Celebrate Memories, Holidays, and Neighborly Goodwill in Esperance

By Heather Skinner

ESPERANCE — During the regular monthly Esperance Village meeting on October 13th, Fire Chief Matthew Deffer shared about many upcoming events, starting with 2PM-11PM on October 18th to celebrate the life of Central Bridge’s Fire Chief, Brian Baker, who passed on September 14th after battling lung cancer. Deffer said this event will give the opportunity to support Baker’s family in any way we can from just stopping by the event to say hi to them, and stay to enjoy a cornhole tournament, silent auction, face painting, cotton candy, cooking by Locomotions and chicken BBQ from BBQ Delights from 4PM-6PM.

This event is rain or shine and offers something for everyone, including a live band playing until 10 PM in respect of the noise ordinance. The Esperance Fire House where this will take place is located at 115 Church Street. Parking will be available close to the playground at Smitty’s, where they will be adding two light towers to help with visibility for getting to vehicles and a shuttle service will be provided by Schoharie’s Jack Miller’s Tractor. 

In addition, “The Esperance Museum is proud to join the Esperance Fire Department on Saturday, October 18th, as our community comes together to support the family of Central Bridge Fire Chief Brian Baker. We’ll have the museum open and our Barn Sale one more time, with all proceeds benefiting the Baker family.”

Next event at the Fire Department will be on October 31st for kids to celebrate Halloween from 4PM-8PM. They will have hamburgers and hot dogs by donation, punch, treat bags, Trunk or Treat, local apple cider & donuts, music, games, and more, “Please stop in,” invited Deffer!

Starting in November, the Fire Department will offer breakfast from 7AM-11AM on the 2nd Sunday of every month. It will be served buffet and pay-by-donation style.

This year, the Esperance Historical Museum, Church, and Fire Department are offering Christmas celebrations throughout the month of December. 

Linda Feuz said the Museum is preparing for Christmas in Esperance on December 6th at 123 Church Street from 10AM-3PM and expressed, “If you’ve missed that in previous years you want to make a point to come because it’s magical. As soon as you walk into the Museum there are displays of decorations everywhere, and in the library, there are things that are for sale that make great stocking stuffers or gifts, cookies, punch, cocoa. It's just a wonderful, wonderful introduction to the system and quite often Andrea will play carols in the Church. So, come if you get a chance, even if it’s just for a half hour.” There will be a raffle of donated items, beautifully decorated trees to stroll through, and kids will be able to drop their letter to Santa in the North Pole mailbox-remember to include your name and address on the letter to receive your reply.

The Fire Department’s Light Up Esperance festivities will be on December 20th from 3PM-8PM. They encourage you to put out your Christmas lights that will be judged the night before, and three top winners will receive gift cards. 

Verelyn Robertson was in attendance at this month’s meeting to touch base with Deffer about scheduling a Thanksgiving turkey-themed event. Make sure to follow The Esperance Fire and Rescue Squad and Esperance Historical Museum pages on Facebook for event updates.

Improvements have been made in time for all of these upcoming events. Mayor Royce Gage thanked Michael Jacobson and Deffer for recently washing the Museum gazebo. He said it had been in desperate need and looks a lot better. Deffer reminded Gage to also thank himself for dedicating his time to help with the cleanup as well. 

Feuz shared about the Museum, “We had sent a letter to the village asking for the funds from last year that did not get used and this year because we so needed a heating system. The library had no heat or cooling which affects the books.” Adding, “Due to fundraising on our own and the Village’s support with our budget, we are able to get a new LP gas furnace installed and a ductless heating/cooling wall unit in the library that’s being installed this week, and we are so appreciative.” 

Playground safety is improving; Deffer has noticed increased police patrolling after closing at dark since Village officials reached out after last month’s meeting, leading to less cars parked there idling for hours. And the caterpillar has been removed from the ground after a repeated cycle of removal and fixing of its head. Talks are on-going for additional ways to keep improving safety concerns and Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Parks has asked for time while she is working on obtaining grants that will help get the park up-to-date with LED lighting, etc. 

