Delhi Organises For 2026

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Delhi Town Council members held a brief meeting on January 5 to prepare for 2026. Two new council members were sworn in: Daniel Gashler and Simon Purdy.

Other appointments and designations are as follows:

Councilmember Christina Viafore as deputy supervisor with a salary of $1,075.

Adam Atkinson as deputy highway superintendent for $2,500 annually.

Elizabeth Ralston as deputy town clerk, tax collector, registrar of vital statistics, and records officer.

The monthly meeting was set for the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m.

The planning board will meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

The official depository is the Delaware National Bank of Delhi.

The official newspaper is The Reporter.

Jay Wilson was reappointed as chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Meg Hungerford reappointed as bookkeeper with a salary of $25,939.50.

Marianne Greenfield will continue as town historian with a salary of $957.

Gina Middleton of PMV Legal Group was appointed town attorney.

Kathleen Toft will serve as court clerk for a salary of $55,381.

Zachary Haverly as code officer.

Chris Bodo was reappointed as dog control officer with an annual salary of $4,000 and additional $10 per dog delivered to the humane society.

David Wakin was appointed administrative assistant to the planning board at a salary of $1,390.

Regina Krzyston was reappointed health officer for $400 compensation.

Steve Hood was appointed to the planning board for a seven-year term and will also serve as chair through 2026.

The council signed the $3,500 contract for services from the Delaware County Planning Department.

A part-time highway clerk was hired at a rate of $23 per hour through 2026.

The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m.

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Desserts and Diaries at DCHA

Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm

Chase away the winter blahs! Visit the Delaware County Historical Association on Saturday afternoon, January 17th for an afternoon of sundry and delectable delights. Beginning at 2 pm members of the museum staff will read from a variety of historic diaries, letters and other narratives, all drawn from the museum’s collections. While guests relax and listen to the readings, they can enjoy an array of sumptuous desserts. Tea and coffee will also be served.

This mid-winter event highlights the variety of voices of Delaware County residents from different eras, providing valuable insights into the past and offering diverse perspectives on life in Delaware County. The readings cover a period of just over two hundred years, from the 1770s to the 1980s.

Excerpts that will be presented include those penned by: Colonel Butler (1778 – Northern Del. Co.); David Ogden (1780-1783 – Treadwell); John Gould (1840s – Hancock); John Vandercook (1931 – Delhi); Hilt Kell (1930s-1940s – Fleischmanns); Rose Beers – (1908-1938 – Roxbury); Letters from Grandma (1981 – Harpersfield), and more.

WARNING: This event is not recommended for those embarking on a New Year’s weight loss regimen! However, it is highly suited for those looking to spend an afternoon having fun with others while learning more about our ancestors who once trod the same paths and supped from the same waters here in Delaware County.

To enjoy this delectable and – dare we say it, decadent – afternoon, please reserve your space by January 15th. Cost: $10.00 per person.  

Call DCHA at 607-746-3849 or e-mail dchadelhi@gmail.com to reserve or for more information. Snow date: January 24th.

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Free Webinar to Help Community Members Protect Themselves from Fraud and Identity Theft

HAMDEN — In response to the growing number of financial scams and identity theft cases, Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County to offer a free educational webinar focused on fraud prevention and financial safety.

The webinar, “Protecting Yourself from Fraud,” will take place on Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The program will be held online, making it accessible to participants throughout Delaware County and surrounding areas.

During the session, participants will learn how to recognize common financial scams, protect their personal information, and take practical steps to reduce their risk of identity theft and fraud. The workshop is designed for consumers of all ages and levels of financial experience.

As an added incentive, participants who log in to the webinar will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

“Financial scams continue to evolve, and education is one of the most effective tools we have to help people protect themselves,” said a representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County. “This partnership allows us to share timely, practical information that can make a real difference for individuals and families.”

Advance registration is required. To learn more and register, visit:

https://sfcuonline.org/2025/12/15/fraudworkshop/

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Oberacker Adds Veteran Operative as Campaign Manager

SCHENEVUS — Republican State Senator Peter Oberacker's (SD51) congressional campaign announced the addition of Dain Pascocello to the Peter for NY, Inc., team as its campaign manager. Pascocello, 45, a veteran of local, statewide, and congressional races, is expected to begin immediately.

