“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Happy Holidays to ALL! The Winter Solstice is this week on Sunday and marks the start of winter, if you can believe that! 

After a bit of a melt down with temperatures in the high 40s from Wednesday to Friday early, there will be a storm bringing a shift back to snow. There will be a lack of precipitation over the next week heading into Christmas. 

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season with lots of love, laughter, family, and even memories past. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Speaking of the spirit of the season: Ken Kennedy and his family of Sharon Springs often give to the community. They provided free turkeys to SSCS teachers, families, and Food Pantry too for Thanksgiving. This past week they purchased two extra Christmas trees from Parsons Farm and are raffling them off through social media! It’s examples of continuous generosity like these that help to make our community a better place. One person's actions can make a world of difference.

Remember your Sharon column is a great place to find out all about your local events, news, birthdays, and more! 

The 12 days of Christmas are still underway in the Village of Sharon Springs through December 21st! Between now and Christmas, every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, shop at participating Sharon Springs businesses and spend $30 or more to receive a $5 Sharon Springs Gift Certificate! You can earn one certificate per store, per day, so come back every weekend to collect more! Eileen Harcourt of EH Rural Provisions offered, “From partridges to golden rings, every corner of our Village will hold a little holiday magic. The 12 Days of Christmas Village Walk invites neighbors to shop, eat, drink, smile, and rediscover what makes our community special. The true essence of Holiday: sharing, meeting new and old friends and giving back”.

There are new winter hours for the American Hotel in Sharon Springs. They are now open for dinner Friday through Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM, with the bar open at 4:00 PM. Check out Brunch on Saturday & Sunday from 11:00-2:00 PM. Call (518) 284-2105 for more info.

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

The Village of Sharon Springs holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each Month at 6:00 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, December 18th. The Village Mayor is Denise Kelly and the new Village Clerk is Hope Bayes. The Office Hours for Village of Sharon Springs are Monday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information please call (518) 284-2625. Reminder: No Overnight Street Parking in the Village of Sharon Springs from November 1 - May 1. Please keep your sidewalks clear.

The Town of Sharon holds their Regular Board Meetings on the 1st Wednesday of each Month at 6:30 PM located at 129 Main St, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, January 7th. The Town Supervisor is Sandra Manko and the Town Clerk is Melissa Olsen. The Office Hours for the Town of Sharon are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM or by appointment. For more information please call (518) 284-3010.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. They are now collecting new children’s books for the holidays in partnership with the Joshua Project through the first week in Dec. The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126. 

Worship Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

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

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

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SUNY Cobleskill Women's Basketball Falls to Oneonta

COBLESKILL – The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team put together a strong second-half surge and nearly erased a double-digit deficit, but the comeback push came up just short in a 65-61 loss to Oneonta on Monday night inside the Iorio Gymnasium.

Jaiyla Colon (Worcester, MA) led the Tigers with a season-high 14 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists, shooting an efficient 45.5 percent from the floor and knocking down both of her attempts from beyond the arc. Kate Hadwen (Fair Haven, VT) added 12 points, including a pair of timely three-pointers that fueled Cobleskill’s third-quarter run. Senior Kayleigh Bryant (Schenevus, NY) turned in a strong all-around effort with 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while fellow senior Mady Victorin (Menands, NY) chipped in eight points, seven boards and a block. Junior guard Hannah Bonczkowski (Gilbertsville, NY) added eight points and three rebounds off the bench.

Cobleskill finished the night shooting 31.1 percent from the field, 26.1 percent from three and 68 percent at the free-throw line. Oneonta shot 39.7 percent overall, 28.6 percent from deep and 48.4 percent at the line. The Dragons held a narrow edge on the glass, 45-41, and controlled the paint, outscoring the Tigers 32-16 inside. Cobleskill found success from its bench, outscoring Oneonta 29-22, while also holding a 15-10 advantage in assists and a 24-19 edge in second-chance points. Both teams took care of the ball, committing just eight turnovers apiece.

Oneonta struck first with a 5-0 burst in the opening minute before Victorin got the Tigers on the board with a mid-range jumper off a Hadwen assist. The Dragons pushed the lead to 14-4, but Cobleskill closed the quarter with renewed energy. A Bonczkowski layup trimmed the deficit, and Colon beat the buzzer with a corner three to make it 16-9 after one.

