Pascarella Aims to Build Business Environment as New Alliance President

Pascarella

By Matthew Avitabile

DELHI — The Delaware County Business Alliance named former Fleischmanns Mayor Todd Pascarella as its new president, replacing longtime president Ray Pucci.

Things have changed at the organization, said the new president. This includes the recent name change from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, allowing the group to be “leaner and meaner.”

This also includes the end to the Chamber’s longtime role as the defining agency to promote local tourism. Delaware County shifted away from funding the Alliance with this role. Despite this, the Alliance will be involved with helping the businesses that promote and rely on tourism, Pascarella said. He added that the Alliance hopes to work with Delaware County Economic Development/

Pascarella said that he is adjusting to the role and hopes to “build as many bridges” and maintain as many relationships as possible.

Pascarella entered the role at the beginning of Sept. 1. He will be switching to a part-time role at the Catskills Revitalization Council (CRC). This would allow him to better adjust and allow both organizations to coordinate and assist the county’s businesses.

In replacing a longtime leader, Pascarella said that Pucci had done a “tremendous” amount of work during his tenure. The new president worked closely with the outgoing president for years, and “had a sense of all of what he did.”
“Entering his shoes is another level,” Pascarella said. He added that he aimed to be “realistic” in the scope of the Alliance and ability to move things forward.

“It’s pretty humbling,” he said.

Pascarella is optimistic about the future of business in the county, calling his new role a “worthwhile endeavor.”

He hopes to continue initiatives started by Pucci, including possibly continuing his show on WIOX Roxbury. 

This includes outreach to the public and businesses. In particular, Pascarella hopes to add a number of new members to the Alliance and hopes to “be present and be local” adding both value and new members to the business group. There are 360 current members, Pascarella said.

The business leader also said that cooperation with Delaware County’s government is “important” and brings in his perspective as a former public official. The alliance can also advocate on behalf of the business community as a whole. It can leverage a “collective voice” that are “critical for businesses and people who are stakeholders in our economy.” Part of the way to “move toward solutions” is through public input.

 

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Phoenicia Library to Host Free Balkan Music and Dance Festival

PHOENICIA — The Phoenicia Library will celebrate the music and dance of the Balkan peninsula with a free festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Glenbrook Park.

The Balkan Mountains Music Festival will feature a full afternoon of performances, food, and dance instruction in a scenic outdoor setting. The event, which will be held rain or shine, is sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank, the Phoenicia Library, and Upstate Curious.

The festival will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with dance instruction for all levels by Noel Kropf, a longtime organizer of the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, accompanied by live music from the Mac & Cheez Balkan PowerTrio.

The musical lineup continues at 4:30 p.m. with Niva, a Brooklyn-based, all-women ensemble dedicated to preserving traditional Macedonian roots music. At 5:50 p.m., the Sarma Brass Band, a 10-piece Balkan brass band, will take the stage, followed by a performance from Bourbon & Breastmilk, a Mid-Hudson Valley community choir that sings village songs from the Balkans and Ukraine, at 6:30 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the free community event. Glenbrook Park is located at 48 NY-42 in Shandaken. For more information, visit phoenicialibrary.org or brazzamatazz.com.

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Arkville Man Arrested for Alleged Aggravated DWI

MIDDLETOWN — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of an Arkville resident for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, stemming from the investigation of a traffic stop. 

On September 10th, 2025, Sheriff’s Deputies were on patrol on County Hwy 38 in the Town of Middletown when they observed a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit with construction debris blowing from the box area of the pickup truck. 

Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 60-year-old Manuel Castillo of Arkville. During the course of the investigation, Deputies detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Castillo.

Upon completion of the investigation, Deputies arrested Castillo and charged him with one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, and one count of Driving While Intoxicated, both unclassified misdemeanors of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Castillo was issued traffic summonses for speed in zone, failure to keep right, moved from lane unsafely, improper turn signal, and threw/deposit debris on a highway, all violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Castillo was subsequently released on appearance tickets and traffic summonses and was directed to appear at the Town of Middletown court at a later date to answer the charges. 

