Around the Mountain by LJ James - Old Factory Brewing Company In Cairo

CAIRO — There are so many great places to eat in our area, but when it comes to wings in the town of Cairo, I really enjoy the ones at "Old Factory Brewing Company". The place has been there since 2020, but one of my other favorite bars/restaurants is also in Cairo. So it took a friend of mine telling me about their food and specials to get me to stop by.

I have been getting their BBQ wings and enjoying their brewed-on-premise "Brilliant Blonde" beer on Sundays, with my mother and stepfather, for the past 2 years now. I have also stopped in on Wednesdays for their burger nights, which I was really happy with as well. On Thursdays they also have a Taco Night, which I have heard is awesome, but I have not made it to yet.

Now I know I have mentioned how I lived on Long Island most of my life in other articles, but from the age of 15 to 18, I lived in the town of Brockport between Rochester and Buffalo. (And still return to the area often.) That area takes their chicken wings very seriously, and I have eaten some of the greatest wings ever made in my time. So when I say Old Factory Brewing Company has some really great wings, I hope you take my opinion seriously.

The first time I went there, I got to meet the very cool and friendly owners, Tim Cornelison, Jr. and Sr, a father and son team who work hand in hand with their staff. They not only make great food but also brew some truly awesome beers that they sell on-site. 

They also can and bottle their brews and are selling them all over. 

Now I haven't tried all of their beers "yet," but I have tried a few. Now just to be clear, I am not a big microbrewery expert type of guy. But I know what I like, and their "Brilliant Blonde" is probably the first microbrew I can honestly say that I love! It reminds me of a smooth Coors Light, but packed with a lot of flavor!

Like I said before, I spent most of my life on Long Island, an area where you can get a great meal all over at pretty much any time of the day or night. So having another place in Greene County, just a few miles from where I live, with a friendly staff and great food and drinks, just makes me love living here that much more.

If you haven't yet been to Old Factory Brewing Company at 628 Main St. in Cairo, NY. I recommend giving them a try. I am not saying they have the best wings in Greene County, but if you go and try their wings and think you know of a place that makes better wings in Greene County, we want to know about them! 

Check out Old Factory Brewing Company's website for more info at oldfactorybrewing.com and tell them you heard about them here in the Mountain Eagle. If you go on a Sunday afternoon, there is a really good chance I will see you there. Till then, I will see you around the mountain. -LJ James

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NYPA Hosts “Holly Jolly” Celebration at Blenheim-Gilboa

Pumped Storage Power Project Visitors Center Dec. 13 

NORTH BLENHEIM — The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will host its annual “Holly Jolly Celebration,” a free community event featuring family-friendly activities, at the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project Visitors Center on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. 

Children can write letters to Santa, enjoy arts and crafts, decorate cookies, and receive a free ornament. Free photos with Santa will be available in the theater downstairs. Visitors can also take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the grounds and view dozens of decorated trees throughout the Visitors Center, showcasing the creativity of local clubs and nonprofit organizations. 

The Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project Visitors Center, located in a restored 19th-century dairy barn, is part of the Lansing Manor complex. It features interactive exhibits on electricity, energy use, and the operation of the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for self-guided and group tours. 

The Visitors Center is located on Route 30, 17 miles south of Middleburgh, five miles north of Grand Gorge, and about one hour from Albany. 

Events are held at the center throughout the year. Admission is always free, and school groups and community organizations are welcome. For more information or a full calendar of events, call 1-800-724-0309 or visit www.nypa.gov.

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Schoharie Boys Bowling Team Led by McDermott-Dickson

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie boys bowling team faced Johnstown in a Western Athletic Conference match on Dec. 3, with Adam McDermott-Dickson leading the Indians with a 471 series.

Johnstown swept the match 4-0, totaling 2,862 pins to Schoharie's 1,846.

McDermott-Dickson rolled games of 167, 176, and 128 to pace Schoharie. Thomas Niklas followed with a 392 series, rolling a high game of 148. Gio Cappello added a 374 series, including a 167 game. John Carhide contributed a 342 series.

For Johnstown, Ryan Fallis led all bowlers with a 620 series, featuring games of 182, 233, and 205. Darry Fallis rolled a 604 series with consistent scores of 192, 207, and 205. Don Rodriguez added a 530 series, while Liam Bonoficio bowled a 490 series.

