SCHOHARIE - After school on Friday, Schoharie school Student Government and Gaming Club joined forces to host the second annual Holiday Game Night.
Students could win prizes by answering Jeopardy style trivia questions or participate in various board games with friends. There was plenty of food and drink, and a great time was had by all.
Photos courtesy Schoharie Central School.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - Main Street Middleburgh will be adding a new cafe and apothecary this month and possibly a senior center in 2026.
The Windswept Farm Apothecary is located in a storefront in the former theater on Main Street. The Windswept Farm Apothecary holistic wellness shop opened on December 1, and a ribbon cutting has been scheduled for Saturday, December 20 at 1pm.
A senior center could be located at the former town hall on Railroad Avenue.
The Country Cafe is moving from Main Street in Schoharie to Main Street in Middleburgh at the location of the former Cullen Bakery.
The cafe will host private parties, dinners, meetings at the cafe, weekly dinner specials -typically Wednesday and Friday nights. Owner Lexi Ryder announced that the cafe will also do catering - on and off site including delivery, buffets and themed dinners/events, have a “grab and go” cooler-which will change weekly- including soups by the quart, ready to bake trays, desserts and more, monthly breakfast club, and bulk/family meals.
In December, they will be transitioning to their new location.
They will be open for their first soup stroll on December 19 from 5-7pm.
Christmas pies, trays and platters will be available December 23 and 24 and dinners begin on January 2, offering pick up and delivery with dine in soon after.
As for the senior center, Ezequiel Rocha, who purchased the former town hall and a building on Main Street earlier this year, met with members of the village board on Monday.
He said that his initial plan for the old town hall was a multi-family building but that turned out to be too expensive to meet codes. Currently, he is looking at a community or senior center. It could be a three-family home if not a center.
A senior center could provide food and activities, said Mr. Rocha, who has experience in Medicaid and nursing in New York City and Westchester County.
He is working with an engineer for plans and will hopefully have those plans within the next two months, he told board members.
There is a sizable senior population in Middleburgh and the surrounding area.
As for Mr. Rocha's building on Main Street, he plans apartments on the second floor and a storefront on the first floor. It may be a home care site and service agency.
This is Jason from Schoharie Mechanical Services, your local HVAC professional, with tips for the homeowner.
Setback thermostats are one of the simplest yet most effective tools for improving comfort and cutting heating costs, but many homeowners still overlook their value. A setback thermostat allows you to automatically reduce the temperature when you’re asleep or away, then bring it back to a comfortable level before you return or wake up. This small adjustment can translate into meaningful savings—often without you ever noticing a difference in comfort.
In colder months, heating systems run hard, and every degree counts. By allowing your home to cool just a bit during low-use hours, you reduce the load on your furnace or boiler, lengthening its lifespan and lowering your fuel bill. Modern programmable and smart thermostats make this easier than ever, learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures intelligently.
Of course, setback strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Homes with heat pumps or radiant systems may need gentler setbacks to avoid inefficiency. But with proper settings, nearly every system can benefit. As HVAC professionals, we see the positive impact every day: quieter equipment, lower utility costs, and more consistent comfort.
A setback thermostat isn’t just a gadget—it’s a smart investment in your home’s long-term efficiency and comfort.
Brought to you by Schoharie Mechanical Services. 845-701-6185. Local and Insured
SCHOHARIE – Residents of Schoharie County and the surrounding communities are invited to a Community Christmas Eve Worship Service at Schoharie Valley Farms on Tuesday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. The service is co-hosted by The Schoharie Reformed Church and Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church.
This year’s gathering will include the reading of the Christmas story straight from Scripture, familiar carols, special music, a children’s message, and a candlelight closing. Children will stay in the main service with their families, and a brief time in the service will be set aside just for them.
All are welcome. An offering will be received and 100% of it will support the Joshua Project of Schoharie County, which provides food and essential assistance to local families.
Why the Service Is Being Held at the Farm
Across the country and here at home, people have been feeling the effects of uncertain and unsettled times. Moments like this highlight how important it is for communities to gather, lean on one another, and keep familiar traditions.
Schoharie Valley Farms has been a natural gathering place for that kind of togetherness before. After Hurricane Irene, several local churches held joint Christmas services there while rebuilding. Those services offered a sense of normalcy and connection when folks needed it most.
This year’s Christmas Eve service follows that same spirit. By returning to the farm, the hosting churches hope to offer a simple, welcoming space where neighbors can come together and share the peace and joy of Christmastime.
What to Expect
● A welcoming, family-friendly service
● Carols everyone knows
● Scripture readings
● Special music and a few short dramatic pieces
● Candlelight singing to close the night
● A service about an hour long
● A chance to gather as neighbors and celebrate the birth of Christ
More Information
Details and updates can be found on Facebook at:“Community Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Schoharie Valley Farms.” Questions can be asked directly on the event page, and guests are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors there as well.