Celebrate your love of the community all year long by considering joining their 3 available spots on The Planning Board. All those interested, reach out to Village officials or attend next month’s regularly scheduled meeting. Attendees interested in joining the Beautification Committee at this month’s meeting asked after adjournment when the next meeting will be; Esperance Village meetings are held at 7PM every 2nd Monday of the month, next month’s falling on November 10th.

During Communications and 5-minute privilege of the floor opportunities, Patricia Eaton was there to follow up on her letter read during last month’s meeting regarding finding out who is responsible for culvert and drainage pipe repairs. Village officials shared information they obtained from NYCOM and experience from past events. They confirmed there is a 25 ft. right-of-way from the center of the road and that previous culvert repairs done after the 2011 flood were an exception made possible by disaster relief funds. Homeowners are responsible for culvert repairs, and if the Village repairs one culvert, they would then be obligated to work on everyone’s. Culvert repairs can be applied for through Schoharie County, and that work will be billed to the residents who applied. 

Trustee Dan DeFilipps (in-person), and his wife (through a letter) shared sentiments of coming from small towns where you felt at home when people waved and said hello, even if they didn’t know them. They lodged a formal complaint about Andrew Young as a step before seeking legal action if needed. Code Enforcement Officer, Cliff Dorrough, was present at the meeting and involved in the discussion. In addition to burnouts up and down Feuz Terrace drifting harmful smoke into neighboring lots, the DeFilipps’ concerns about Young included, “Plowing the debris from his garage directly behind my house in an open field that I do not believe belongs to him. As well as the continued noise, pollution, road damage, and general disturbance of the peace.” Dan credited the slab Young installed with, “I think it’s awesome, very creative and it looks pretty cool. I appreciate that and I wish they were here, and I’d tell them good job. But the following action he took,” which was clearing the leftover building materials to leave right outside their window in a field, is a part of their complaint. Audible shocked reactions from attendees were heard as Dan described his side and how it has impacted his family. Dan ended with the encouraging message of, “Reach out, say hello. Do something, shake someone’s hand, get to know each other. ...I’d like to that my neighbor’s looking out for me if somebody’s at my house. It just begins there, I just wish it wouldn’t be that way.”

Trustee Paul Roberts is happy to see regular meeting attendance continue to increase and everyone is hoping to see you at the Village’s upcoming events and at the next monthly meeting at the Village Hall at 7PM on November 10th.

 

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Fire Safety Workshop at Cobleskill FD

By Matthew Avitabile

COBLESKILL — The Cobleskill FD and Richmondville FD will be putting on an open house at the Cobleskill Firehouse Saturday 10am-1pm. There will be games and handouts. Richmondville Fire Department Chief Floyd Seales spoke to us about the workshop and fire safety tips. Seales will be hosting the battery workshop for adults including assorted fire prevention equipment, such as fire detectors and extinguishers to give away. There will also be an opportunity for adults and kids to take a closer look at the firetrucks. 

Seales will be putting on a powerpoint presentation including five videos about fire safety during the event.

“We’re trying to get it out there about the battery safety,” he said. There often isn’t as much information about battery safety for adults. Many times, adults don’t know where to look about a “growing problem.”

“It’s going to get out of hand eventually.”
One of the largest issues is people charging batteries when they’re not awake, not in the same room, charging e-bikes and scooters inside instead of outside, charging on a flammable surface. He recommends charging on a plate instead of on bedding or the couch.

“There’s so many different things you can do,” he said.

The largest issue is that people overcharge batteries. Often people leave the battery plugged in, which could lead to batteries failing through thermal runaway, potentially resulting in a fire or explosion. There is a thin barrier on the outside of the battery that can be disrupted by overcharging or dropping it. He likens it to issues with positive and negative touching in a car battery while charging. Even a weedeater could have 25 cells within the batteries, and when one goes bad, it could lead to a chain reaction. This can result in a fire of more than 1,000 degrees that emits flammable or toxic gasses.

Seales said that on Youtube, videos about CHARGE battery fires or e-bike fires help to show the extent of potential damage. In one case, an experiment showed how quickly an e-bike battery (intentionally overcharged as if it was damaged) can cause damage. In the living room display, the battery emitted flammable gasses that eventually exploded. In another example, a woman had a battery pack explode while on a bus.