 

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Suspended License Arrest

MIDDLETOWN — Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Margaretville man for driving with a suspended license.

On September 9th, Sheriff’s Deputies were on patrol in the Arkville area and observed a vehicle that failed to display a front license plate.

Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 38-year-old James Stratton, of Arkville, NY. Upon conducting an inquiry with the NYS DMV, it was determined that the vehicle was not properly insured, that the vehicles registration was expired, and that Stratton’s driving privileges were suspended in New York State. 

Deputies arrested Stratton for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree, a misdemeanor and additionally, Stratton was issued traffic summonses for Unlicensed Operator, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating Without Insurance and No Front Plate. 

Stratton was released on appearance tickets and was directed to appear at the Town of Middletown Court at a later date to answer the charges. 

 

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Retired OFA Director Wayne Shepard Endorses Carli Pinner for County Treasurer

Carli Pinner

DELHI — Wayne Shepard, the recently retired Director of the Delaware County Office for the Aging (OFA), has announced his endorsement of Carli Pinner for Delaware County Treasurer. Shepard, whose decades of service to Delaware County seniors earned him widespread respect, worked directly with Pinner during her tenure in OFA. Shepard praised Pinner’s fiscal and leadership skills, saying: “Carli was excellent with fiscal affairs, a great communicator, and very knowledgeable. She has a remarkable memory and picks up on things so quickly. She was definitely an asset to our department.” 

Pinner served as a Principal Account Clerk under Shepard for two years before being promoted to Business Manager. Shepard emphasized that her sharpness and ability to grasp new responsibilities quickly made her stand out.

“Having dedicated my own career to serving Delaware County, I know the value of leaders who are capable, compassionate, and detail-oriented,” Shepard said.

“Carli has all of these qualities, and I am confident she will serve the people of Delaware County with integrity and skill as Treasurer.” Shepard’s endorsement carries special weight given his long legacy of service. 

During his career, he expanded OFA’s programs and championed creative initiatives to improve the lives of seniors. Carli Pinner expressed her gratitude for his support: 

“Wayne Shepard’s leadership and compassion have set an example for all of us in county service. It was a privilege to work under his direction, and I am truly honored to have his endorsement in my campaign for County Treasurer.” As Shepard transitions into retirement, his endorsement of Pinner highlights the continued importance of strong, ethical leadership for Delaware County’s future.

 

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Seasoned Social Club Opening Doors for Area’s Seniors

Linda Paterno and Sue Staron having a great time.

 

Linda Paterno, Mary McGrane, Sue Staron, John Gebert, Marilyn Pitetti, Linda Mead, Connie Spielman during the Putt Putt outing.

By Matthew Avitabile

MARGARETVILLE — The Seasoned Social Club is planning a significant expansion of activities for seniors in the Middletown area. The new group is organizing seniors in Margaretville, Fleischmanns, and Arkville.

We spoke to Connie Spielman, John Gebert, Chris Criswell, and Marilyn Pitetti from the group. They are members of the group’s steering committee.

The group’s members are often members of other senior groups, including Roxbury, Andes and Bovina. Spielman said that the idea would be to bring together seniors in the town and its villages.

Pitetti said that this was an effort to bring in seniors and restart the group after years of inactivity.

Gebert said that the group falls under the aegis of the Office for the Aging and the Senior Council.

There were preliminary meetings prior to the first official meeting on June 21. There are currently almost 40 members of the organization, and it’s growing rapidly. 

The group had its first outing at the Van Winkle Putt Putt, which was well-attended.