All are welcome to join in this night of hope, peace, joy, love, and community.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - The world of AI is spreading to all subjects at Middleburgh Central School.
At the November school board meeting, district math and special education teachers spoke about how the new technology is helping them in the classroom and Superintendent Mark Place detailed the highlights of the professional development meeting last month that centered around AI.
Seventh and eighth grade Jessica Schoenecker told school board members that AI has made a big difference in the classroom.
AI, she said, has helped teachers write weekly quizzes, "do nows," weekly reviews, and tests, as well as scan assessments, and other tasks. It saves a lot of time, she noted.,
Elementary school math teacher Terry Burton said he used to write the "do now" by hand but now uses AI.
After "a lot of input," he was able to use AI to create 160 different do-nows in minutes, he said. Teachers are "finding ways to make the workload easier," he told board members.
AI, he added, is a learning process. "It will be slow progress to see what it's capable of."
A big help has been with helping teachers and students get ready for this year's fourth grade state assessment by developing similar questions, Mr. Burton said.
Elementary Special Education, Bri Slater said AI has helped teachers personalize learning and also saves time. "It takes time to get going, but then it goes quickly."
AI, she added, helps with revealing texts for different students.
AI is a tool that many teachers are still deciding how to use, she told school board members.
Secondary school special education teacher Josh Bornt said that with AI, teachers are "not teaching less, but teaching smarter."
Using AI, teachers are better able to create lessons for each student on that student's reading level. It is "more targeted" teaching, Mr. Bornt said.
AI, he added, helps you "create real world world problems to answer the student question, 'Where will I use this?'"
Superintendent Place said the main subject of the November 10 professional development day was the use of AI.
To show how easy it is to utilize AI, he used prompts and information to create a presentation for the board.
The presentation included a "call to action," an invitation to participate, "engage, be curious, and experiment," a weekly AI Minute that goes to all staff, and a pathway to policy.
Officials will get more feedback and discuss a policy with board members in December. A policy is expected to be adopted in the spring. Two surveys are going out soon.
The big question is, "When do we allow students to use AI?," Mr. Place said.
MVVDMS 2025 champions were honored at their annual banquet on Saturday at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant in Fonda. LtoR are Scot Straight, Don Briggs, Jack Miller, Will Reed, and Jim Fugel. Biittig photo
By Ed & Betty Biittig
Although the racing season has ended, as usual, there's always another banquet. The banquet we attended on Saturday held special significance for us. The Mohawk Vintage Dirt Modified Series (MVVDMS) brings together individuals who share Ed's strong appreciation for the sport's rich history that we follow so closely. It began with a small group of former racers eager to relive the thrill of putting on their helmets and returning to the track, an experience they deeply missed after leaving the sport. For many, this meant retrieving their old cars from barns or garages and getting them back into racing shape. Each year, the organization recognizes those who consistently support the series at every event. Currently, the MVVDMS features nearly 50 competitors across five divisions: Modifieds, Sportsman, Late Models, Antiques, and Mystiques. Led by former racer Laurie Fallis and her dedicated team, the events are known for running smoothly. When speaking with many of the drivers, all agreed that the group is exceptionally well managed.
Champions for the 2025 season in their respective divisions were, Late Model, Will Reed of Stamford; Sportsman, Don Briggs, Cobleskill; Antique, Jim Fugel, Olive Bridge; Mistique, Scott Straight, Altamont; Modified, Jack Miller, Schoharie. The five champions were awarded special plaques and jackets.
The Super Iron Man award recognizes MVVDMS members who attended every event during the 2025 season. This year's recipients are Don Briggs, Joann Flansberg, Tom LaBarr, Jack Miller, and Tim Blake.
Attendance on Saturday nearly reached 150 attendees, and the promoter, Laurie Fallis, dedicated significant effort and time to expressing gratitude and recognition to the supporters of the MVVDMS. During the acknowledgments, numerous raffle and door prizes, generously donated by participants and sponsors, were distributed.
Please note that June 13, 2026, is an important date for the upcoming Fonda racing season, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Fonda Speedway. Eric Mack of DKM Fabrication is organizing a special Nostalgia Night to commemorate this milestone at the Track of Champions.
The third annual Lebanon Valley Car Show, presented by Lance and Jill Sharpe, will take place on March 13–14 at Colonie Center. This year’s event is larger, featuring cars from Albany-Saratoga, Lebanon Valley Dragway, Vintage Cars, and the Lebanon Valley Go-Kart track.
The show is dedicated to the memory of the Flyin’ Farmer, Jason Herrington. Proceeds from the Brown Bag Auction will support the To Life Breast Cancer Group. For more information, please contact Lance and Jill Sharpe at sharpelancel@gmail.com.