He added that in many cases people don’t realize how many such batteries are in an average house. In a lithium-ion battery, “it’s full charge until it’s dead.” While this often means that the batteries have better performance, they can also be damaged and cause catastrophic damage. Batteries can also be defective from the factory. Some batteries available online can come without a battery management system that is often much cheaper, but much worse. Such a system can shut down the battery until it closes down (like a cell phone left in the phone being overused.) Such less expensive batteries without such a system could catastrophically fail.

Batteries should also have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo on them. Name-brand batteries have been tested by the UL, but overseas batteries that “haven’t been tested by anybody.”

Such fires can spread rapidly, including in electric cars and buses, leading to potential fire risk. Cars should be charged outside the garage and are often designed that way (but not properly publicized). When there are fires such as this, the local fire departments would have difficulty putting them out, he said.

“You can’t even buy an extinguisher to put them out,” he said. Water and traditional methods do not work.

The best thing that the general public can do is to research, he said. There is a lot of information online, and the Saturday event is especially useful. 

 

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Meet The Driving Force of Local Tourism - Cassandra Harrington

By Alexis Pencar

COOPERSTOWN — Leading the Team at Destination Marketing since 2017, Cassandra Harrington, is a true force to be reckoned with! Destination Marketing Corp. is the local organization responsible for actively marketing Schoharie and Otsego Counties for “the purpose of encouraging overnight visitations” in regards to tourism. They work directly with local, regional, and state tourism boards and more to accomplish these goals. This integral organization provides exposure and resources through websites and social media including community highlights, while also providing new business to the local area!

In an exclusive interview, Harrington offered her unique journey and investment to the area as well as the exciting most recent accomplishments. Currently the President & CEO of Destination Marketing Corp., she is also committed to many other related positions such as: Chair of the Board of New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), President of Central New York Vacation Region, and Team Captain of New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.

Originally from the Finger Lakes Region, Harrington started her career in the wine industry, with notable contributions to America’s First Wine Trail and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Moving to Cooperstown in 2017, specifically for the Destination Marketing CEO job opportunity, was a big step away from home and family, driving identity. In her new town, Harrington got involved within the community, helping to organize events and local happenings outside of Destination.

With numerous volunteer positions, many in leadership, Harrington is able to ensure our Central New York region is seen and heard ‘at the table’ for bigger picture talks. An example of this representation is Harrington’s recent promotion to Chair of the Board of New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) as well as serving on the Board of Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. These additional roles validate the expertise and skill Harrington is able to provide and more.

With a true commitment to our area, Harrington has made it clear through her many actions, that this is a long-term investment. When initially taking on the position, Destination covered Otsego County only, and thanks to Harrington, they were able to expand coverage into Schoharie County in November of 2019, creating quite the accomplished track record since. Whether it be ideas for things to do, places to stay, or upcoming events, this platform gets the word out for those planning to visit either area via comprehensive websites and/or various social media accounts like Visit Schoharie County, This Is Cooperstown, and Let’s Go Otsego.

One of the most recent accomplishments, with Harrington as the Team Captain, is the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail. This completed project provides an extensive website of resources, maps, and so much more for paddlers and anglers of all abilities along exciting waterways from Cooperstown to Corning, which is southwest of the Fingerlakes! Among the many collaborations along the 190 miles of waterways to make this happen, this project is also in partnership with technical assistance and support from the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. This new attraction is meant for locals and visitors alike, even providing section routes for those hoping to explore an area just for the day.

Since 2017, Harrington has put the best foot forward, continuing to prove her commitment and proficiency, while supplying so much coverage and exposure as a whole. This is proof that the trajectory of an area and the efforts of one, can certainly correlate when it comes to change. Cassandra Harrington has more than positively contributed in ways that are often unseen but felt through the community each day. 

With more growth and strategies to come, rest assured, with Harrington at the helm, not only do we all have an advocate fighting for us, but that Destination Marketing will continue to lead the charge on tourism for Central New York. Look out for more exciting updates, projects, and more for Schoharie and Otsego Counties from the Team at Destination Marketing Corp.