There are currently monthly meetings with the next one slated for Sept. 24. Come at 11:30 for the senior meal and 12:30 for the regular meeting. The meeting is in the lower level of the Methodist Church in Margaretville on Church Street next to the firehouse. For those who would like the senior meal, please sign up several days ahead of time at 845-586-4764. They’re usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

At the September meeting a Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy will discuss common scams. All are invited.

The group hopes to expand senior services, with Criswell calling it an “underserved demographic.”

This is an opportunity to socialize with others and stay in touch.

Within the mission statement is to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Criswell said that this time of the year includes a number of activities and holidays, which can be an opportunity and challenge for seniors.

“It’s a way to create more community,” he said.

The group has a number of events planned, including a boat cruise near the Roundout in Kingston the first week in October, there will also be a class by Deborah Fox on Mexican Train with three craft dates in September and October. Within the next month there will be a day to start playing the game after the elements are completed. In November there will be a craft meeting to create Christmas-themed crafts presented by Linda Kelly. The group also hopes to go to the Rocky Horror Picture Show musical rendition at the Phoenicia Playhouse.

There is also the senior meal dining program in Margaretville serving from 11:30 to 12:30 Monday through Friday. The cost is $5 for those over the age of 60 and $10 for those under 60.

Also senior meal dining program in margaretville

To reserve a meal call by 10 am 845-586-4764

If ordering for a meal associated with the Seasoned Social Club, please reserve a few days ahead of time.

“We’re looking to do different themes, go to concerts, go to play, have coffee and have game days,” said Pitetti. It’s a great chance to get to know each other and pass time in the winter, she added.

 

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Senior Club Hosts Deputy Sheriff

MARGARETVILLE — The Seasoned Social Club of Middletown township will meet Wednesday, September 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Margaretville United Methodist Church’s lower-level dining hall. New members ages 55 and up are welcome.

The newly renamed senior club will host Delaware County Deputy Sheriff Timothy Tyron, who will speak on the Yellow Dot program. The life-saving Yellow Dot kits alert first responders to an accident or home emergency that vital medical information is stored in a vehicle’s glove compartment or home’s freezer. Tyron will also discuss the many scams targeting seniors in the area.

Annual dues of $5 will be collected at the September meeting. One dollar of this will be contributed to the Delaware County Senior Council to help support their senior services.

Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month at 12:30, or attendees are invited to come at 11:30 to lunch together. For a meal provided by the Senior Dining Program call 845-586-4764 by September 17. Meals are $5 for ages 60 up, and $10 under 60.

 

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Longyear Hosts Halpern and Kyle’s Art Shows

Hedi Kyle and Robin Halpern of Long year gallery by Rob Brune

 

Hedi Kyle of Longyear Gallery

 

Photo of Robin Halpern by Rob Brune

 

 Featured artists for this month at Longyear Gallery  Robin S. Halpern & Hedi Kyle Solo Exhibitions- through Mon. Oct. 1

 

 

By Jenny Neal

MARGARETVILLE — Last Saturday, September 13, the Longyear Gallery in Margaretville hosted two solo art shows: Robin S. Halpern’s “Reigning Color” and Hedi Kyle’s “Motten." 

“Reigning Color” is a selection of abstract works: mixed media on canvas. Complex and layered, the work is at once dream-like and bold, using ink, paint, graphite and a range of papers, including scraps of foreign newspapers the artist has collected on her travels. Her work, she says, “explores the dynamic interplay of color, shape and form. My abstract and expressionist figurative paintings are born through this fusion of materials and techniques - works that evoke mood, memory and sensation."

Robin started working on art when she was about sixteen years old, “doodling, drawing and portraits”, then went to art school and got her degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse, where she studied under noted figurative painter Jerome Witkin, and George McNeil, the founder of The American Abstract Artists. “Then, I needed to make a living”, she says. “So I went to graduate school and that led me to become a psychotherapist, which is what I still do. So I didn’t work with my art for over 30 years, then I picked it up again about 15-20 years ago."

