Storybrook Hollow Ready for the Season

CAIRO — Storybrook Hollow in Cairo continues to boost Greene County’s growing creative and small business scene. The distinctive castle-style venue, known for its craftsmanship and locally sourced design highlighting the area’s strong culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Featured in the October episode of The Best Kept Secrets of Greene County Podcast, owner Chad Paliotta shared how a vision grounded in artistry and community collaboration has grown into a thriving local business. Storybrook Hollow also received a silver medal for its “Once Upon a Time” Golden Ale at the Tap NY Craft Beer Festival hosted by Blackthorn Resort, emphasizing the business’s expansion into the locally sourced craft beverage sector and its ongoing contribution to Greene County’s diverse economy. Find out more at https://storybrookhollow.com/

 

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The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby

PRATTSVILLE – To all our veterans THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. You are the best.

For our local veterans, the American Legion Auxiliary, Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, will be sponsoring a Veterans’ Day Bake Sale on Saturday, November 8, 9 AM, at Jim’s Great American, Prattsville. Please bake, buy and/or donate. The proceeds from this Bake Sale is just for the benefit of local veterans and/or their families. If you know of any veterans and/or their families who are in need, please contact an Auxiliary member. Please bake, buy or donate. All help is appreciated. Remember the Veterans Day Program at Gilboa Conesville CS, on Monday, November 10, 9 PM. The youngest students are a joy to watch as they eagerly and energetically honor our veterans.

Family ties are the best. Jim and Debbie Brainerd Dymond picked up Deb’s brother Randy and they all went to brother Gene and Debbie Case Brainerd’s for a family evening dinner recently. Everyone enjoyed the evening’s conversation and family ties. We send Randy continued good wishes for good health.

Also we wish Claudia Bracaliello some good health. Send her some get well wishes with prayers and love. Here you go Claudia.

Had a very nice note from veteran and wife with a generous donation to the 2025 VA Christmas Celebration, now it its twenty-first year. The accompanying note giving their reasons for supporting this program should be shared and an excerpt follows: “...has been receiving services at the Albany Stratton VA Medical center….[and] the staff there have always been so very kind & helpful. We have also enjoyed many conversations with other veterans there as well. We want to start paying it forward. Please accept our donation towards the Christmas gifts that are provided for the Veterans every year. We know there are many who help with purchasing, wrapping, etc for these gifts. Thank you for all you do!” We, the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 and American Legion Virgil E. Deyo Post 1327, Prattsville, are very grateful for the support from fellow veterans and their families and all grateful citizens supporting our Christmas Celebration each year. This is our way of saying “Thank you for your service” to those veterans. We also thank this veteran and his family for sharing their sentiments and gratitude and donation, and I will add: their pride is serving Our Country.

To Mother Nature: What a bummer Friday evening and Saturday turned out to be. No power for nineteen hours. Some of us were lucky to have generators that turned out automatically when the power went out. Others were out there cranking up their gasoline generators. But whatever works is a good thing. The downed tree on the west side of the lower Main Street bridge that brought down all sorts of electrical equipment was the prime culprit. No more weather excitement for some time!

Cathy Martino, Marianne Krauss and Ginny Gurley, Auxiliary members of Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327, attended the Greene County American Legion Auxiliary meeting on Saturday. No power at home so might as well attend a meeting out of town. Point of interest for our High School Junior girls at Gilboa Conesville Central School, the Empire Girls State to be held at the end of June and the beginning of July. The girls must be a good scholastic student as well as being involved in extra activities at home and in their community and be of good character. Many of our girls meet that curriculum so be sure to get your paperwork in at the beginning of January 2026. The attendance fee is paid by the American Legion Auxiliary with a nominal fee paid by the parents to assure participation.

Our deepest condolences to the family of Gary Ramundo who recently died. We send our love and sympathy to his wife Kathy and son Matthew and Matthew’s wife and son. Gary was a proud veteran and we thank him for his service. May his family find peace and comfort in knowing that our community mourns with them.

