The Mountain Eagle

11/21/25

SSCS SENIORS ATTEND SKILLS-USA FALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 11/21/25 | 11/21/25

Gwodz and Merritt. Photo courtesy SSCS

SHARON SPRINGS — Two SSCS seniors were among 300 high school students from across New York state taking part in a leadership conference recently held at The Desmond Hotel – Crown Plaza.

Emily Gwozdz (right) and Alexzina Merritt, both enrolled at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Schoharie, attended the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference during which they honed their leadership, communication and professional skills.

Gwozdz, SkillsUSA chapter Vice President is studying Electrical Trades, and Merritt, Treasurer, is enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school and college students. The organization promotes personal and professional growth and offers students the opportunity to compete at the local, regional, state and national levels. The organization also promotes giving back to the community, locally resulting in collections each year for food pantries and city missions.

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St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church Celebrates The installation of two ikons and announces evensong Saturday November 22, 2025 4 pm

COBLESKILL — Fr. Paul Hunter, Rector of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Cobleskill, announced that there will be an Evensong Program on Saturday November 22, at 4 pm at St. Christopher’s on St. Christopher’s Place, Cobleskill.

Evensong is an ancient service of Prayers and Song to mark the end of the day. Some of the most beautiful sacred music has been composed for this service. Come and Sing with us. Evensong is for anyone who loves to sing or hear great music. Regardless of your religious affiliation or level of musical skill. Guest Organist, Dr. Brian Taylor, Director of Music at St George Episcopal Church in the Stockade District of Schenectady will be the organist. Join us at 4pm. The service will be followed by a light meal. There is no charge for this event.

St. Christopher’s recently installed and blessed a set on Ikons of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus and one of Jesus at their regular church service. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Ikons are a representation (as in a mural, a mosaic, or a painting on wood) of sacred events or especially of a sacred individual (such as Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a saint) used as an object of veneration or a tool for instruction. The Ikons were donated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Mark S. Sisk (Retired Bishop of the Diocese of New York) and his wife Karen to St. Christopher’s Church, where they are members. They reside in Jefferson.

A person and person standing in front of a cross

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Pictured with Ikons, The Rt.. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Retired Bishop of the Diocese of New York and Karen Sisk.

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Around the Neighborhood - Summit

Crazy as this sounds I used the leaf blower to blow the inch or so of fluffy snow and a few leaves off the porch and car last week; Too Funny. Later on I stationed the snow shovel (probably until April) on the porch for the wet snow to-be. The chickens stayed in their coop most of the 28 degree windy snowy day; not a very hardy bunch.

Last Saturday night it was pouring rain at 35 degrees plus the added attraction of thunder and lightning.

I follow the Central Bridge Farm Swap on Facebook and have gotten chickens there a couple of times. There are frequent posts for people trying to get rid of roosters, usually for free, because they have too many for the size of their flock. I feel sorry for the roosters sometimes but do not want anymore than the one I have. I believe the swaps are over soon with winter coming.

Watched granddaughter and 18 other girls play a game of basketball (sort of), at CRCS Ryder school, in the 1st & 2nd grade youth league.

Two of our youngest chickens watched over 20 turkeys go through our yard. I wonder what they think of each other. I have never seen that many turkeys come through at one time before.

Happy Birthday in November to Georgianna VanValkenburgh, of Charlotteville, and in December Bing Cummings, of Warnerville.

I hope deer hunters were successful over the weekend. I did not hear any gun shots nearby.

The Charlotteville Fire Department served 95 pork and ham dinners last Friday and served 124 people at breakfast Sunday. The Scratch off ticket raffle winner was Lori Fyfe of Charlotteville.

Copied from the Schoharie County Conservation Association (SCCA) October/November Newsletter - Summit Conservation Club:- Club meetings held on the second Monday @ 6 PM of each month. Starting in January Stuffed Pizza on Saturday Noon to 7PM & Sundays Noon to 4PM. Jan. 17th &18th; Feb. 21st & Jan. 22nd; Mar. 14th & 15th; April 18th & 19th. Pancake Breakfast Sundays 8Am -11AM: Jan. 4th, Feb.1st, Mar. 1st, No breakfast in April. Conservation Club phone # 518-287-1710, address 109 Club Drive Summit.