The Tigers carried that momentum into the second quarter as Victorin converted a pair of free throws, but Oneonta responded with a 6-0 run to stretch the lead to 24-13. Colon stopped the run with a smooth jumper, yet the Dragons answered again to build a 30-16 advantage. Cobleskill closed the half on a positive note, as a Bonczkowski floater and two Bryant free throws sent the teams into the locker room with Oneonta leading 30-20.

Oneonta opened the third quarter with its largest lead of the night at 35-20, but Cobleskill answered with its best stretch of the game. The Tigers rattled off a 12-2 run, cutting the deficit to 37-32, as Hadwen knocked down two threes and a free throw while the defense held Oneonta to just two points over four minutes. The Dragons briefly regained control at 45-34, but Cobleskill responded again, scoring 10 unanswered points in a two-minute span to pull within one, 45-44. Zaylee Ramos sparked the rally with five points, and Hadwen capped it with another triple. Oneonta closed the quarter with a three to take a 48-44 lead into the fourth.

Colon opened the final frame with a jumper to make it 48-46, but Oneonta created separation with a 7-1 run. The Tigers continued to chip away, as Ramos hit two free throws to make it 60-57 with 2:23 left, and Bryant followed with a layup to keep it a one-possession game at 62-59. Hadwen knocked down a mid-range jumper with 15 seconds remaining to cut the margin to 64-61, but Oneonta sealed the game at the line, closing out the 65-61 decision.

Up Next:

The Fighting Tigers return to action on January 5, traveling to UMaine-Presque Isle for a North Atlantic Conference road matchup scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

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Great Get-Together

Our Mountain Eagle team got together for our annual Christmas party at the soon-to-open Yellow Dog Tavern in Middleburgh. Special thanks to Joe Bilello for hosting the party. Not pictured is Chris English (separate photo in this edition) and Robert Duso (taking the photo).

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COBLESKILL HERALD EXPANDS - ENGLISH PROMOTED

Chris English, a skilled and experienced part of our Mountain Eagle team was promoted today to Deputy Editor of the Cobleskill Herald section. His work alongside Editor Joshua Walther and our great team has allowed for a significant growth of our readership in Schoharie County in 2025! Photo by Robert Duso.

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What Is The Winter Solstice?

By Alexis Pencar

The Winter Solstice is an annual natural and astronomical event that marks the beginning of Winter and more. Significant in many cultures today and tied to most ancient cultures, the Winter Solstice is one of four seasonal shifts throughout the year.

On this Sunday, December 21st, the Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year, with the northern hemisphere farthest from our sun. When the sun reaches this most southern position, it is located above the Tropic of Capricorn, 23.43 degrees south of the Equator.

Oftentimes the Winter Solstice falls on December 21st but can shift due to the exact time within the solar year. The solstice is an occurrence that happens in a few moments, rather than the whole day as most think of it. This year on the 21st, it lands on 10:03 AM! Each day after this, the days begin to draw longer, heading into inevitable Spring.

Directly related to ancient celebrations for renewal and hope in December, the Winter Solstice is most closely associated with the Pagan celebration of Saturnalia, which was, according to History, an “ancient Roman solstice celebration dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, with a party stretching from December 17 to 24,” This was popular until the shift to Christianity in the fourth century AD with Christmas being officially set on December 25th by Pope Julian.

Similar ancient Winter Solstice celebrations that are still recognized worldwide today are: St. Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia, Dong Zhi in China, Shab-e Yalda in Iran, Shalako for Zuni of Western New Mexico, Soyal for Hopi of Northern Arizona, and Toji in Japan to name a few.

Historical sites all over the world, like Stonehenge in England, capture the sunset on the Winter Solstice within the structure itself, amazingly, at the same time each solar year. With additional similarities of structures like this from cultures and time periods all over the world, it has been discovered that ancient people placed significance on this Winter Solstice and had a better understanding and awareness of astronomy than previously thought.

Whether scientific or naturally based, the Winter Solstice still serves as a reminder of the cyclical cycle of nature and the steady march of time. Though the days may be long and dark, we can experience the same sense of renewal and hope our ancestors celebrated so long ago and also take it as a reminder of spending time with family and friends during this season.