Does anyone in Prattsville remember Sonia Plankenhorn, Gilboa Class of ‘57. She was a Prattsville girl and one of her best friends in high school was Patty Mueller. The two of them had a lengthy telephone conversation recently to catch up on personal matters and this to let you know that friendships can last a lifetime. Patty lives in Middleburgh and Sonia at one time lived in California but spends a lot of her time traveling about. Sonia was a flight attendant and then went on with academic studies and then became a grandmother. And you know what happens with grandparenthood – you become a slave to a much smaller and younger person (s). Stay in touch with your friends however recent or from days gone by.

Happy Birthday to Devon Gurley on November 8.

And a very Happy Anniversary to Ron and Mary Cline on November 14. Along with those anniversary wishes, we also want to send them some good health.

Guess no one wanted to get married nor have children in November. You can still plan for next year.

Send news, events and special days to gurleyrv@gmail.com or call 518 299 3219.

 

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Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - Life’s Playlist

Logic would dictate that we’d accrue a pretty lengthy playlist over our lifetime.

Beginning with “twinkle, twinkle, little star” alongside the sweet lullabies sung to us by our Mom’s at bed time, we surely have retained a pretty long list of memories side by side throughout the years.

I create playlists for a living. I bring a variety of music twice weekly to my fitness classes. The music that I choose drives the movements and then the mood in the classes.  I get to create that momentum by tapping into our memory banks. Win. Win. After almost 14 years of driving this healthy and fit bus in this direction, I know for sure that it’s the oldies from back in the 50’s and 60’s that are at the core of all this. 

The music that makes up “our” playlists definitely is shareable with our grand kids…go ahead sing out loud without worrying about having to explain suggestive words to them.

I will admit that early on in my years as an instructor, I mistakenly offered a song selection in our group that got me into a bit of a pickle. The evening of that particular class had me explaining to a Dad that I would be more mindful of allowing songs like

“I’m sexy and I know it!” to be part of my playlist since his 6 year old daughter had returned home with her Grandma who attended class that day. I got that message loud and clear.

It makes me realize that the musicians and song writers from back in the day must have had pretty decent upbringings when you take a moment to think about 

Bill Withers and his hit song, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. This one is definitely a class favorite.

Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby were unstoppable with their duo, 

“That’s Amore.”  We sing this one out loud every time it comes up in rotation.

Bobby Rydell won over everyone's hearts with “Volare”.

Then Dion brought us the beat to “The Wanderer” and we'd be humming this one for an hour or more after classes concluded.

Life’s playlists are such an essential part of our evolution as  humans.

Music mimics that constant beat that we experience within our hearts and one that we take for granted. We carry that vibration into pretty much everything that we do. 

We are affected by rhythms impacting our moods, our cognitive functions and our physical well-being.

It is such a fundamental aspect of so much of our functionality and creates the basis for some pretty great workouts and so much more.

What’s on your Life’s playlist?

Pat Larsen, is a syndicated columnist and author who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County, NY

Active Seniors enjoy her classes weekly at The Shamrock House

In East Durham. Interested? Give her a call.

518-275-8686 

 

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Local SPTO Hosts Trick or Trunk in Tannersville

Article and Photos By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE – The annual Trick or Trunk took place in the Village of Tannersville last Friday despite the nasty weather. It was a dark and stormy night on All Hallows' Eve in the Village, with gusts of wind between 35 and 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Although intense rainstorms were forecast, the mountaintop was spared during the event.

The Trick or Trunk tradition began in 2014, and was originally held at the Town of Hunter Town Hall before moving to Main Street in Tannersville, according to former SPTO President Amy Maul, who was involved with the SPTO for 11 years. Since moving locations, Main Street has been closed to traffic during the event to allow local businesses to hand out treats from the decorated trunks of their vehicles. Some go all out — this year, Hunter Mountain transformed a passenger bus into a haunted one.

Maul said that Trick or Trunk was the brainchild of Donna Bates, Erika Haines, Robin Radcliffe, and Barbara Bates. “As a collective, we founded Trick or Trunk and had the first one at the Town Hall in 2014. We had it there for two years prior to coordinating with the Village and moving it to Main Street.”