Senator Oberacker announced his candidacy for the 19th Congressional District in early October following his hiring of the award-winning Casale Group as lead consultants on the race. CD19 contains all or portions of 11 counties in Upstate New York and is currently represented by first-term incumbent Rep. Josh Riley, a Democrat.

Pascocello, who most recently served as chief of staff to Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, managed former Rep. John Faso's successful campaign for Congress in 2016 within the 19th District's previous lines. He went on to serve as Faso's chief of staff on Capitol Hill. He was also state Senator Rob Rolison's (SD39) chief of staff from 2023 to December 2024.

Pascocello is a 2003 graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University and a native New Yorker. In addition to effectively managing political campaigns at nearly every level of state and municipal government, he has been a consultant, advisor, ghostwriter, and occasional magazine contributor.

"Dain's experience and winning record, especially here in the 19th District, will be of immediate benefit to our campaign to take back Upstate New York. I'm thrilled to add Dain Pascocello to the team as we hit the ground running in 2026," said Oberacker. "Stay tuned for more staffing announcements from Team Oberacker in the coming days and weeks."

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Assault Investigation Leaders to Arrest of Walton Man

WALTON — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced that an investigation into an assault, resulted in the arrest of a Walton resident.  

On Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of an assault that had occurred in the Village of Walton. The investigation into the reported assault revealed that 41-year-old Joseph Jimenez, of Walton, New York, engaged in a physical domestic with a tenant of the household in which Jimenez allegedly produced a bladed weapon, stabbing the victim multiple times.  

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies located and arrested Jimenez and charged him with one count of Assault in the 1st Degree, a class B felony, Menacing in the 2nd Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree, a class A misdemeanor. 

Upon completion of arrest processing, Jimenez was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he was held pending his arraignment at CAP Court.   

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Brooklyn Man Arrested for Alleged Suspended License

WALTON — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Brooklyn resident for driving with a suspended New York State Driver’s license.

On Thursday night, January 1st, 2026, Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester, at 61 mph in a posted 30 mph zone. Upon conducting a traffic stop, Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 27-year-old Mohamed G. Mozep of Brooklyn, NY. A DMV check of Mozep’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York.   

Deputies subsequently arrested Mozep and issued him traffic summonses for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, and Speed in Zone, a violation, both offenses of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. 

Mozep was released on traffic summonses and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date, to answer the charges

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DWI Arrest

DELHI — Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of a Meredith resident for driving while intoxicated.

On Wednesday night, December 24th, 2025, Sheriff’s Deputies were traveling on Meredith Street, in the Village of Delhi and observed a vehicle approaching them from the opposite direction, traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies confirmed that the on-coming vehicle was traveling at 64 mph in a posted 30 mph speed zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver of the vehicle was identified as 22-year-old Jacob Pitcher of Meredith. 

Upon completion of the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged Pitcher with Driving with a BAC of .08 of 1% or more and Driving While Intoxicated, both misdemeanors of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Additionally, Pitcher was issued traffic summonses for Speed in Zone, Fail to Notify NYS DMV of an Address Change and Possession of an Open Alcoholic Container within a Motor Vehicle, all violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Upon completion of arrest processing, Pitcher was released on appearance tickets and summonses and was directed to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date to answer the charges.

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KidSkill Fund Winter Gala Brings Community Together to Support Access to Education in the Catskills

BOVINA — The KidSkill Fund, in partnership with Bovina Center Montessori School, will host the KidSkill Fund Winter Gala on Friday, January 17 from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Bovina Center Montessori School campus. The event is open to the wider community and aims to raise funds in support of educational access and enrichment opportunities for children and families across the Greater Catskills. 

As the third major fundraising event for the KidSkill Fund, the Winter Gala is designed as a community-wide gathering - welcoming not only school families, but neighbors, friends, and supporters who believe in the importance of accessible, high-quality education. Proceeds from the evening benefit the KidSkill Fund, a young 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides scholarships and financial assistance for Montessori education and other community-based youth programs. 