Johnstown won all three games with team totals of 940, 984, and 938 against Schoharie’s 565, 667, and 614.

Special thanks to Tammy Drinon for the information.

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Schoharie Valley Singers Present 2025 Holiday Concert: Star Light, Star Bright

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The Schoharie Valley Singers are delighted to announce their 47th Holiday Concert, Star Light, Star Bright, a sparkling musical celebration capturing the wonder, warmth, and joy of the season. This year’s program features an exciting blend of timeless classics, contemporary works, and festive favorites that highlight the beauty of winter and the magic of Christmas.

Audiences can look forward to beloved pieces such as LeRoy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” a seasonal staple famous for its cheerful whip cracks and clip-clopping “horses”; Alfred S. Burt’s “Caroling, Caroling,” part of the historic Burt Carols collection originally shared on family Christmas cards; and Eric Whitacre’s “Glow,” a modern choral jewel written for the Disney “World of Color – Winter Dreams” spectacular.

Other highlights include Randall Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star,” inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost; Mark Hayes’ “Winter’s Heart,” known for its soaring harmonies; and John Rutter’s “Star Carol,” a radiant anthem loved by choirs worldwide. Audiences will also enjoy the contemporary poignancy of “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, the whimsical charm of “Hydom, Tiddlydom,” and a lively medley in “Christmas on Broadway.”

Performances will take place on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 141 Church Street in Central Bridge, and on Saturday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, 6512 Western Turnpike (Route 20) in Duanesburg.

The Schoharie Valley Singers trace their beginnings to 1979, when the late Frances B. Tripp, a former Schoharie High School music teacher, founded the group under its original name, The Depot Lane Singers, following her retirement. In 2005, leadership passed to Mitch Haverly, a retired music teacher from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School. Thirteen years later, in 2018, the ensemble adopted the name Schoharie Valley Singers and was incorporated as an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. At that time, Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School music teacher Benjamin April became the group’s third artistic director. After April’s resignation in 2023, the role was taken up by Rae Jean Teeter, a retired music teacher from Guilderland Central School District, who prepared the group for its winter/holiday concert as the fourth artistic director and conductor. Today, the Singers are fortunate to be guided by Teeter and supported by the musicianship of accompanist Mark Pracher.

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SCS Hits the Slopes

SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie high school Junior/Senior High Adventure Club hit the slopes of Belleayre on Friday. The temps were low, but the spirits were high. Lots of new beginners found their love of the snow.

Photos courtesy of Schoharie Central School.

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Trail Project Suspends Funding

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - On Tuesday evening, the Schoharie Village Board spoke about a new update for the Trail Project, as well as the resignation of their justice and a new lease agreement.

Started back in 2016 to 2017, the Trail Project was originally meant to be a footpath spanning along the creek’s edge, allowing residents and visitors alike a chance to soak in the valley’s atmosphere at the water’s edge.

When the Village was unable to get permission from crucial property owners, they modified it to stretch about a quarter of a mile from Bridge Street to Route 30, and design development was progressing well, but they were unable to get past that stage for years.

“When I came on, I wanted to fight to push this thing through,” said Mayor Colleen Henry on Tuesday. “We only got things as far as paper and easements.”

And having secured an ARC grant from USDA, the state took notice of the amount of time that has elapsed and has stepped in. They recently sent correspondence to the Village demanding that they de-obligate themselves from the source of funding.

With a heavy heart, Mayor Henry put forward a motion to comply with their request, and “suspend the Trail Project” until a new avenue opens up the opportunity again.

But the Board isn’t finished with the long-time project just yet, as member Sal Medak said “The designs we do have will help us when we find something else,” and Mayor Henry confirmed that she is on the hunt for other grants and investments.

In other news, the Board has officially received the resignation of elected Justice Mike Breen, with Jim Bryant filling in to help the court run smoothly until a replacement can be found.

Mayor Henry noted that County Clerk Larry Caza has given them a document authorizing the Village to appoint a new justice, and explained that their next step will be to reach out to several promising candidates, including Mr. Bryant.

“We’ll probably have a recommendation for the Board at the next meeting,” she said.