 

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Mickle Hollow Project More Expensive Than Anticipated

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday evening, the Cobleskill Town Board met to discuss the rising costs of the Mickle Hollow Road project, as well as a historic quilt donation and a possible program for hires from BOCES.

Supervisor Werner Hampel began by briefing the Board about the project, saying “We were informed last week that we’ll be $109,000 in the hole, and that’s without even putting a shovel in the ground.”

In order to offset this, the Town met with GPI to see how much they could lower the costs, if by anything at all, and it appears that the most leeway they’ll have is in construction fees and bidding.

“We’ll see what happens, we’ll just have to see who picks it up and how they do it,” Supervisor Hampel said before speaking about the high costs again. “That’s not the direction we want to go.”

In other news, the Board made a proclamation honoring the donation of a historic quilt by Edward Rosen, which is dated from 1907.

His family had picked up the quilt in 1955 from an auction held in Warnerville, where it was believed the quilt was originally a wedding gift, as it carries several family names that contributed to its creation, many of which are recognizable even today.

The proclamation concludes by saying that anyone is welcome to visit and see the quilt for themselves, and it was passed unanimously by the Board.

Finally, the Board is considering the possibility of a work-learning program with BOCES, where the Town will hire students for several hours each day to get them working with the highway department.

Highway Superintendent Timothy Gallagher explained that the students can get hands-on experience with equipment, and in return the department will get more help and possibly even long-term employees down the road.

“It’s a good way of getting new faces into the Town,” he said, noting that his current crew won’t be around forever, and it would be an excellent way to scout for new recruits.

“It’s a good program,” confirmed Supervisor Hampel. “Regardless of whether they stay here or go somewhere else, it gives the students an opportunity to see what’s out there waiting for them.”

Supervisor Hampel concluded by stating that it “will be a $75,000 ask at the county,” but he remains hopeful that the program would pay for itself with how beneficial it is to both sides.

 

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George Zimmer Jr.’s Final Battle of the Revolution

By Mark Stolzenburg

This article Part 3 of 4 celebrates the Chester Zimmer Collection and the ongoing construction of the Chester Zimmer Library at the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex in Schoharie as well as taking note of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

Zimmer’s Pension Army

We have now summarized George’s service in the Revolution based on his own pension application testimony, but that is only part of the story. His version of events was not enough to convince the Commissioner of Pensions that he qualified. He needed help. The Commissioner’s pension official would listen to character witnesses as well as support from his compatriots in war, who were hard to find alive in the 1850s. Lawyers were required at times, for, after all, this was a legal struggle as well. In the period beginning in 1851, when he first made application to the Commissioner of Pensions, George Zimmer recruited a veritable army of his own in support of his pension battle with the United States. The documents read like an eloquent who’s who of 1850s Schoharie and Gallupville. All testimony was certified by both a justice and the court clerk or county clerk.

Lyman Baker was the first to offer endorsement to Zimmer’s 1851 testimony, even though as Justice of the Peace he was legally expected to be impartial in Zimmer’s pension process. He called George “a respectable citizen” and said that he did “verily believe his statements to be true in all respects.” Rev. Elen Hammond, the pastor of the Reformed Church of Gallupville, said Zimmer was “a man of unblemished reputation…also of sound mind and good memory.” Gallupville mill owner and respected businessman, Ezra Gallup Jr., called him a man of “stoic truth.”

Despite Zimmer’s claim in his application that “all of his comrades in arms who knew of his service … are all dead,” one was found to testify on his behalf. David Warner, 84, of Cobleskill remembered George from his duty at the Lower Fort and recalled when the raid on the Zimmer farm occurred.

Jacob Houck, Jr. and Charles Goodyear signed on to say that George was “a man of good character, that his statements are entitled to entire credit.” Houck was a Schoharie lawyer who had served in the U.S. Congress 1841-1843. Goodyear was a Schoharie attorney and politician who was a congressman 1845-1847 and again 1865-1867 and founder of the Schoharie County Bank. He also served on the Congressional Committee on Revolutionary Pensions during his second term. One has to wonder whether Zimmer’s predicament sparked his interest in how these pension cases had been handled.