November 23- Charlotteville Schoolhouse Tree Lighting in their Front Memorial Garden 641 Charlotte Valley Road at 4:30pm with hot cocoa and cookies. Light Up Charlotteville for Christmas! Place battery-operated candles in your windows and join us for the Second Annual Tree Lighting. Bring and add an ornament to the tree in memory of a loved one. Caroling encouraged.

The Fulton Historical Society Veterans Park on Rte 30 Breakabeen received a donation from Fred Eckner of 157 concrete and excavation to improve the sidewalk leading to the pavilion. The Historical Society & the Veterans, who served our country, are grateful for the donation of product and labor.

The Town of Fulton Historical Society 2026 calendars of Businesses in our town are on sale. You can find them at: The Breakabeen General Store, the Treasure barn on Route 30 under Vrooman’s Nose, Town of Fulton Town Clerk, or the Middleburg Mercantile on Main Street. Middleburgh or you can contact Joyce Hodder @ 518-827-5618 or Becky Noxon @ 518-827-5804. Price is $12.00 each, they make great holiday gifts.

I know the Maple Festival isn’t until the end of April 2026 but if you are interested in being a vendor, advertising in their booklet (they need info. by February 1st) or volunteering contact Judy Lape at 518-231-2385.

November 27 – Thanksgiving Day

November 27 – Schoharie County 38th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, for home delivery call Office for the Aging 518-295-2001 by noon November 21.

November 29 – Holiday Market for small Business Saturday at Jefferson Central School, contact Andi Cammer if interested in being a vendor 607-652-7822 or acammer@jeffersoncsd.org.

December 2- West Fulton Rod & Gun Club meeting, for info. email westfultonrodandgunclub@gmail.com

December 4 – Fulton Historical Society meeting and covered dish for holiday celebration 4pm at Fulton Town hall. Snow date December 5th. Check The Town of Fulton Historical Society Facebook page for any changes.

December 5 – Miracle on Main Street in Middleburgh 5:30-8:30pm.

December 6 – Schoharie Valley Concert Band Holiday Concert 7pm at CRCS High School.

December 6 – Christmas Parade in Cobleskill leaves Price Chopper parking lot at 5pm.

December 6 – Defensive Driving Course at Charlotteville Firehouse 9am-3pm, cost $35, call Sherry Stewart 607-538-9632 or Georgia VanValkenburgh 607-422-6000 to register.

December 7- Charlotteville Schoolhouse off-site fundraiser at Aubuchon Ace Hardware 783 East Main St Cobleskill Brooks BBQ chicken halves $10 - we start serving hot off the grill at 11am until sold. Assorted baked goods from our member volunteers will also be available for sale.

December 7 – Holiday Market at Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton 1468 Sawyer Hollow Road noon-5pm, pub open 4-8pm.

December 12 – Christmas at Stamford Library 3pm includes stories with Mrs. Claus, ornament making, letters to Santa, and lots of delicious cookies and cocoa! At 5 p.m., we will bundle up to sing Christmas carols along Stamford's Main Street!

December 13 – Chocolate Jumble/Jumbo Cookie Contest at Old Stone Fort Badgley Museum Annex- cookie drop off 10am-1pm- judging 1-3pm.

December 13- Wreaths Across America ceremony 11am at Charlotteville Cemetery, Baptist Church Rd. There are 78 veterans in the cemetery that will be getting wreaths.

December 13 & 27 - Fulton Recycling Saturdays 7am-noon at the town hall 1168 Bear Ladder Rd.

December 14 – Last day in 2025 that the Richmondville Antiques & Flea Market is open.

December 18 – Summit Town Board meeting 7pm at town hall.

December 25 - Christmas

History

November 14, 1895 Jefferson Courier – Wharton Hollow column- Levi Beggs of Jefferson visited at Miles Crapser’s. - Miss Ethel Phillips is visiting at Jacob Colliton’s at Richmondville, and attending the institute. - Milton Dyer and Heman Coons were at Blenheim. - Born, Nov. 10th, to Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Coons, a daughter. - No school this week on account of the Institute which is being held at Richmondville. - Almond Palmer is working for his brother Jewett.

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SUNY Student Dies Following Accident

COBLESKILL - SUNY Cobleskill announced the death of student Ashlee Reeves after an accident Saturday night on State Route 7. Reeves was a sophomore.