Coincidentally, Hedi Kyle’s work “Motten”, meaning moths, consists of stenciled moths that are reminiscent of cyanotypes, plus sculpted moths in paper and other materials. The stenciled moths are layered on top of one another and the effect is that they look like Rorschach tests, continuing this theme for the weekend from this writer. How does art affect us when we contemplate it? How does it make us think?

When asked, Robin says it was a fluke that the two artists are showing together despite the obvious connection and goes on to state: “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 says her therapy practice and her art practice inform one another, in terms of being intuitive and creative.

Hedi Kyle’s work is called “Motten” instead of moths, because, being German, the correct sound of “th” does not come easy to her. “Since I wanted to feel comfortable when pronouncing the title of my show, I chose “Motten." Real moths have always intrigued Hedi, 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."

Born in Berlin in 1937, Hedi 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 US, she took a job at the New York Botanical Garden where she was offered training with conservator and master binder Laura S. Young. She began teaching book arts workshops at the Center for Book Arts in Lower Manhattan. “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."

Robin S. Halpern’s “Reigning Color” and Hedi Kyle’s “Motten” will be on show at the Longyear Gallery until October 13, 2025. The Longyear Gallery is located downstairs at the Commons Building, 785 Main Street, Margaretville, NY. Gallery opening hours are 12pm to 5pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. www.longyeargallery.org info@longyeargallery.org or 845-586-3270.

 

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MUSINGS OF A LOCAL By Iris Mead - SITTING ON THE PORCH WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY

Christine Eves, New Kingston Post Office Clerk

June Faulkner on the porch of the building that has been in her family since 1950.

The original postal boxes in the New Kingston Post Office.

NEW KINGSTON — Every Saturday as I drove through the Hamlet of New Kingston on my way to Bovina, I would see two people (maybe three sometimes) sitting on the porch of the large building in the middle of the Hamlet that houses the US Post Office.   And it would make me smile. I was determined that one day I would stop and talk with them (and that it also would make a Musings column).  And so, it has.

On this past Saturday, there they were enjoying the autumn weather and taking in the changing of the leaves in the beautiful New Kingston Valley.  Recognizing June Faulkner and introduced to Christine Eves, the clerk at the post office, I told them how I saw them every Saturday as I drove by and that I was determined to one day stop and find out their story.

Christine (Chrissy) has been the clerk at this post office for four years and knows every one of her 155 postal patrons and their box numbers.  She loves to chit-chat with them as they come in for their mail, and new residents are made to feel at home once they meet her.  The many Hollows (“Hollers”) that branch out from New Kingston are part of her postal area.  Chrissy moved to New Kingston 10 years ago after visiting for many years as her parents owned property nearby.

While I was talking with them, a contract mail carrier, Terra Balcom, arrived with the daily mail for distribution to the boxholders.  She covers the rural route mailboxes on her way from the Margaretville post office ending up at the New Kingston post office with their mail.

Let’s not forget June, whose roots go way back in the history of New Kingston.   Her father, Doug Faulkner, purchased the building in 1950 and opened a general store where he carried the standard line of merchandise plus feed and grain for the surrounding farmers.   It eventually became the post office with her father as the postmaster.  When Doug retired, her mother, Fran, took over the position for many years.  As the photos show, the building is large, the largest one in the Hamlet.   In addition to the post office, Doug and Fran had an antique business in the building.  They were great collectors of antiques from many places.  Part of their stoneware collection was donated to the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown and is frequently on display there and in other places in the area.  After moving away for 30 years, June returned to New Kingston four years ago and now lives in the building that has belonged to her family for many years.

Walking inside the part of the building that houses the post office, you notice a lot of books lining the shelves.  This is also a lending library for the community.  The books are taken and returned with no charge.  June and Chrissy also act as the unofficial Welcome Wagon, the local newspaper, they provide directions, they answer questions for out-of-towner, and are all-around collectors of the day-to-day activities of the hamlet.  Their biggest complaint, while watching the world go by, is the lack of attention by drivers to the speed limit signs posted at each end of the hamlet.  Speeding cars and trucks seem to be the biggest problem in this sleepy hamlet of approximately 16 houses.