This year, celebrate the Winter Solstice by spending time in nature, making a fire, creating a wreath, hanging holly, mistletoe, or bells, sharing a meal with family, or even reflecting on your year past!

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Winter Sowing Workshop Jan. 10

COOPERSTOWN — The Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers are holding a Winter Sowing Workshop on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Southside Mall Community Room, 5006 State Hwy 23 in Oneonta. The session will run from 1 p.m. to 3 pm.

Winter sowing is a method of starting seeds outdoors in winter popularized by Trudi Davidoff and is now practiced around the world. It is recognized by the USDA as, “A propagation method used throughout the winter where temperate climate seeds are sown into protective vented containers and placed outdoors to foster a naturally timed, high percentage germination of climate tolerant seedlings.”

Come sow with workshop presenters, Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers, Chris Burrington and Celia Oxley. They will cover the techniques for winter sowing including the materials needed and the various kinds of seeds that can be used, as well as the benefits of this low-cost method of germinating seeds and some of the advantages it has over indoor seed-starting requiring grow lights and the hardening-off of seedlings. In addition, participants will make a mini greenhouse in a container and sow seeds to take home. The workshop will also cover how to handle the seedlings once they germinate. Participants are asked to bring a one-gallon translucent container (milk or water jug) and scissors. We will have some seeds but feel free to bring your own.

No previous gardening experience is needed. The program fee is $5 to cover materials. Space is limited; registration is required by Wednesday, January 7, 2026 by going to www.cceschoharie-otsego.org. For more information call 607.547.2536 x228 or x235.  Ample free parking is available.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego County’s community programs and events, go to http://cceschoharie-otsego.org or call 518-234-4303 ext 129.  Stay connected to CCE Master Gardeners’ daily postings at https://www.facebook.com/cceotsegoMG/  and follow CCE Schoharie and Otsego on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CCESchoharieOtsego/.

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BROADWAY CAME TO THE CATSKILLS - OR COMES to the Catskills

By Iris Mead

ARKVILLE — On a snowy, chilly Saturday night, the Arkville Brewstillery hosted The Margaretville Arts Center’s major fundraiser to support the Delaware County School of Performing Arts (DCSPA) founded by Garth Kravits and Julia Rugg.  The Brewstillery was turned into a festive dining hall  strung with lights, table settings with fresh flower centerpieces, a brightly lit Christmas tree and a performance stage.  A sold-out crowd came dressed for the occasion as many sparkly outfits were seen on both men and women.

Broadway friends of Garth performed familiar songs from well-known shows.  Garth, who has appeared both on and off Broadway, led off with Cabaret, Jane Bruce, recently in Jagged Little Pill, was next with I’m Not afraid of Anything, Kimberly Marable, with many Broadway roles to her credit, sang Our Lady of the Underground from Hadestown, Jared Zirilli, a veteran of many Broadway shows, performed Dancing Through Life from Wicked and Marc delaCruz finished the first set with Wait For It from Hamilton.  Jacob Yates, a new part-time resident in our area, and currently the Associate Music Director for the Off-Broadway hit ‘The Baker’s Wife’ energetically accompanied all the musicians, with Mike Ralff on bass.

After intermission, the students of the DCSPA began Act 2 with a medley from ‘Timestruck’, an original musical written by the students during their Summer Theater Workshop. The performance highlighting various members of the company. The crowd was again entertained as more Broadway songs were sung by the performers with Kimberly Marable bringing down the house with her rendition of the Circle of Life from Lion King.  The evening ended with all the performers on stage singing together. A delicious French, three-course meal was prepared by Dina and Jean-François Bonnet of Cafe Marguerite with wines donated by Dear Native Grapes Winery in Walton.

The Margaretville Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not for profit that brings free and low cost professional Performing Arts education and experiences to the people of Delaware County and beyond.  Watch for exciting news regarding a new space for the organization and their latest classes and productions.  www.mvillearts.com 

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A Visit from Santa

On Saturday. Dec. 13 Santa made a surprise  visit to Graham. Gabby and Adelaide Fiedler at the Dry Brook church. Fun for all. Thank you Center. Merry Christmas. XOXO

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Around the Neighborhood Fleischmanns

Happy happy and merry merry! 