George had apparently enlisted the help of Hiram Walden from the start of his 1851 application. He wrote that General Walden should be the one to receive his return correspondence from Washington, D.C. Walden had been George’s neighbor since 1818 in the place that bears his name, Waldenville, just a couple miles east of Zimmer’s farm. Walden owned a factory there manufacturing axes, had been Major General in the state militia, Schoharie Town Supervisor, Wright’s first Town Supervisor, NYS Assemblyman, and had just three weeks previously finished his term as U.S. Congressman. County Clerk, Loring Andrews, certified that all signatures were genuine.

More testimony followed, but more than a year later on July 26, 1852. Although it is unusual to encounter a woman’s statement in pension documents of this period, Christianna Norman of Wright testified that Zimmer served at the fort in Schoharie at least 8 months and went to the Middle Fort and Cobleskill on occasion. Her statement says of George,” …when the drum beat or the cannon sounded that he was the first to resort to arms…” 

August 2, 1852. Jacob Becker, 81, of Wright recalled George Zimmer standing sentry at “Becker’s Fort” to maintain a “military force” there so local residents could rely on it as a place of refuge. Again, this is a reference to the stone house fort of Major Jost Becker, still standing today, now minus its palisade wall.

October 15, 1852. Hiram Walden wrote to Pensions Commissioner Heath on George’s behalf, apparently not having heard back from Washington in the meantime and perhaps forwarding the above July and August testimony. 

May 27, 1853. Another of Zimmer’s compatriots was tracked down in the Town of Broome, Schoharie County. Isaac Laraway, 93, despite his infirmities, said he recalled serving with George at the Lower Fort. By this time George was ready to take pension matters into his own hands, having received seemingly little response from Washington, D.C. The next letter, June 1, 1853, was indeed in his own hand, and offered the recipient a kindly-mannered schooling on how the War for Independence was fought at the forts on the Schoharie Valley frontier. George was under the impression that those in Washington did not understand that the threat of raids in this civil war on the frontier had been ever-present in 1782: “…had to hold myself in readiness to meet the enemy to my country daily.” Unfortunately, George posted the letter without General Walden’s guidance. He was mistaken about where to send it. Rather than the Dept. of Interior, it was sent to President Franklin Pierce’s U.S. Secretary of War, a man who had no pension authority, but would, a few years later, become familiar to many Americans as the president of the southern confederacy, Jefferson Davis. It was too much to ask for Secretary Davis to appreciate the history lesson from Gallupville, if he ever read it.

 

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Richmondville Officials Consider Applying For $4.5M Grant For Pedestrian Path

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — Town of Richmondville Officials are thinking about applying for $4.5 million from a state grant program that would fund a pedestrian path along some or all of a new sewer line.

The issue came up at the Town Board's Thursday, Oct. 9 meeting. At that meeting, the board scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 to further discuss and get public input on the pedestrian path idea. That public hearing will be held at Town Hall, 104 Municipal Lane, just off Podpadic Road.

In a brief telephone conversation after the Oct. 9 meeting, Town Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun emphasized that "nothing is set in stone" at this point and nothing will move forward in terms of applying for the grant until it is seen what transpires at the Oct. 23 public hearing.

Haslun added that the idea for applying for the grant came up during a discussion with Engineer Brendon Becker on the latest developments in a pending $12-13 million sewer improvement project that would provide public sewer service to a large part of the Town of Richmondville, including Warnerville.

Haslun said that Becker indicated it would be a good idea to apply for the grant, which if received would come through the Department of State's Downtown Revitalization Program. He said the grant would likely require some sort of match, and estimated the costs for applying for the grant would be somewhere around $5,000.

If the grant is applied for and received, the pedestrian path would function as a sidewalk along bit stretches of Route 7. Councilman George Horning was excited about the potential for improved safety. He said he sees students from Cobleskill-Richmondville High School and others walking along Route 7 and it scares him.

"Sidewalks would make a lot of sense," Horning said at the Oct. 9 meeting. "If we can do it for five grand (apply for the grant), I say take a shot at it."

Haslun added "we may not get it this year but maybe another year."

The Oct. 9 Town Board meeting was held at the Richmondville Firehouse on Main Street because Town Hall was being used for a meeting of county Magistrates.