Modifieds and Sportsman are heading to All-Tech Raceway in Florida in February for the first ever DTD TV Showdown in the Sunshine State. Big-Block Modifieds and Sportsman running under the DIRTcar rules package, which includes Hoosier tires. Modified teams heading south can do the entire Modified swing while utilizing the same engine and rules package the following week for the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.
Sportsman teams running the DIRTcar rules package will be making their first ever trip to All-Tech Raceway as part of this four-night affair.
Practice begins Wednesday, February 4th before three big nights of racing on Thursday, February 5th through Saturday, February 7th. The Modifieds are slated to race 40-laps each night with a $5,000 winner’s check on the line while Sportsman teams compete for 25-laps and a $2,000 payday each night. Full event schedules with times and prices will be released in the coming weeks. For more information visit the website at www.dtdshowdown.com.
With racing over for the 2025 season, many of us won't see each other until the spring shows or next season’s races. Last Saturday, we learned that John Chris Grady had passed away after a long battle with cancer. We have known the Grady family for years, including Chris and his parents, John and Sondra. Chris fought bravely despite the odds and surprised us all by persevering for two more years. It was touching to witness his relationship with his girlfriend Lisa and her family, and we were honored to attend their wedding in June. Ed shared a special bond with both Chris and his father.
Until next time please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com
By David Avitabile
SCHOHARIE - Progress is being made to replace the antiquated Schoharie Bridge.
"The current status of the Schoharie Bridge Project is that engineering is currently underway and solicitation for bids will begin in the Spring of 2026," Lois Goblet, the chief of staff for state Assemblyman Chris Tague, announced last week.
In late November 2024, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced a series of aid packages including replacing the Bridge Street span.
Senator Schumer highlighted the nearly $12 million project to replace the Bridge Street bridge over the Schoharie creek in Schoharie from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
"The Bridge Street bridge is a vital connector in Schoharie County but after 100 years of use, it’s nearing the end of its useful life," he said The federal funding secured by the Senate will help the county build a new bridge increasing safety and creating jobs. New York State has put a weight restriction on the span due to its condition and the county is concerned that further disrepair would eventually be limited to use by emergency vehicles, the Senator added.
"The nearest bridge is approximately 10 miles away adding 20 minutes in commute time," if there were a closure, he noted, The Senator also said that farm vehicles use the bridge regularly and the bridge is vital to the county's thriving agricultural community and economy.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - It was another successful season for the Middleburgh Central School clay target team.
Coach Carl Kochersberger detailed the good news for MCS school board members at their November meeting.
For the fall season, the team won every week and there were "so many 25 straights I ran out of badges," he said. There were also some 50-straights. He noted that Luke Wood was ranked 63 in the state.
"It was just a fantastic season," the Coach added. The players and the coaching staff are looking forward to the spring season.
He thanked board members and administrators for their support.
"It's become a tremendous thing for the kids," Coach Kochersberger said.
By Tom Coughlin
The Adirondack Motor Enthusiast Club's upcoming banquet at the Cowboy Up Saloon in Broadalbin is fast approaching. Located at 230 Stevers Mill Road, the January 3 "Racers Reunion" will take place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m.
You can register by email at racing48@nycap.rr.com, which will allow you to also receive more details being released soon. There will be AMEC videos playing and memorabilia. There will be a short presentation during dinner, but the majority of the night will be spent socializing with everyone in attendance.
Renegade Racing snowmobile Drag Races will be at Royal Mountain Ski Area tomorrow for the first of three scheduled events in the 2025-2026 season. Sign-in will take place from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., test passes will happen at 6 p.m., and racing begins at 7 p.m. Royal Mountain is located at 3072 Rt. 10 Johnstown 12095, between Johnstown and Caroga Lake.
The Super DIRTcar Series released their big block modified division 2026 schedule on Tuesday. Two new (returning sites) are Airborne Park Speedway in Plattsburgh for the first time since 2019, when they present Thunder in the Adirondacks on Wednesday, July 22 with a rain date of Thursday, July 23.
At Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, the Super DIRTcar Series will be returning to the Home of Heroes on Wednesday, August 19th as a part of the SummerFast Series. The SDS will be at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on April 17 and September 26, and Lebanon Valley Speedway on June 16.
There will be northeast dirt open wheel racing in February in Florida at the All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Florida. Following DIRTcar rules and using Hoosier tires, the big block modified division and crate 602 sportsman division will begin with open practice on Wednesday, February 4. The next three nights of racing will consist of a 40-lap/$5,000 to win modified feature and a 25-lap/$2,000 to win sportsman feature.
The Super DIRTcar Series modified division will be at Volusia Speedway Park near Barberville the following week, February 11 through 14, competing in the Big Gator Championship.