Hello everyone! Is it just me or has time sped up about 5x the normal speed? Between holiday gatherings, shopping, cooking, trips to Kingston– it's hard to believe we are more than half way through Hanukkah with Christmas just next week! 

There was a nice turn out for the Fleischmanns First Community Holiday Brunch last Saturday. President Jon Frank gave a great speech thanking volunteers and members for their time and efforts through the year. Some of those named were Winnifred for doing an amazing job securing parking for our events, Michelle Sidraine as our PR manager, Alan Sidraine for his work as treasurer, Rob Alverson for his continued beautifying efforts, Brendan and Max for all of their handy work on the gazebo, Pamela Martin for working with the Community Garden, Harold Kuhn for his work on graphics & marketing, Sally Simon for her work on the Fleischmanns Flyer, Francia Miles as our thorough secretary, and a warm welcome to Kate Bradley and myself as board members. 

There is a planning meeting on January 3rd @ 10am in The Print House for the 2026 Memorial Day Street Fair. Many hands make for light work, so if you would like to volunteer, please attend! If you can not make it, please let me know and I’ll share our needs and action points with you following. While we absolutely need volunteers, donations to the organization would be fabulous! Checks can be mailed to Fleischmanns First at PO Box 111, Fleischmanns, NY 12430. We are also working on other ways to accept donations digitally in the near future. 

We are all so excited for our Second Annual Fleischmanns Holiday Extravaganza! I’m delighted to share that Heidi has gathered a wonderful group of members from the community that are eager to spread some holiday cheer with caroling through the village.

Anyone interested in joining the carolers should meet at the Arts Inn, 923 Main Street in Fleischmanns, at 3:00 PM for hot cocoa and the start of the route. The caroling will conclude at The Print House around 4:00 PM, just in time for Joe Colwell to begin his set. Joe Colwell will play from 4pm-5pm with a halt in music to switch the stage over for Riley Burke and Aaron Denney to play at 5:30pm. We happily welcome Joe Colwell (AND A BAND!) back to our stage to wrap up 2025, and ring in 2026 in a lively manner. 

There is still an opportunity to join MTC & Finch Farm in the parade! Send me an email if you’re interested. Staging will be in the municipal lot across from Shamro’s Tire on Wagner around 1pm.  

The Middletown/Margaretville/Fleischmanns Comprehensive Planning Committee that was formed over the summer had its second meeting on December 17th. The committee consists of Luke Beemer, Lissa Harris, Steve Finch, Annie Pevear, Zach Baldwin-Way, Harold Kuhn, Gary Kusen, Robin Williams, and myself. We are working on a joint comprehensive plan across municipalities to mirror the visions of our community that fosters growth and sustainability. Input from the public will be welcomed later in the plan’s development to ensure it serves all demographics. It's been an honor to be in the company of like minded folks who share a deep love for the future of their communities! 

Wishing everyone a happy, SAFE, and healthy rest of the holiday season! If you’d like to share any of your holiday cheer, please reach me at rebeccamariefreehill@gmail.com 

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Fleischmanns Celebrates Start of Chanukah

This past Sunday members of Congregation B'nai Israel in Fleischmanns and the public celebrated the beginning of the eight day Jewish festival of Chanukah.

The first electric candle of a six foot electric menorah was turned on.

Each night a new light will be turned on.

The group enjoyed donuts, chocolate "gelt" and dreidels used to play a holiday game were given out.

Joe and Nancy Michaels recited blessings for the occasion.

Thank you to 

Joe Michaels, Scott Moroff and Jesse Fried for putting up the menorah.

Additional thanks to the 

Delaware County Sheriff's department and the 

Margaretville Business

Association for their support.

The menorah can be viewed on the Main Street in Margaretville across from the DMV.

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Catskill Mountain Club Hike Schedule

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — The Catskill Mountain Club is a 21 year old, grass roots, non-profit, offering free,  member lead hiking, paddling and biking adventures throughout the Catskill Mountains. The  Club also advocates for any non-motorized outdoor recreational opportunities. 