As of printing, the cause of the vehicle-pedestrian accident is under investigation. The college offers mental health services for those in need at wellnesscenter@cobleskill.edu or 518-255-5225.

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The Professor’s Corner By Dr. Son Tran - Tip #11 - Find Your Niche

What it Means

Trying to serve everyone often means serving no one well. Finding a niche allows your business to specialize, become recognized for something specific, and attract loyal customers who value that expertise. It’s not about being small — it’s about being focused and distinctive.

Stories from the Business World

Dollar Shave Club began by targeting one narrow group: men frustrated with the high price and complexity of razors. Their humorous message — “Shave time. Shave money.” — resonated so strongly that the company grew into a $1 billion acquisition by Unilever. In contrast, many startups fail because they never define a clear market or problem to own.

Ways You Can Use It

- Identify one need or customer pain point you can solve better than anyone else.

- Focus your resources and marketing message around that unique strength.

- Build community around your niche through specialized knowledge or service.

- Avoid the trap of expanding too fast before mastering your first core audience.

Fun Examples

OatMeals, a café in New York City, became famous for serving only oatmeal — sweet or savory, customized to perfection. Its success proved that doing one thing exceptionally well can turn a simple idea into a beloved brand. Similarly, specialty bookstores like The Mysterious Bookshop in Manhattan, one of the world’s oldest mystery-only bookstores, attract devoted readers who seek expertise and community rather than casual browsing.

Final Thoughts

Your niche is where passion meets precision. Once you dominate a niche, expansion becomes easier and more natural — but it all starts with focus.

Dr. Tran teaches business and entrepreneurship at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech.

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Unbeaten SUNY Cobleskill Locks Down Alfred State, 49–40

Hannah Bonczkowski leads Tigers to 2-0 record with 14 points against Alfred State

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team kept its undefeated start rolling on Tuesday evening, grinding out a defensive 49–40 home victory over Alfred State inside Iorio Gymnasium. The Tigers once again leaned on their pressure, discipline, and hustle to secure another early-season win.

Hannah Bonczkowski (Gilbertsville, NY) led Cobleskill with 14 points on 4-of-15 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. The transfer guard added two rebounds, two assists, and three steals while providing scoring whenever the Tigers needed a lift. Sydney Delisle (Mechanicville, NY) reached double figures for the first time in her young career, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals on a strong 4-of-10 shooting night.

Off the bench, Kate Hadwen (Fair Haven, VT) contributed six points and three assists, while Kyra Pence (Randolph, NY) gave Cobleskill another steady all-around performance with seven points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Inside, Mady Victorin (Menands, NY) owned the glass, pulling down a team-high 13 rebounds to go with three points. Junior Alyssa Martin (Castleton, NY) also provided an offensive spark with six points off the bench.

In a game dominated by defense, clean looks were hard to come by for both sides. Cobleskill shot 22.2 percent from the field while Alfred State finished at 21.8 percent. The Tigers knocked down five threes to the Pioneers’ one, but the biggest difference came from Cobleskill’s defensive pressure. The Tigers forced 28 turnovers - converting them into 21 points - and finished with 13 assists to Alfred’s five. Alfred held a slight 51-46 edge on the glass, but Cobleskill’s disruption controlled the rhythm of the game from start to finish.

After falling behind 1-0 early, Cobleskill responded with a 7-0 run capped by a Bonczkowski three assisted by Hadwen to take a 7-1 lead. Alfred State clawed back to make it 7-5 late in the first quarter, but free throws from Zaylee Ramos (Worcester, MA) helped the Tigers carry a 9-7 advantage into the second.

Alfred briefly cut the lead to one early in the second quarter, but Cobleskill held firm. With the Tigers ahead 15-14 after a pair of Pioneer free throws, Bonczkowski buried another three to spark a late push, sending Cobleskill into halftime with a 19-15 lead. Bonczkowski paced the Tigers at the break with six points while Pence added five. Victorin had already made her presence known with eight rebounds.

Bonczkowski opened the third quarter with a deep triple off a Delisle assist, and the Tigers soon stretched the lead to nine after Delisle splashed in another three to make it 27-18. Alfred stayed within striking distance and trimmed the margin to 29-24, but Delisle drilled a buzzer-beating three at the horn to send Cobleskill into the fourth quarter up 32-24.