The evening will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres from Chef Deanna, a live auction with locally sourced and experience-based offerings - including a half cow from a local farm and a stay at North Star Farm - as well as a silent auction showcasing artwork and contributions from artists within the parent and local community. On-site childcare will be available for purchase, with limited spots. 

“This event is about more than fundraising,” said a member of the Winter Gala Planning Committee. “It’s about coming together as a broader community to ensure that children and families in our region have access to meaningful learning opportunities. The generosity and creativity that go into this evening reflect the values we hope to pass on to our children.” 

Tickets for the KidSkill Fund Winter Gala are $75 per person, with additional childcare tickets available. Tickets are limited, and advance purchase is encouraged. 

The KidSkill Fund and Bovina Center Montessori School extend their gratitude to parent volunteers, local artists, and business sponsors whose support makes this event possible. 

For tickets or more information, visit KidSkillFund.org

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The Roxbury Arts Group Announces Wintertide Film Series at Headwaters Arts Center

STAMFORD – Headwaters Arts Center invites the community to escape the winter cold with the Wintertide Film Series, a curated selection of films spanning nearly a century of cinema. Enjoy five carefully selected films on the 2nd and 4th Fridays from January thru March followed by two special evenings in April showcasing local filmmakers’ work.  Entry to the films are free and concessions like popcorn, soda, candy and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. 

The series opens January 27 at 6pm with Samsara (2011), a breathtaking visual meditation filmed over five years in 25 countries. This wordless exploration of the cyclical nature of life offers new perspectives on our world and our connections to it. On February 13, 6pm celebrate Valentine's Day with Rob Reiner’s classic The Princess Bride (1987), followed February 27, 6pm  with a Parisian thriller Charade (1963); a film starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant that blends romance, comedy and mystery.

March brings two visually stunning films at a later time.   On  March 13 at 7pm Flow (2024) an Oscar winning innovative dialogue free  animated feature that relies on music, natural sounds and imagery to tell a compelling story of a cat surviving a catastrophic flood with a menagerie of other animals.  Then on March 27, Fritz Lang's groundbreaking silent film Metropolis (1927). This German Expressionist science fiction epic set in a futuristic city (in the year 2026!) split between wealthy elites living in luxury and the suppressed working class toiling underground.    

Then in April, Local Lens Showcase will present two evenings of films by  filmmakers from our region. The Showcase on Friday April 10 will feature short films, under 30 minutes; while the one on April 24 with feature-length films. The submission form for film stakeholders, directors, writers, actors, editors is available at roxburyartsgroup.org/open-calls and due by March 7th, 2026. 

All screenings take place at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford. While folding chairs are provided, audiences are invited to bring their own chairs or blankets for the floor to create a cozy, communal viewing experience.Admission is free, and concessions including popcorn, soda, candy, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. For more information please visit roxburyartsgroup.org or email programs@roxburyartsgroup.org.

This program is sponsored by Margaretville Telephone Company. All programs offered by the Roxbury Arts Group are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature, the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, the Tianaderrah Foundation, The Delaware National Bank of Delhi, and individual supporters.

Complete Wintertide Film Series Schedule:

Samsara (2011)
Friday, January 27, 2026, 6-8 PM

The Princess Bride (1987)
Friday, February 13, 2026, 6-8 PM

Charade (1963)
Friday, February 27, 2026, 6-8 PM

Flow (2024)
Friday, March 13, 2026, 7-9 PM

Metropolis (1927)
Friday, March 27, 2026, 7-9 PM

Local Lens Showcase - Shorts
Friday, April 10, 2026, 7-9 PM

Local Lens Showcase - Feature Films
Friday, April 24, 2026, 7-9 PM

All screenings:
Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford, NY
FREE admission | Concessions available for purchase

For more information:
Visit roxburyartsgroup.org or call 607.214.6040

About Roxbury Arts Group Established in 1979, The Roxbury Arts Group is a non-profit multi-arts organization on a mission to infuse the heart of Catskill communities with the power of the arts. Through captivating public performances, inspiring exhibitions, engaging classes, and critical artist support, The Roxbury Arts Group ensures that artists from all walks of life and art lovers of all ages have access to quality programming and opportunities. RAG operates three venues: Roxbury Arts Center, Headwaters Arts Center, and the historic Old School Baptist Church.