The following are our member lead hikes for the upcoming weeks. For details and directions go to:  https://www.catskillmountainclub.org/events-all 

Hike to Belleayre Mountain Summit 

• Saturday, December 20, 2025 8:00 AM 1:30 PM  

Hike Hunter and Southwest Hunter Mountains  

• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 8:00 AM 4:00 PM  

North Dome and Mount Sherrill  

• Saturday, December 27, 2025 8:00 AM 2:30 PM  

Slide Mountain Hike 

• Sunday, December 28, 2025 8:00 AM 4:00 PM  

Overlook Mountain Hike  

• Wednesday, December 31, 2025 9:00 AM 2:00 PM 

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Middletown Struggles For Alert System Enrollment

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MIDDLETOWN - Middletown Board members struggled to find solutions to increase enrollment in the emergency alert system, Rave Alert.

The town entered into a three-year contract with Rave in April and has since had at least 90 people sign up. The system provides critical updates on power outages, boil water advisories, road closures, and more via text message, email, or phone call.

Councilmember Robbin Williams noted several system bugs that need review. One issue is that some individuals who have signed up are not receiving the alerts. The last alert was issued in October, notifying participants of a burn ban.

Clerk Sarah Hubbell said those who are not receiving notifications must be re-registered through a system override that the town must perform.

While this was ultimately determined to be a fix for Rave, the council discussed other sign-up methods to address the issue in the meantime.

The bulk of the discussion focused on ways to increase registrations.

Councilmember Colleen Martin noted that the board allocated funds to initiate the system after identifying a need and should make efforts to increase participation.

The board landed on a mass mailing to residents, which Hubbell will research.

Interested individuals can sign up by visiting the town website at middletowndelawarecountyny.org, texting 77295 to MIDDLETOWNALERT, or contacting the clerk at 845-586-4566. Paper sign-up sheets are available at town hall at 42339 State Highway 28, Margaretville.

In other business, Supervisor Glen Faulkner requested a moment of silence in memory of James William “Jim” Todd, who passed away on November 28th. Todd, 86 of Fleischmanns, was a long-time employee at the transfer station. Todd also served the Fleischmanns Fire Department for many years.

In another discussion, the council reviewed the Board of Assessment Review (BAR).

The resignation of Ernest Steiglehner was accepted. Hubbell noted that he resigned after many years of service and felt ready to move on. She added that there might be an interested party to fill the BAR vacancy.

The board further appointed Cindy Bramley to BAR for a term ending September 2030. Bramley will fill the vacancy left by Dennis Metnick.

Hubbell noted that there is one more potential resignation in the near future.

The county DPW submitted the council's request for two speed limit adjustments on County roadways to the state. County Route 3 was asked to be reviewed through a traffic engineering study, and County Route 6 was requested to have the 30-mile-per-hour speed zone extended past the New Kingston hamlet boundary, both east and west.

The deadline for employment applications for the code enforcement officer position has been extended to January 15th.

The council agreed to table discussions on transitioning from an oil-heating system to an electric system until 2026.

The organizational meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. The annual audit will take place Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m.

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Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill Ushers in New Ownership and a Weekend of Holiday Cheer

By Robert Brune

ARKVILLE - Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill in Arkville is prepared to make the holiday weekend magical this holiday season, welcoming the community with fresh energy, expanded offerings, and a full weekend of Christmas celebrations. New owners Vincent Navarra and George Grishaj have taken the reins with a clear vision rooted in hospitality, connection, and creating a space where neighbors and visitors feel equally at home.

“Oakleys is proud to begin an exciting new chapter under new ownership, built on a genuine love for the community and a commitment to creating a clean, welcoming, and inviting place for everyone to eat, drink, and gather,” Navarra shared in a statement. The restaurant’s motto, “Oakleys, where stories are made,” reflects the atmosphere the new owners are working to cultivate, one centered on comfort, conversation, and shared experiences.

Since taking ownership, Navarra and Grishaj have focused on practical improvements that enhance both dining and nightlife. Oakley’s is now open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with the full menu available late into the evening. This change allows guests to linger without feeling rushed, whether they are enjoying dinner with friends or stopping in after a local event.

Another noticeable addition will be the enclosed outdoor dining area, designed for year-round use. The space offers flexibility for casual meals as well as private parties and special events, giving the community a new option for celebrations of all kinds. Construction begins this winter.   Oakley’s has also expanded its reach with full catering services and a complete bar, bringing its wood fired favorites and welcoming vibe beyond the restaurant walls.