A Bonczkowski free throw pushed the lead to 35-26 early in the fourth before Alfred mounted one final push, closing the gap to 40-36 with 4:41 remaining. The Tigers answered immediately, flipping the momentum with a clutch 6-0 run fueled by four points from Martin to take control at 46-36. From there, Cobleskill closed out the final minutes with steady defense and timely execution to secure the 49-40 victory.

Up Next:

The Fighting Tigers return to the court on Friday, November 21, for their first North Atlantic Conference contest of the season as they travel to UMaine-Farmington for a 7:30 p.m. showdown.

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Upcoming Grocery Distribution Events Hosted by Schoharie Community Hub

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Residents of Schoharie County are invited to take part in free drive-thru grocery distribution events hosted by the Schoharie Community Hub. All food is donated by local farmers, businesses, and community members. Organized by the Schoharie County Department of Health, in partnership with Community/Mental Hygiene Services, Veterans Services, Department of Social Services, Office for the Aging, and Public Transportation, the event aims to support local residents by offering pre-bagged groceries and fresh produce, with one bag available per household.

“This is about showing up for our neighbors,” said Dr. Nicole Blanchard, Director of the Schoharie County Department of Health. “Whether you're facing food insecurity or simply need a little extra support this season, we’re here to help—no questions asked.”

“The Schoharie Community Hub was created to support times like these. Schoharie is a small and resilient county whose strength seems to rest in our ability to lean on each other during times of struggle. The willingness of so many organizations to work together toward one shared mission reflects what makes Schoharie County so great. Being able to rely on our neighbors ensures that we can be prepared for any struggle by having the resources, commitment, and knowledge to pull us through,” said Dr. Blanchard.

Currently, two events are scheduled, with more to come as supplies last.

November 23, 2025 1:00-3:00pm

Blenheim Post Office/EMS Parking Lot

1748 NY-30

North Blenheim, NY 12131

November 26, 2025 1:00-3:00pm

Seward Town Office Building

795 Lowe Rd,

Cobleskill, NY 12043

No registration is required. Participants can simply drive through during event hours to receive their groceries. Additionally, we will deliver to those who are homebound. Assistance can be requested at https://www.schohariecommunityhub.org/tiles/assistance or by calling Liz at 518-295-8733.

Want to get involved? https://www.schohariecommunityhub.org/tiles/volunteers

Want to donate? https://www.schohariecommunityhub.org/tiles/ServiceSubmissions

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Upcoming Honor Flight Information

COBLESKILL — The LHF Veterans Initiative, an outgrowth of Leatherstocking Honor Flight, is planning to Honor Purple Heart Recipients with a one-day bus ride to the Hudson Valley to visit Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor and West Point.

We will meet for breakfast at The Zaloga Post in the Albany area where we will park for the day and board the bus for our tour. Lunch and dinner will also be provided.

The event is plus one and due to the donations by people who want you to be honored, the event is free to all recipients and their guests.

If you would like to join us for a great day, please call Greg @ 518 366 9296 or email us at gfurlong9296@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your service and your sacrifice.