 

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Schoharie County Completes Transition of Public Transportation Services

SCHOHARIE — Schoharie County Public Transportation is thrilled to announce that the smooth transition of its operations has been successfully completed, with zero disruption to passenger service. Passengers have continued to see the same familiar drivers, office staff, routes, and schedules following the change in operations. The only visible difference has been the new name on the vehicles — now reading “Schoharie County Operator” instead of “Senior Council Operator.”

“Our top priority was ensuring that residents experienced no disruption in service,” said Bill Federice, Chair of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. “Thanks to the quick work and dedication of our staff, Schoharie County Public Transportation remains fully operational and ready to serve.”

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for medical appointments also continued without interruption. Riders are still able to schedule trips through Medical Answering Services by calling 1-855-852-3290 or visiting www.medanswering.com and requesting Schoharie County Public Transportation.

The transition was necessitated by an August 25, 2025, notice from the Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc. (Senior Council), that it would terminate its contract with the County to operate the Public Bus and NEMT Transportation programs effective October 1, 2025.

In response, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors acted swiftly and unanimously to authorize the County to assume temporary operation of the public transit system. County staff worked intensively throughout September to ensure a smooth transition, and on September 30, 2025, the State granted emergency operating authority to Schoharie County, doing business as Schoharie County Public Transportation (SCPT).

“This was a team effort,” said County Administrator Bryan Best. “From our transportation staff to the Board of Supervisors, everyone came together to make sure the people of Schoharie County continued to have access to the reliable transportation they depend on every day.”

With the transition complete, SCPT continues to provide safe, dependable, and accessible service throughout the region. While the transition was a success, SCPT is always looking for new bus drivers. Anyone interested in becoming a bus driver should contact the office at (518) 234-0952.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

What a chilly last week we’ve had! With that initial first hard frost last week, the flowers and gardens are all wrapped up and done for the year, whether they like it or not. It was a strange growing season for some but fruitful for others. Our seasons are always a little different, keeping us on our toes! Look out for all the apples and remainder of the Fall bounty to enjoy. Though we will dip into the 30s again overnight, day time highs will pop back up into the 50s-60s, with precipitation expected Sunday through Wednesday. 

The upcoming election, on November 4th, has created quite the excitement in the Village of Sharon Springs. With no actual candidate for Mayor on the ballot, it has turned into a write-in only race for the Mayor spot. Current write-in candidates are Deputy Village Mayor Paul Novko and Village resident Krystina Jacquot, who both hosted a Q&A session in the Community Building on Tuesday (10/14) with a turnout of about 20 residents, all with relevant questions for the candidates as well as raising concerns for the community. Overall this was a huge positive for all. To note: Ken Kennedy was initially going to run as a write-in as well but had recently decided to drop out. 

There are also 2 Village Trustee positions available, and 1 vacancy, with only one candidate on the ballot: Will Kleffner, who currently serves on the Sharon Springs Zoning Board of Appeals. Since the other positions would be filled by write-ins, Ron Ketelsen has also come forward as a write-in candidate for Village Trustee. Please look out for the upcoming detailed article with interviews from candidates!

According to the I Love New York Foliage Report, Central New York is at ‘at peak’ moving quickly towards ‘past peak’ for the leaf changing this Fall. Enjoy it while we can since this year has been a bit earlier than usual. Don’t forget that damp leaves on the road can be just as slick as ice so drive cautiously this Fall.

The Schoharie County Department of Health will offer a flu shot clinic at the “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse on Friday, October 17 from 11 AM - 1 PM. Please call the meal site for more information at (518) 295-2001.

The Village of Sharon Springs holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each Month at 6:00 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, November 20th. The Village Mayor is Denise Kelly and the new Village Clerk is Hope Bayes. The Office Hours for Village of Sharon Springs are Monday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information please call (518) 284-2625.

The Town of Sharon holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each Month at 6:30 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, November 5th. The Town Supervisor is Sandra Manko and the Town Clerk is Melissa Olsen. The Office Hours for the Town of Sharon are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment. For more information please call (518) 284-3010.