Navarra emphasized that behind the scenes improvements have been just as important. Streamlined operations and better flow in the kitchen have addressed past frustrations, including long waits. “We’ve made improvements to ensure better flow, faster service, and consistent quality,” he said, adding that the goal is to build something lasting for Arkville.

Community engagement is a central part of that mission, especially as local businesses increasingly collaborate with nonprofits and one another to strengthen the regional economy. This Friday at Art Up gallery in Margaretville, Oakley’s will donate pizza pies and a platter as part of the holiday festivities, reinforcing its commitment to giving back. This opening reception titled ‘Wanted’ is a large group exhibition celebrating local artists. 

The holiday spirit will be on full display throughout the weekend as Oakley’s joins Mornings Cafe, Union Grove Distillery, the Catskills Recreation Center, and the Arkville Fire Department in hosting special events. The Fire Department’s Christmas tree lighting and breakfast with Santa will kick off the celebrations from 8 to 11 am.

On Sunday, December 21, Oakley begins with Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 am, followed by an afternoon and evening holiday party from 4 to 10 pm. Santa will be on hand throughout the festivities, along with a bonfire, free hot chocolate, photo opportunities, holiday themed drinks, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Music will set the tone all weekend long, with John Crispino, known locally as DJ Froggy, spinning festive tunes from Friday through Sunday. “I’ve been working over the past week on putting together an upbeat Christmas playlist for the coming weekend for the Arkville Holiday Party,” Crispino said.

Looking beyond the holidays, Oakley’s is already planning ahead. Summer will bring an ambitious live music lineup, and even larger events are in development for 2026. For now, Navarra and Grishaj invite the community to stop in, celebrate the season, and experience what Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill is becoming, a place where good food, good company, and community spirit come together.

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A Conversation about Light Pollution

By Jean Thomas

I recently discussed the built-in hunger for light we develop at this time of year, and how lighting up our world in the darkest days is a comfort to us. And then I realized that there was a flip side to that particular coin, as with everything.

In our quest to remake the world in what we think is an improved version, we have in many cases gone to extremes and meddled with what was already a pretty good balance. Humans happily invented a little thing called light pollution. “What's wrong with making everything brighter?” you may ask. 

The easy answer is that all that light interferes with the life cycles of countless plants and animals... including humans. There are people living today who have never seen a naturally dark sky, complete with stars and moon and comets and even satellites. Their environment is always lit with artificial light in the name of progress. Tinkering with light is a useful tool for the farmer and greenhouse grower because they can adjust a plant's natural growth cycle to fit the wants of artificial “harvests” to suit holidays around the world. The key problem with all of the progress is the unintended side effects. Native plants suffer when their normal cycle is severely and abruptly changed, a cycle evolved over millenia. The domino effect sets in, altering the lives of the insects, birds, and animals that depend on each other for a seasonal pattern of birth, nutrition and growth. 

The form of light pollution that we think of with that specific term, however, is the loss of access to the “normal” night sky. Many of us live in urban and suburban areas, where safety and the public good  mandate much lighting and over longer hours. Once the street lights were only lighted for certain limited hours, but now everybody travels everywhere whenever they like... and demands lighting. It's actually difficult to just go outside  to take a break and stargaze peacefully. Instead of a respite, it becomes a chore. And if you're interested in the Aurora Borealis or the Perseid Showers or learning about the signs of the Zodiac or showing a kid how to find the North Star like you did when you were a kid yourself, it becomes a road trip.

When I was writing about the need for light around this time of year, I should have thought a little deeper. One of the most healing things we can do when we are caught up in the frantic activity of the holidays is grab a coat and step away from the “modern” world into the crisp clarity of a black night sparkling with tiny lights. Just stand and look up. And wait. Often it's either dead silent or there are the soft noises of the wildlife, and maybe a gentle breeze. The nagging problems drop away briefly and you can get a deep breath, both physically and emotionally. This may be harder to do as you near “civilization”, but worth the effort. 

For a remarkable look at the world at night and our interaction with light and the lack thereof, I have been following an amazing podcaster, writer and photographer named John Bulmer. His “Field Guide to the Night” covers humanity's relationship to the night from the beginning of Man, through to the scientific reasons for protecting the night from too much “progress.” Take a look at his work online  at Johnbulmerphotography.com.   If you have comments or suggestions for future columns, contact me at jeanthepipper@duck.com 

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