Greg Furlong

Prés. LHF Veterans Initiative

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Firewood for a Great Cause

By Alexis Pencar
CHERRY VALLEY — The Good Samaritan Firewood Project of Otsego County is now back at it assisting neighbors in need with free firewood during these harsh cold months. Whether it’s for a firewood delivery to a home or bundles to the Food Banks, it’s actions like this that make communities stronger.
This altruistic endeavor led by John Meyer of Cooperstown, started out small in 2021, and has since positively influenced countless individuals. “The goal is to supply 30 face cord per winter to those in need, particularly Veterans and families” said Meyer.
With a new wood processor this past year, it’s helped push along the mission of Good Samaritan, which is “to provide warmth to our neighbors in need while providing resources and financial support to our brothers and sisters in the charitable community… One friend gathers what another friend spills!”
Local deliveries are now under way, servicing a broad range (as supplies last) for Otsego, Schoharie, or Delaware County.
“I live to help people and always have, it’s in my fiber” said John Meyer in an exclusive interview last week, “We have a lot of wood so it’s just right to share it.” It was explained that this all came about with the 140 acre woodlot owned by The Meyers, making this a family front with John at the helm and wife Jessica Meyer and two sons Sean Meyer & Kyle Meyer on board too, helping with everything from cutting wood to making calls. “We cut and split all the wood ourselves in the Summer and it takes a lot of time, but doing the right thing never gets old!” offered Meyers.
This is emergency help with no judgement, just give a call and see if they are available. Good Samaritan, just like it’s name sake, has come in to assist those experiencing temporary financial hardship or even those experiencing more long-term hardship, like the sudden loss of a spouse.
With mottos like “Firewood’s Saving Grace” and “May the forest be with you”, this family is serious about their generosity! Not only do they help individuals with free firewood deliveries but can also provide free firewood bundles to Food Pantries as well as other charitable organizations. If you are in an emergency situation in Otsego, Schoharie, or Delaware County, please reach out.
Have you ever wanted to help in a greater cause? The Good Samaritan Firewood Project is always looking for volunteers whether it be for wood cutting in the warmer months or deliveries in the winter, there is always a way to help out!
If you are in need this winter or want to learn more on how to help or participate, please get in touch with Good Samaritan Firewood Project at goodsamaritanfirewoodproject.com or call (607) 547-6053.

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Freeguard and Wilder Jr. Named Fighting Tiger Athletes of the Week

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department has announced that senior runner Alyssa Freeguard (Argyle, NY) and junior Bruce Wilder Jr. (Rochester, NY) have been named the Fighting Tiger Athletes of the Week for the period ending November 16, 2025.
Freeguard turned in her strongest performance of the season at the NCAA Regional Championship, leading Cobleskill for the first time this fall. The senior placed 88th overall in 24:50.6, closing out her year with one of her most consistent efforts of the campaign.
Wilder Jr. delivered a breakout performance on Tuesday night against Alfred State, scoring a game-high 33 points in a dynamic all-around showing. He went 13-for-25 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line while adding five rebounds, three steals, and an assist. The junior guard caught fire after halftime, scoring 23 of his 33 points in the second half as he attacked the rim and connected from all levels. His 33 points mark the highest single-game scoring effort by a Fighting Tiger since February 17, 2024.

Alyssa Freeguard led the Tigers are the NCAA Division III Niagara Regionals

Bruce Wilder Jr. poured in 33 points against Alfred State - most points by a player since 2:17:24

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Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus

COBLESKILL — Kick off your holiday season with this charming production of Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus by the Theater Project of Schoharie County. Shows Friday 11/21 and Saturday 11/22 at 7 pm and Sunday 11/23 at 2 pm at Golding Middle School in Cobleskill. You can buy tickets online at theaterproject.org or at the door. $12 general admission, $8 for students/seniors. All are welcome! Generous Secret Santa donations means noone will be turned away; just ask for complimentary tickets at the door or DM us on Facebook to reserve your tickets in advance. We believe in Santa Claus!

Pictured are: Kylie Soucia as Virginia, with Zack Smith, Rebecca Louch, Brian Elder and Natasha Foote as her family, and Kyrie Gural as Margaret Murphy. Seated on the carpet are her friends Mya Perotti, Bella Yorke and Sophia Conover. Directed by Jamie Crewell.

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Art Around Town Exhibit at the Bank of Richmondville

COBLESKILL — Art students from Cobleskill-Richmondville High School are currently exhibiting their artwork at the Bank of Richmondville in Cobleskill as part of the district’s ongoing Art Around Town program.

The monthly initiative connects student artists with local businesses, giving them the opportunity to share their work with the community in a professional setting.

This month’s exhibition, Sounds Like a Notan, features work from Mr. Hopkins’ Studio Art classes. The pieces explore Notan — a Japanese design concept meaning the “balance between light and dark.” Students created bold compositions inspired by onomatopoeia, using words like Whoosh, Buzz, and Slurp as the foundation for their designs.

Each participating student will receive a Certificate of Exhibition signed by their principal and art teacher.

The exhibit will be on display through the end of November. Community members are encouraged to stop by the Bank of Richmondville to view the student work.

[Click here for pictures]

If you own a business and are interested in participating in the Art Around Town program, contact:

Matthew Hopkins

Cobleskill-Richmondville CSD

Art Department Chair

High School Art Teacher

Art Club Advisor

(518) 234-3565 x 1197/1198

hopkinsm@crcsd.org