Courtney Brady, current President of the Hunter-Tannersville Student Parent Teacher Organization (SPTO), said the weather affected turnout. "Turnout was decent – but it wasn't as good as last year, which was really packed," she said. Fewer trunks participated this year, but Brady added, "The turnout was still great – a lot of people came." Brady has served as SPTO president for at least two years.

Each year, more local businesses join in. "It seems to be growing," Brady said. "Businesses seem to be getting more involved every year. Last Chance Cheese had hot chocolate, and there was even cotton candy."

For the first time, the Hunter Foundation hosted a haunted house, created by Director of Operations Holly Velez with help from her husband, Joshua Lacey. "It was all his idea," Holly said, explaining that they had collected Halloween decorations for years and finally put them to use. "They did an awesome job," Brady added.

Other community members also contributed. Terrence Maul, owner of The Pantry on Main, handed out free hot dogs, and the Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café served hot chocolate. Brady also thanked the mountaintop Stewart's for donating four ice cream sundae kits, each serving 50 people. "We didn't go through it all, but last year we did because it was much warmer," she said.

"Everyone does it for the kids – we're excited to see all the people come together," Brady said. Adults joined in too, putting effort into their costumes. The Village coordinated the street closure, but Brady noted the event relies entirely on volunteers and donations. "Each participating business with a trunk buys its own candy," she said, adding that Hannaford also donated some.

This year's promotion was simple: "All I did was put a flier up on our Facebook page," Brady said. Lisa Poole, an SPTO member, hand-delivered fliers to local businesses. Brady mentioned she couldn't get in touch with the Hunter Chamber of Commerce, saying, "There's really no central person to contact to organize these events."

David Schneider, President of the Chamber, responded, "The [Hunter] Chamber of Commerce still exists, but other initiatives and businesses have a further reach on social media than the Chamber." He added, "Members continue to meet every month and the Chamber is still here to support local businesses when they participate in events."

The Chamber's website remains active, listing 57 member businesses and providing a contact form and membership application. However, the site is outdated, as some listed businesses have since closed.

Next year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which has some business owners concerned. Brady worries about the impact on Main Street businesses during their busiest night. One business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said, "I think the Village should be respectful of local businesses, especially on a Friday night – weekends are our moneymakers. Next year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which will be a huge inconvenience."

The source noted that Main Street closures limit parking and access to shops. "Visitors to the area don't know where extra parking is located due in part to either a lack of signage or teeny-tiny signs that can be easily overlooked on a busy Saturday night." Despite these concerns, they added that they appreciated the efforts of the SPTO, the Village, the community, and community businesses.

Longtime attendees Donny and Jenna VanValkenburgh have been coming to Trick or Trunk for at least 10 years. "It's our favorite holiday, and it's a time to express creativity, have fun, and celebrate," Jenna said. Donny added, "It's safe for the kids. When I grew up, we didn't have this."

This year's Trick or Trunk was the Kaatskill Mountain Club's first year participating in the event. Taylor Wojno and Andrew Alexander handed out treats to all ages. "We wanted to get out in the community more and connect with everyone," Wojno said.

Looking ahead, Brady hopes to expand the event. "Next year I'd like Trick or Trunk to be more like a festival, with local businesses giving discounts," she said. "It could be a really cool community event, and we could make it bigger and better, but it's hard to coordinate everybody."

Village Mayor Dr. Lee McGunnigle expressed gratitude to all participants but acknowledged that next year's Saturday date poses challenges. "It may serve us well next year to do this at the Upper Lake Park – there's plenty of parking and green space for activities," he said, adding that he had already shared the idea with the SPTO.

 

                                A group of revelers at Trick or Trunk in Tannersville on October 31

 

                                                        Donny and Jenna VanValkenburgh

                                                                    The Figiel Family 

 

Tom and Ryland Stanley Came From Catskill to Tannersville's Trick or Trunk

 

Trick or Trunk on Main Street Tannersville on Halloween
 

 

 

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Titus Geology Walk A Success

 

Saturday, November 1st, was a busy day for geologist and Mountain Eagle columnist Robert Titus. He did a morning geology walk at Clermont, the old Livington family home on the east side of the Hudson River. Then in the afternoon he ran two geology walks at Spiral House Park in Saugerties.

 

 

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Around the Mountain with LJ James - Grey Horse Farms, Stall Or Treat (With Real Live Unicorn!)