Finally, the Board reviewed their changed lease agreement to share the town hall’s space with the Town of Schoharie.

While previous years saw the Village paying a percentage cost, it will be changed in 2026 to be a total of $1,000 per month for all-inclusion access to the property and everything therein.

With their review of the document finding that the terms were standard and fair, the Board wasted no time in approving the agreement on their side, officially signing it into the meeting’s minutes.

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Upper Catskill String Quartet to Play at JHS Sunday

JEFFERSON – Celebrate the season with an afternoon of uplifting music presented by the Jefferson Historical Society and performed by the Upper Catskill String Quartet. This year’s program features beloved holiday carols, a stunning string arrangement of Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, and the serene slow movement from Vivaldi’s Winter. Whether you attend every year or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to step out of the cold, bring a friend, and enjoy a cozy hour of beautiful seasonal music.

The quartet—Jessica Belflower, violin; Brian Quiara, violin; Amy Tompkins, viola; and Brittany Tissiere, cello—are all highly trained and accomplished performers. The concert will take place in the beautiful and historic Jefferson Methodist Church, located at 158 Main Street, Jefferson, on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts. Other sponsors include these local businesses: Apple Barrel, Catnap Books, Fenimore Asset Management, Scoville Meno Honda, and CORE Values as well as the Upstate Coalitions for a Fairgame. 

For more information about the Jefferson Historical Society visit their website: www.thejeffersonhistoricalsociey.com or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/juddhall163/

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Yellow Dog Almost Ready to Open in M'burgh

Joe Bilello and Penny are there to serve you at the Yellow Dog Tavern in Middleburgh.

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - It might have a different color and a different animal, but the Yellow Dog Tavern is ready to replace the Green Wolf on Main Street in Middleburgh.

Owner Joe Bilello has been working since the summer on the space vacated when the Green Wolf closed earlier this year.

"I'm hoping to open before the New Year," though it is hard to predict a day, Mr. Bilello said last week. He is still waiting on a liquor license.

He is no stranger to the area and decided to open the tavern earlier this year after visiting friends in Cobleskill.

"I used to live in Middleburgh," he said. "I fell in love with the town while visiting a friend in Cobleskill and bought a house here a few years ago. I had to move, but when I saw that the space was available, I had to take it."

Unlike the Green Wolf, the Yellow Dog will be serving some food.

"I plan on offering basic pub food like burgers and wings, and finger foods. I will probably experiment with different things too," he added.

In addition, "I plan on offering popular mainstream beers as well as craft beer from local places like Wayward Lane Brewing."

He hopes to have a full liquor offering and "will eventually do some sort of craft cocktail menu." 

Live music was a big attraction at the Green Wolf and that will continue at the Yellow Dog, along with a jukebox.

Mr. Bilello has been hard at work improving the interior.

"I put in all-new tables and chairs and bar stools," he said. "I added big screen TVs to watch sports."

Outside sitting will be considered, weather permitting.

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Young Appointed as Historian

By Joshua Walther

BLENHEIM - At Wednesday’s Blenheim Town Board meeting, members considered a motion to appoint resident Cynthia Young as the Town’s historian following her letter of interest.

Mrs. Young, who appeared before the Board that night, stated that she initially became involved with the Blenheim Bridge project, which served as her entry into the history of the area.

From there, she noted that she found an old keychain that was from an old business called Hilltop Beauty Salon, and that served as a catalyst to set her off on a quest to learn more. 

“Well, thank you for your interest in the role and for your interest in Blenheim,” said Supervisor Don Airey, who saw no qualms in putting a motion on the table to appoint Mrs. Young.

With no one standing in objection, the motion was passed unanimously and with little discussion, earmarking her beginning date as January 1st of 2026.

In other news, Blenheim was recently host to a county-level food drive put on by the Department of Social Services and similar agencies to offer food and coats to those in need.

According to Town Clerk Diane Ericson, the county brought in fifteen cars with supplies to give away, and the surrounding farms gave huge contributions to make it all possible.

“Everyone was happy,” she said. “It seemed like it all went over really well.”

While there are no promises to repeat the event in the future, there is hope that the county could collaborate with the Blenheim food pantry to make sure everyone is taken care of, especially during the holiday season.