June and Chrissy continue their enjoyment of front-porch-sitting from spring to fall when the weather makes it comfortable to do so.

The leaves are changing fast so take that ride and enjoy the colors before they disappear or like June and Chrissy, sit on your porch and watch the world go by when time allows.

 

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Obituaries - Helen G. Temple

Helen G. Temple died on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Mountainside Residential Facility, where she had resided for the past few years.  Helen was born on December 23, 1935, in Ellenville, NY, the youngest of six children, to Dewitt and Matilda (Schwartz) Curtis. 

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Jesse Temple, on June 24, 2006. Helen and Jesse met while working at Kass Inn, Margaretville and eloped to Waterford, CT and married on September 20, 1961. Helen and Jess purchased a home in Halcottsville and raised two daughters. Helen later had her own business cleaning homes, offices, and places such as the library. Helen took pride in her home and where she worked and everything had to be immaculate, but she said dusting all those books at the Fairview Library was going to be the death of her.

Helen loved books and animals. There were dogs, cats, parakeets, a pony, a rabbit, and fish. She went with daughter Sherry to Ohio to visit her grandson and wanted to take home his pet ferret. Never had we thought she’d spend all that time cuddling a ferret.

Helen was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, four brothers, Robert, Willis, Harry, and Virgil, and too many friends and family members. Helen is survived by her sister, Vera Wranovics, of Halcottsville and nephew Lindy Wranovics, her daughters Sherry Temple and Sharon Gavette. Four grandchildren, Rian (Molly) McCaulley, of Auburn, IN; Keith (Rose-Anne) Gavette, Kayla (Greg) Montminy, and Kristi Gavette, of Margaretville and twelve great grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson Steven (Rita) Temple of Pepperell, Massachusetts and his family. 

At Helen’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral. Helen is being cremated per her wishes and will be inurned next to her husband at the Halcottsville Cemetery at a later date. If anyone would like to make a donation in her name to an animal shelter, that would have brought her joy. Helen’s family would like to thank everyone at Mountainside for the wonderful care and patience dealing with a lady who was a bit stubborn, a bit moody, and a bit funny. She will be missed.

 

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - Thomas Cole Sat Here

We are supposed to be writing geology columns, aren’t we? And we call ourselves “the Catskill geologists,” don’t we? Well then why do we spend so much time studying the art history of the Catskills, AKA “the Hudson River School of Art?” Well, this column should answer those questions. It all started when we asked still another question -where did Thomas Cole sit, 200 years ago, when he sketched for his painting “The Top of Kaaterskill Falls.” See the first illustration.

                                    

We thought that it would not be too hard to find, and we were right. We hiked to a site above the top of the falls and climbed down to the platform there. And, sure enough, we found a short ledge of sandstone located in just the right place and at just the right level to have served Cole’s needs on that long-ago day, probably in the early autumn of 1825. See our second illustration. Look exactly at its center. You will see a rock platform right there and that seems likely to have been where Cole sat and sketched. That makes this a very historic site – a literal birthplace for the Hudson River School or Art. As we always do, we took turns sitting right there.

                              

We then wondered about those rocks. These were stratified rocks – sandstones. We pondered about their past, how had they formed? We noticed that all these strata were inclined to the left. And then we turned around and saw the answer to our question, the solution to our puzzle. See our next photo. The lower half of that illustration shows 

                                         

strata dipping to the right. Those are the same beds of rock that make up the foreground of our last photo. We instantly recognized these as what geologists call planar cross beds. These are river channel deposits. They record the flow of powerful currents way back during the Devonian time period when a river was right here. We think that we are looking at an hour or so of powerful floodwaters passing by, right here

It’s very unlikely that Thomas Cole knew or understood any of this. He just saw inclined strata, and he painted them exactly as he saw them. We can guess that he viewed them as adding an interesting aspect to his composition. Did he wonder about those strata? We can’t know that detail, but we are so glad that he painted here, and we are very glad that we came to see all this.