CAIRO — One of my favorite things that has become big in recent years leading up to Halloween is "Trunk or Treats". They are a great way to get the kids (and me) all excited as Halloween draws near. I have taken my nieces to a bunch of them this year. 

When I heard "Grey Horse Farms" 418 Sunside Rd, in Cairo was having a "Stall or Treat" with horses in costumes, I knew it was something we had to check out. 

We were not disappointed. The event had horses dressed up in costumes, such as Bathorse, the Lorax Horse, a Ghost Horse, and even an Ozzy Osborne Horse.

All the horses had buckets full of candy in front of the stalls for the kids to take as they petted and interacted with the horses. There was bobbing for apples and even pumpkin painting. 

The highlight of the event was definitely the "Real Live Unicorn". I was skeptical at first and thought that the unicorn was fake, but after a quick inspection, it was clear this unicorn was 100% real! For only $5, children were able to ride on the unicorn in the arena inside the giant barn.

I talked with Hillary, the owner of Grey Horse Farms and the person running the event. I asked her, Where did the idea for this event come from? She told me, "She just feels there is not enough stuff for kids to do in the area" and hey, when you own your own real live unicorn, who isn't going to want to show it off? 

This was the first year for this event, and it was absolutely cool and different. I spoke with some of the staff, and they said they are looking to make it bigger and better next year.  

Of all the horses, the coolest one was definitely "The Dude" But yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, my opinion, man! 

To learn more about Grey Horse Farms,  check out their website at GreyHorseFarms.com

This is Around the Mountain with LJ James

 

 

 

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Republicans Win Key Races

By Michael Ryan

MOUNTAINTOP - Clear mandates were delivered in the town supervisor races in Jewett and Windham where the Republican Party continues to dominate the political scene.

Otherwise, only one of the other six mountaintop towns, Prattsville, had any suspense while all candidates in Ashland, Hunter and Lexington were unopposed.

      JEWETT

“The people have spoken,” said Jewett town supervisor Greg Kroyer after handily defeating write-in hopeful John Pumilia despite an unusual and sudden October surprise.

Kroyer garnered 188 votes with 71 write-ins listed by the Greene County Board of Elections (with no specific recipient named).

In what turned out to be a battle of two Republicans, Kroyer was running unopposed for a second 4-year term until mid-October when Pumilia announced his candidacy.

Sparks had flown between Kroyer and Pumilia in town council meetings leading up to the announcement by Pumilia, a current town councilman.

Pumilia will retain his seat for the next two years while Kroyer commences his second term as supervisor, having already served four years.

“I would like to say thank you very much to the people who supported us,” Kroyer said, also referring to incumbent councilmen James Pellitteri and John Giordano who likewise were challenged.

Two spots were available on the council among four candidates. Pellitteri (173 votes) and Giordano (179), both Republicans, emerged victorious over  Democrats William Rod (121) and Renee Blinkwolt (100) with 28 write-in votes. Tammy Vanucchi ran as a write-in.

“We will continue to do what’s best for the residents of the town of Jewett. Hopefully now we can all start pulling in the same direction again like we used to,” Kroyer said.

Kroyer noted several infrastructure projects that have been accomplished in his administration, vowing to continue those efforts while seeking and finding grant dollars to limit the burden on local taxpayers.

“I accept the results,” Pumilia said. “Of course, I wanted to win but it was an obvious long shot, having only three weeks to campaign.

“I’m not happy about a lot of things going on [within the town council] and I will not give up my fight. I feel I made a statement and got a lot of support from people,” Pumilia said.

      WINDHAM

Thomas Hoyt was effusively appreciative to the voters after winning a fourth term as town supervisor in Windham.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Hoyt, an incumbent Republican, securing victory over Democratic Party challenger Connor Exum, 373 to 166, in unofficial Board of Elections results.

“I am deeply appreciative of the support from the community. It shows that we, as a town board, are doing the right thing for the town.

“Windham residents had the confidence to put us back in office. This shows overwhelming appreciation from the people we work for,” Hoyt said.