Go-Karts were on the schedule last weekend and a number of drivers with familiar names were competing in the 32nd annual New York State Indoor Kart Championship, billed as "The Most Intense Oval Racing Imaginable" at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Saturday, December 6 results and finishing positions follow:
In the Sr. Champ Clone class: Marc Johnson of Guilderland 4, Ryan Kendall of Troy 5. Clone Light class: Kirsten Swartz of St. Johnsville 3. Jr. Champ 206 Rookie 310 Slide class: Maverick Larkin 1 of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Brexley Hartman 2 of Glenville. Pro Champ Clone class: Marc Johnson 8, Ryan Kendall 9. Jr. Champ Predator class: Brayden Stratton 2 of North Bennington, Vermont, Chase Johnson 4 of Guilderland, Jaxon Coon 5 of Glenville. WCRS Stage 1 predator class: Ryan Pepicelli 1 of Amsterdam, Carter Gibbons 2 of Esperance, Nicholas Ryder 3 of Gloversville, Mikey Lang 4 of Johnstown, David Herrick 5 of Johnstown, Ezra Rouse 6 of St. Johnsville, Kirsten Swartz 7, Tom Varin 8 of Johnstown.
Sunday, December 7 results:
Sr. Champ Clone class: Ryan Kendall 3, Marc Johnson 9. Clone Light class: Kirsten Swartz 3. Jr. Champ Predator class: Brayden Stratton 1, Chase Johnson 3, Jaxon Coon 4. Jr. Champ 206 Rookie 310 Slide class: Brexley Hartman 1, Maverick Larkin 3. Pro Champ Clone class: Ryan Kendall 2, Marc Johnson 3. WCRS class: Kirsten Swartz 1, Carter Gibbons 2. Unlimited 4 Cycle class: Chase Moran 5. Racers from throughout New England, N.Y., N.J., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Canada were competing both days.
Unfortunately, the racing community lost another this week when John (Chris) Grady passed away after a long hard battle with cancer. Chris could be seen at many speedways and racing related events selling and displaying a countless number of old and classic racing photographs and memorabilia. Calling hours will be held on Saturday at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow.
SCHOHARIE - Thank you to the parent volunteers who have assisted Sandra Cater this week at the Schoharie elementary school Scholastic Book Fair. The last day was Friday. It was the first Book Fair in the new library. This is a great way to inspire a love of reading for students.
Photos courtesy Schoharie Central School.
By David Avitabile
SCHOHARIE - The first quarter of the Schoharie school year has been a busy one.
Physical education teacher Angela Jackson updated school board members at their November meeting on the goings-on of the elementary and secondary school classes.
Among the happenings in the first few months of the school year include:
* Students in pre-kindergarten and the fifth grade made scarecrow buddies.
* Fifth graders made ecosystems and learned about composting.
* Second graders celebrated National Pumpkin Day. They also portrayed book characters.
* The students in the life skills class learned pumpkin carving skills.
* There was a homecoming class in the high school.
* Students in FCS learned sewing skills and made emoji pillows.
* Performers from grades six to 12 put on a "Cabaret and Cookies."
* Secondary school singers attended the SUNY SCC choral festival.
* Members of the Youth Building Leaders helped with the Food Pantry.
* Sixth graders learned about DEI and second graders learned about empathy.
* The district hosted the Harlem Wizards who played against staff, students, and alumni.
* * *
In other action, board members:
* Accepted the resignation of Freeman Wainwright, full-time custodian.
* Accepted the resignation of full-time teacher aide Michelle Yager in order to accept an appointment as a non-certified substitute.
* Appointed Jean Hull as a temporary K-12 ELL teacher for half of the school day and a regular substitute for half of the school day, certified with degree, for the remainder of the school year.
* Appointed Christopher Kraft as a bus driver, Step 4 at $25.24 per hour.
* Named Christina Mickel as a full-time teacher aide at Step 1, $18,944 per year.
* Appointed Jessica Wilson as a temporary full-time teacher aide, Step 1, $18,944 per year.
* Approved a leave of absence for elementary school teacher Alicia Loucks from December 16 through May 11, 2026, using a combination of paid and unpaid leave time.
* Added the following high school club advisors: Brittany Heintz, high school testing coordinator, at a stipend of $2,500, and Braeden Beck, musical assistant.
* Added the following people to the SCS substitute list: Emily Griffith, Denise Hellijas, Jayla Smallwood, Michelle Yager, and Vincent Porfirio, all non-certified.
* Approved a field trip for the National Honor Society to Boston from April 27 to 28, to include historic sites, educational museums, and cultural experiences.
* Approved the donation of $1,000 from the Central Bridge Methodist Church to SCS for the Elementary Christmas.
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