Finally, Supervisor Airey briefly talked about the recent misinformation posted on Facebook about the county budget, as some of the posts mentioned him by name.

He stated that the online claims made about NYSHIP and other facets of the budget were incorrect, and he encouraged the public to visit the County Board of Supervisors to have their questions answered.

“The supervisors do not have an online platform,” he said. “What we do have are the meetings. Please, if you have concerns, don’t go to Facebook. Come to the meetings and we will let you know what’s going on.”

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KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON - Gilboa Bottle Auction Offers Holiday Cheer & a Chance to Bid-for-Good

Alicia Terry, Gilboa Town Supervisor, will be auctioneer for the Gilboa Museum fundraiser.

By Carolyn Bennett

GILBOA — Good things come in small bottles. Large ones, too! So says Linda Karlsen, Gilboa Historical Society board member and chair of the non-profit’s fundraising committee and Annual Holiday Bottle Auction. And she should know.

Veteran fundraiser Linda looks forward to this annual holiday event all year.

“The Gilboa Museum has been fundraising through the bottle auction since before my time at the historical society,” she says. “It’s a beloved holiday tradition.” 

The bottle auction will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 2 pm in the Community Room at the Gilboa Museum & Nicholas J. Juried History Center, 122 Stryker Road, Gilboa.

Each year, fundraising events like the bottle auction bring much-needed funds to the museum. For 20 years, the Museum has been preserving and featuring Gilboa’s unique history to Gilboa residents and

alike with free programming and exhibits.

“Bottles are wrapped so they’re a surprise so you can end up with all sorts of cool and unexpected things. Wine, liquor, olive oil; only good things,” she adds. “It’s better than buying a lottery ticket because you’re bidding on a sure thing. You never know what you’re going to get. But that’s not really the point. This in-person auction is a chance to bid-for-good and see your friends and neighbors—and enjoy some refreshments on the house!”

When it comes to the Art of the Auction, Gilboa Town Supervisor Alicia Terry has what it takes. For the third year in a row she’s volunteering her services as auctioneer for this event. Whether it’s a bottle of Colavita Premium olive oil or Grey Goose Vodka, bottles can be won at bargain prices, Supervisor Terry keeps her audience bidding with some light patter and a big helping of holiday spirit.

Why support the bottle auction?

If giving to a good cause isn’t enough, you can sample some of The Carrot Barn’s fresh baked goods, Wyckoff punch & other goodies provided as light refreshment by the Gilboa Historical Society!

It’s probably the closest you’ll come to Santa’s Workshop this holiday season !

The Museum will be open for this event so you can see the latest exhibits and favorites from fossils to a short film about the last days of Gilboa Village.

While you’re there, you can’t miss the Museum’s latest art exhibit, “Small Works,” curated by Amy Silberkleit and Michael Shiffer, currently featuring artwork by Sheila Trautman, Doreen McGrath and Regina Quinn, along with 14 other talented local artists whose work can be purchased that day with a portion of the proceeds also benefitting the Museum. 

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JHS Announces Restoration of Century-Old Piano

JEFFERSON – The Jefferson Historical Society is pleased to announce the restoration of a remarkable piece of local history. Recently, a group of community members examined an aged, weathered instrument that served as a reminder of a time before radio and television—an era when churches and early “opera houses” were central gathering places for entertainment. Among the echoes of those bygone days were the lively sounds of the piano and the spirited rhythms of Ragtime.

That spirit lives again with the restoration of a 1918 Bush & Lane Pompeian Parlor Grand upright piano in Judd Hall. Skilled restorer Brian Hubbell of Cooperstown has completed extensive work on the instrument, including a full disassembly for restringing and the replacement of hammers, tuning pins, damper felts, let-off buttons, and other components. His meticulous craftsmanship has returned the interior to a condition remarkably close to when it first left the factory more than a century ago. The restoration was generously funded by Don Keil and Nick Juried. The piano is now ready to be reintroduced to the public.

Our inaugural concert will feature local native Susan Harwood, who will present a program of holiday music performed as a festive community sing-along. Susan, a Stamford native, has been a singer for most of her life and holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Voice Performance. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and numerous venues across the country, and has taught Voice at the College of Saint Rose and other institutions.