Joining Hoyt on the GOP ticket and successfully seeking re-election were incumbents Wayne Van Valin (338 votes) and Ian Peters (328), topping Democratic Party challenger Debra Daily (235).

Two spots were open on the council among the trio of candidates. The only other race was for town justice where current judge Marilyn Carreras, a Republican (304 votes), won over Democrat Ann Marie Rabin (244). 

Two other Republicans, incumbent tax collector Katherine Murray (433 votes) and highway superintendent candidate Robert Murray (422) were unopposed. Murray will replace retiring roads chief Gary Thorington.

Exum, a political newcomer, said, “I would like to thank all the other Democratic candidates who ran in this incredibly difficult race.

“We attempted to do something in our community that hasn’t been done in nearly a decade. It is important to remember that no matter the outcome of this election, we came out and we made our ideas known to the public. 

“I would also like to congratulate Mr. Hoyt on a well-run campaign.  His campaign was well executed and very impressive,” Exum said.

“Unfortunately, this time we failed to persuade enough of the general public to win the day.  But that will not deter the Democratic Committee in Windham from mounting a future campaign,” Exum said.

Hoyt will serve a one-year term before needing to run again due to new State election rules, for the normal 2-year term. Exum said a second campaign is much more than likely.

ASHLAND

There was no mystery in Ashland where Republicans maintained their mastery, all running unopposed, led by incoming town supervisor Chris Hamilton (120 votes), succeeding legendary supervisor Richard Tompkins.

Richard Tompkins isn’t going far, being elected highway superintendent (128 votes), replacing Larry Tompkins, who is retiring.

Incumbent town clerk Dawn Thorp (136 votes) and incumbent town councilmen Scott Tuttle (119) and Jeff Gonzalez (128) were re-elected. Garth Aull (128) was newly elected town justice.

PRATTSVILLE

There were seven positions open in Prattsville with several familiar names on the ballot, resulting in a clean Republican Party sweep.

Incumbent town supervisor Greg Cross, running unopposed, was returned to office (187 votes), where he will be joined on the town council by fellow GOPers Eli Martin and Heidi Ruehlmann.

Martin (155 votes) and Ruehlmann (151), both incumbents, staved off Democratic Party hopefuls Stephanie Braswell (87) and Darcy Jaeger-Brand (88).

Incumbent town clerk Theresa Whitworth (154 votes) was victorious over Democratic Party choice and former town councilwoman Bonita Chase (86), while Dewitt Olmstead will be the next highway superintendent.

Olmstead (142 votes) outlasted Democrat Jeremy Marsh (104) to replace William Sutton who is retiring after decades on the job.

Longtime tax collector Carole Cangelosi (186 votes) and incumbent town justice Daniel Peckham (235 votes) will be back, running unopposed.

LEXINGTON

Democrats and Republicans made the polling place easy breezy in the 2025 election, picking the same candidates for every open position.

Robert Riccardella (219 votes) was selected by Democrats and then cross-endorsed by Republicans, while incumbent town council members Bradley Jenkins (215) and Michael Barcone (221), Republican and Democrat, respectively, ran unopposed for two open council chairs.

Maureen Anshanslin (223) represented both parties for town clerk/tax collector, replacing popular Charlotte Jaeger who is retiring after a long and very successful career.

Incumbent highway superintendent Kevin Simmons Jr. (224) was unchallenged and ran on both the Democratic and Republican Party tickets, as did incumbent town justice Steven Rossignol (221).

While saying hello to Riccardella, the community will also be bidding an unwanted adieu to his predecessor, Jo Ellen Schermerhorn.

Schermerhorn, previously a town councilwoman, has earned the highest trust in her years as a public servant, wishing to spend more minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years with her grandchildren.

HUNTER 

Republicans and Democrats made everything simple as pie in the town of Hunter where everyone ran unopposed, including incumbent town supervisor Sean Mahoney (409 votes), who was endorsed by the two major parties and the important Conservative Party.

Following suit with the political triumvirate were incumbent town councilman Dolph Semenza (407) and current town justice Kimberly Prince Walsh (414) . 

Tabbed by both Democrats and the GOP were incumbents Ernest Reale (400) for town council and Robert Blain (423) for highway superintendent.

 

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