Yes, we will go on doing a lot of art history in our columns – we see so much beauty in these canvases – and a lot of geology too,

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.edu. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

                

 

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Heart of the Catskills Hosts Late Summer Fundraiser at River Rock Farm

By Robert Brune

DELHI - On a golden late-summer afternoon, Heart of the Catskills (HoC) Humane Society held a lively fundraiser at River Rock Farm in Delhi, owned by David Rama. The farm, a scenic venue tucked across the river from Main Street, provided the perfect backdrop for an event that felt part county fair, part pet festival. Many attendees arrived with their dogs in tow, adding to the joyful, animal-friendly spirit of the day.

The fundraiser featured live music from Dos Amigos, a bustling barbecue prepared by SUNY Delhi’s Culinary Club alongside Kevin and Margie’s grilling, and HoC’s signature bake sale, run on the honor system. Children enjoyed crafts, while families browsed jewelry and art donated for sale by volunteers from HoC’s gift shop, the Beastie Boutique. A wildlife rehabilitation group, Friends of the Feathered and Furry from Hunter, offered demonstrations, and a dog agility course kept both pets and spectators entertained.

Dr. Deb Cruter, a veterinarian and longtime HoC supporter, emphasized the importance of such gatherings: “We wanted to create something dog-friendly and family-friendly, but different from our longtime dog walk. Bringing people together here, with music, food, games, and of course animals, really celebrates community while helping us raise needed funds.”

Earlier this year, HoC also hosted events at Spillian in Fleischmanns and partnered with Andes Academy of Art, underscoring the community’s broad support for the shelter’s mission. The Delhi fundraiser drew hundreds, reflecting the county’s deep appreciation for the shelter’s work caring for homeless and vulnerable animals.

For more information on adopting a pet see: www.heartofthecatskills.org

 

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Amy Rigby Coming to the Catskills

Amy Rigby

By Bradley Towle

CATSKILLS - Amy Rigby brings her witty songwriting and years of stories to the Catskills on September 24th. She'll be making a stop at her old stomping grounds as part of her month-long American tour promoting her upcoming book, Girl to Country. Girl to County, which hits bookshelves on September 23rd, picks up where Rigby's first book, 2019's Girl to City, left off. Rigby, a witness to the legendary late 1970s NYC music scene, chipped away at a music career for years before her breakthrough album, Diary of a Mod Housewife, found a broad audience in 1996 amid an indie music boom that revered the mythological CBGB's days that Rigby emerged from. Rigby documented her journey from growing up in Pittsburgh to the thriving 1970s music and arts scene to finally breaking through in 1996 in Girl to City. The coming-of-age memoir was well received, prompting Rigby to challenge herself to dig deeper and write a second book, which she describes as one of the most difficult things she has done. "Nobody does a second book," she joked during our recent phone interview. "It's a really hard story to tell, you know? With a coming-of-age memoir, you can kind of excuse yourself. You're kind of  messing stuff up and stumbling along because it's all new and you're figuring it out." Confronting the messiness of adulthood was not so easy. "When you're in your 40s, you feel like you should know all this stuff." 

Ribgy, a former Catskill resident, now lives full-time with her husband, English rocker and songwriter Eric Goulden (aka Wreckless Eric) in the United Kingdom. Still, she looks forward to returning to the Northeastern United States for her string of gigs. "I still feel very connected to the Hudson Valley," says Rigby of the place she called home for years. Amy Rigby's stop in Greene County will be on Wednesday, September 24th, at Left Bank Ciders in Catskill. For more information about her tour, music, and memoirs, visit www.amyrigby.com. 

 

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