The event will take place in Judd Hall, 163 Main Street, Jefferson, on Saturday, December 20 at 3:00 p.m. It is free and open to all.

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Johnstown Defeats Schoharie

SCHOHARIE — The Johnstown boys basketball team earned a 67-29 victory over Schoharie in a non-league contest on Friday during the Coaches v. Cancer game.

Matthew Cater led the Sir Bills with 17 points, scoring 11 in the first half to help his team build a 43-7 halftime lead. Emmett Gannon contributed 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Katelyn Shoemaker added 10 points for Johnstown, while Oliver Jordan chipped in with 8.

For Schoharie, Cole Slater led the way with 11 points. Liam Kary added 5 points, and Tyler Nussmacher finished with 4.

Johnstown jumped out to a 23-4 lead after the first quarter and held Schoharie to just 3 points in the second quarter. The Sir Bills maintained control throughout the second half to secure the win.

Special thanks to Mitchell Barton for the information.

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Last Service at Breakabeen Presbyterian Church Dec. 14

BREAKABEEN — The Breakabeen Presbyterian Church is Closing. Our last service will be Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 10:00. Communion will be served and Chaplain Samuel Ostrowski will give his last message.

We invite anyone to attend and share memories of services at this church; marriages, goodbyes, Sunday School events, stories of how this church has impacted on your life.

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Exact Change Needed to Pay Taxes in Gilboa

By Liz Page

GILBOA – If you pay your taxes in cash, you need to have the exact amount, as the Gilboa Town Board has adopted a resolution saying they will not be able to provide exact change, due to the fact the federal government is no longer minting pennies. The tax collector is not able to accept anything less than the amount due by law. Other towns will follow suit. They also passed a resolution appointing three members of the town's assessment review board. They include Jennifer Warner, Susan Morkaut and Sandy Hemsted. The town board will hold its year-end meeting on Dec. 29 at 8 a.m. and will re-organize on Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m..

Monday's regular meeting was routine, with little business, as the town prepares to close out  2025 and enter the new year.

There was some discussion about the halted project on the salt/sand shed, with the town attorney, the engineering firm and the contractor involved in working out the incorrect metal work for the new roof. The contractor for the project is AMZ and conversations are now taking place to see what can be done to rectify the situation. The work was stopped when Highway Superintendent John Wyckoff noticed the panels being installed were not lining up. Each panel is off and the fear is that by the time all the panels are installed, they will be off by feet. It is related to the cramping machine and specifications and is now in the hands of the town attorney.

In his highway report, Superintendent John Wyckoff said crews have been plowing and  sanding roads. One member of the crew has resigned and he said it is his intent not to hire a replacement right away, but to wait until summer road work begins. "We are getting along with winter maintenance with the crew we have," saidWyckoff. He reported three crew members have been out with confirmed cases of the flu. He also received a letter from one resident thanking the crew for doing such a good job at plowing her road.

Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff said three people  received cyber security training for the town, including herself and Supervisor Alicia Terry. She also explained the county has a new website and some changes have been made. Towns will now be able to post some of their own listings rather than having to make an appointment for the county IT to post it.

The town hosted the first Schoharie County Mobile Hub Food Pantry on Nov. 16 with 25 families participating. More are scheduled for other locations in the county. "It was very heartening," said Clerk Linda Wyckoff. She said  a clothing swap also went well and another may be held in the spring.

The highway department did receive  Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) violations. The town was not notified of them in a timely manner. The  town has sent a letter acknowledging the late receipt and has since remediated the citations, which the town attorney noted were not serious violations.

In her report, Supervisor Terry, said the county's Capital Resource Corporation will meet on Dec. 16. No decision has been made on the tax exempt bond application by camp Oorah, Inc. The corporation was awaiting completion of the State Environmental Quality Review Act paperwork before a decision can be made. She said she would keep everyone posted.

She concluded the meeting with photos of the equipment being used by contractors to install fiber optics cable to unserved or underserved areas of the county. The digging work can continue over the winter and will move to above ground work in the spring. It will bring broadband to all areas of the county. "When the project is completed, every location in Schoharie County that has commercial electricity will have access to broadband fiber optics.

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Lots of Game Fun at SCS

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.

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