: @tannersvillecarshow.

 

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Vet2Vet Community Day in Cairo

By Jesse Angelino

CAIRO — On September 13th, Greene County Vet2Vet hosted  its second annual Community Day at Angelo Canna Town Park in Cairo. The event, which kicked off at 11 AM and ran until 4 PM, featured a range of free activities, including face painting, ax throwing, a children's bounce house, prize giveaways, a Cornhole tournament, live music by "The Lost Cowboys" band, and a barbecue buffet donated by Ginsberg's Foods and prepared by the Catskill Elks Club.

The event aims to bring the community together to honor local veterans and their families. According to Arin VanderMark, Deputy Director for Veterans Services and Program Manager for the Community Day, "We want our vets to have access to as many resources as we can, including suicide prevention, housing, food, and community events like this one." A raffle & t-shirts was also available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards a scholarship for children of veterans who are high school seniors.

The event has seen a bigger turnout this year, thanks to the support of sponsors and the community. Amanda Lyons, Executive Director for Greene County Human Services, expressed gratitude to all involved, saying, "We are really grateful to all of our sponsors who helped fund all of this, and we have seen a bigger turnout this year." The event was initially held last September as a way for local residents to connect with veterans in a fun environment outside.

Greene County Vet2Vet is a peer support initiative designed to assist veterans and their families in Greene County, NY. The program provides confidential, non-clinical support, advocacy, and community connection, and is funded through the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Program named for the Iraq war veteran who served as a combat medic, joining the military after the events of 9/11.

 

 

 

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WAJ Wins Close Victory over Margaretville

Running down the field and pursued by Margaretville’s Blake Tallman, Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Bryce Palumbo traps a flying ball. Photos by Scott Keidong.

 

Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Jayden Palumbo takes the ball downfield with Margaretville’s Andrew Contreras hot on his heels during Tuesday’s boys varsity soccer game at Windham. The WAJ Warriors were victorious, with a 2-1 win over the Blue Devils in two overtime periods.

 

Late in the first period of Tuesday’s game, Margaretville’s Anthony Maggio, Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Owen Pellettier and goalkeeper Harrison Smith all go for the ball, immediately following Smith’s save on a shot by Blue Devil Robert Sass.

 

Margaretville Blue Devil Robert Sass just misses a headshot attempt as he and Windham-Ashland-Jewett goalkeeper Harrison Smith get airborne in the second period of Tuesday’s game.

 

Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Riley Slater drives in, attempting to take the ball away from Margaretville’s Connor Sands as he moves the ball downfield.

 

With a slide tackle, Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Jayden Palumbo tries to take the ball from Margaretville’s Anthony Maggio during the first overtime in Tuesday’s game.

 

A shot on goal by Windham-Ashland-Jewett’s Payton Dempsey was knocked into the net by Bryce Palumbo breaking the tie and winning the game for WAJ early in a second overtime. Palumbo heads across the field to celebrate the victory with Warrior teammates.

 

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY - Palpably Present Still

Restoration Committee at the North Settlement Methodist Church includes (left to right) Louise Lebrun, Dawn Thorp, Paula Scarey and Gail Donahue. Not available for the photo were George Sherer and Ron Alan.

“I was baptized here,” said Morgan Lendl, joined by her daughter Aurora on the stone stairway to the North Settlement Church. Morgan, while attending Windham-Ashland-Jewett school, wrote an essay on the historic chapel, including its 3-seater outhouse, receiving an “A.”

The spirit may have been willing to sit and listen to the dedication speech by church Restoration Committee member Louise Lebrun, but the flesh definitely was not for one wandering boy.

Sitting in the same pew they shared in their youth, Fred Lebrun and Robert Dewell have lifelong, fond memories of the church.

The oldest Methodist Church in the town of Windham is now officially historic (albeit having been unofficially so since 1996).

North Settlement Methodist Church, built in 1826 along County Route 10, has never been more stately, celebrating its 200th anniversary, next year. 

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - They grew up an easy walk from the North Settlement Church, always sharing the same pew for Sunday School, so it was as if no time had passed for childhood pals Fred Lebrun and Robert Dewell.

Lebrun and Dewell were again seated in that pew, last Saturday, when dedication ceremonies were held for the church which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The designation actually happened 30 years ago with local folks patiently waiting for the official sign from the Pomeroy Foundation.

Nobody has ever hurried much here, since the church was built in 1826, and spiritual clocks move at their own pace anyway, so it was all good.

“This church was a sanctuary for any number of people,” said Lebrun, one of many attendees with cherished memories of the quaint Methodist meetinghouse, on rural County Route 10 in the town of Windham.

“Christmas was special as kids. We always got rock candy and an orange. They were treasured. I have the greatest respect and love for the people who have kept the church this way,” Lebrun said.

One of those people is Lebrun’s sister, Louise, who is part of the church Restoration Committee, also serving as hostess for the unveiling of the Pomeroy Foundation sign.

“This building is evidence of a long ago community of people that first settled here, ancestors to many standing here today,” Louise said.

“It was an agricultural community with several businesses nearby. On the corner there was a general store. Less than half a mile down on the Settlement, near the creek, was a creamery,” Louise said.

“A little further down was a mill pond and sawmill. Below that was the grainery,” Louise said. “All that remains to remind us of these brave, hard-working people is the North Settlement Cemetery and this dear old church.”

But that isn’t quite all. “The thing I remember most is the corn roasts, held this time of year,” said Lula Anderson, a local nonagenarian.

“There was corn and cucumbers and tomatoes,” Anderson said. “And there was fellowship, a coming together,” which was palpably present still.

 

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SCS Falls in Narrow Loss

Schoharie’s Evelyn Messner dribbles the ball towards Laker Bella Brown in the first period of Saturday’s home non-conference match against Lake George. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Lake George’s Sophia Stark charges in as Schoharie’s Briana Repscher passes the ball to a teammate.

The wall of Lake George defenders cringe as Schoharie’s Evelyn Messner fires off a free kick that sailed just over the top of the goal. Evelyn scored the Storm’s single goal in Saturday’s game with an assist from her sister Alayna Messner. Schoharie lost the match against Lake George by a score of 2-1.

Seventh grader Alayna Messner works the ball between Lake George defenders Bailee Dineen and Mollie Johnson. 

 

After trapping a long kick from a Lake George Laker, Olivia Borst booted the ball up into the air, then headed it towards a Storm teammate.

 

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