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! Located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from SSCS (511 US Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY 13459). They are always in need of donations of food or even unopened personal care items! The pantry hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM & 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or (518) 852-1193.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

Grace Episcopal Church (24 Montgomery Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly Holy Eucharist at 11:00 am. Contact at (315) 858-4016 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

 

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The Iroquois Museum announces a major donation from Kiewit Corporation

HOWES CAVE — The Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, received a generous donation of $50,000 from Kiewit Corporation with offices in Albany, and headquarters in Omaha, NE.

“We are feeling extremely fortunate and thankful to have this money in these difficult times for the arts,” said Steph Shultes, Iroquois Museum Director. “This year has been a challenging one due to the closure of Caverns Road for a bridge replacement. The closure has resulted in a 25% reduction in the Museum’s admissions, and this unexpected gift helps immensely.”

Kiewit is one of North America's largest and most respected construction and engineering companies. They are currently working on a project from Canada to NYC. Kiewit is working closely with the cultural resource company, Hartgen Archeological Association, based in Rensselaer. Hartgen's founder was a former board member of the Iroquois Museum.

 

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What it Takes to be a Hag - New York’s Dancing Haggs Release their Inner Spirit and get Witchy for a Good Cause

By Helen Truszkowski

UPSTATE, NEW YORK — Turning one unfortunate historical blip on its head, enter stage left The Happy Haggs Dance Troupe of Central NY. This self-styled “theatrical group of amateur volunteer women, maidens, mothers and crones” unapologetically harness the aging goddess within. Embracing a mixture of pagan and modern customs to create a fascinating spectacle, the group performs as cackling witches with the aim of connecting people to alternative healing techniques, developing spirituality and spreading pure joy. The volunteer dance troupe first got together in 2017 with just 5 dancers, and now has over 25 members. 

While it is Hecate, the Greek goddess who presided over witchcraft and magical rites, that is considered the original “Night-Hag,” the classic hook-nosed, warty image of a stereotyped witch surfaced well before gynaecology and obstetrics became professionalized. Back then aging women were systematically branded as ‘witches’ as a result of their unpredictable menopausal symptoms. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as witch hunts and trials swept throughout Europe, a frenzy of panic gripped the continent. An elderly woman, tagged as an embittered old hag who inflicted her resentment and jealousy on others, had serious moral overtones often resulting in death by burning. This negativity continued well into the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 

Fast forward two hundred years and it was the legendary Wolfshäger Hexenbrut coven of Germany that first jolted The Happy Haggs Dance Troupe interest. Their own inspiration is Germanic folklore, namely Walpurgisnacht, believed to be the night of a witches' meeting on the Brocken: highest peak in the Harz Mountains, a range of rugged wooded hills in northern Germany. When their coven's now-famous witch broom dance "Schüttle deinen Speck” went viral, the Happy Haggs took notice and adapted the choreography for their own spellbinding performances.

Cauldrons, black cats and dark magic aside, of course, the only thing these modern day witches practice is their dance moves. Digging deep and letting their inner witch soar, each dancer comes with their own individual style and flare. The wickedly whimsical witches can be seen performing all over Central New York. Not only do The Happy Haggs Dance Troupe of Central NY give back to the community, but they have also inspired other people to start similar dance groups of their own across the country. 

A special Haggs appearance helped mark The Tepee’s 75th anniversary celebration on October 4th. The 2025 annual Witch Walk and Dance will take place in downtown Saratoga Springs on Saturday, October 18th. The Witch Walk started as a Ballston Spa pub crawl in 2005 but has since evolved. This popular event is a fundraiser to benefit local animal organizations. Participants are encouraged to put together their most imaginative "witchy attire," decorating the streets with their over-the-top hats, brooms, and costumes. Each year, the Witch Walk grows more colorful, inclusive, and creative, adding new features like Witches Wander, with flash mob-style dances throughout the day, often teaching a few spectators along the way. To date the event has raised thousands of dollars in donations for animal charities.

As it turns out spreading peace, love and unity all year long through dance has other far reaching benefits. In a study published by the journal of The North American Menopause Society, it was noted that women who dance three times a week changed their body composition and metabolic health all while bolstering their self-esteem. Now that’s a bewitching win-win we can all get behind.

 

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