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Harpersfield Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

HARPERSFIELD — A 64-year-old Harpersfield man was charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty after "an urgent rescue of animals" on Dec. 31, according to a press release from the New York State Police.

The Susquehanna Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)  and New York State Police removed several small animals from a residence near the intersection of O'Dell Lake Road and state Route 23 in the town of Harpersfield.

Three geese, three chickens, five cats, a pig and eight domestic rats were removed after authorities received a report the previous day from some  "good samaritans.”

The SQSPCA called the state police, which, after checking the property Tuesday, “felt compelled” to take further action. Troopers went out with the SQSPCA Wednesday for the rescue. As of Wednesday morning, the animals were undergoing medical treatment, and that information would be reported later to the state police for further investigation.

Joseph R. Wyble Jr., 64, of Harpersfield, was charged under the Agriculture and Markets law with 12 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, a misdemeanor. He was issued appearance  tickets to appear in the Harpersfield Town Court on Jan. 26.

Photos courtesy the Susquehanna SPCA

Officials in the process of removing animals from a residence on O'Dell Lake Road in the town of Harpersfield on Dec. 31.

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Dot Donofrio Turns 103

Dot Donofrio celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday with the friends and family at The Pavilion in Stamford. Dave Betz, who often takes her on outings, along with her friends Mary Brockway and Usha Tagliafarro, will tell you she likes to go shopping, to dinner or to visit with friends and family. Her longtime neighbor Mary Brockway described her as very fun loving and sociable. Dot said she has done nothing special to achieve longevity, but it is in her genes. Her late sister Josephine was 101 and one of her brothers was 98 and a half. Her mother lived to the age of 92 and all of her siblings made it to at least to 82. Dot had a twin brother. There were many well-wishers on Monday, including her niece Joan Triolo and her husband, Rich Triolo, several friends and fellow residents at The Pavilion. She is one of five Donofrio siblings who grew up on the family farm in Township where John and Carmen Donofrio started farming. 

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Dairy Promoters 'Fill A Glass of Hope'

By Liz Page

STAMFORD – A group of enthusiastic dairy ambassadors started the New Year off right as they manned a local food pantry on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2 to give out free milk. It is part of the “Fill a Glass With Hope”  campaign by American Dairy Association North East to bring fresh milk to families in need.   

Money that had  been donated to the promotion program and collected for the corn maze at the Hanselman farm on Family Farm Day last August, as well as donations received at Bovina Farm Day and other dairy promotion activities, were used to buy the milk for the food pantry. 

The promotion program teaches  communities about the importance of dairy farms, and also about the amazing nutrition dairy provides both children and adults. Barb Hanselman, who chairs the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee, said purchasing the milk and putting it  into the hands of those who need it, completes the circle for the young dairy promoters. 

This is the 10th year of the program, which also provides information to the public and families about the nutritional benefits of fresh milk. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help promote heart health, lower the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, promote bone health, sports recovery and weight management. Milk contains 13 essential nutrients important for growth and development. It is recommended you have three servings per day. 

The Delaware County Dairy Ambassadors plan to continue the program and you will find donation jugs along with other fundraising over the coming year. They purchased $300 worth of milk  which they handed out at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall food pantry in Stamford. They also brought 10 gallons and 12 half gallons to the food pantry in Delhi and milk was also sent to the Grand Gorge food pantry. There were additional units to be given out at the next Stamford food pantry.

They have another $175 to purchase milk to give out at another time, hoping to get a number of gallons for each community. 

Delaware County Dairy Ambassadors are ready to hand out free milk at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall food pantry on New Year's day. Pictured from left are: Junior Ambassador Jordan Odell: Delaware County Dairy Ambassador Lillian Eklund; Associate Dairy Ambassador Emma Smith and Junior Dairy Ambassador Madelyn Eklund.

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Honoring a True Rotarian: Gary Williams Recognized for Dedication to the Rotary Foundation

HOBART — In a heartfelt ceremony, Hobart Rotary Club member Gary Williams was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, a special honor established by the Rotary Foundation in 1957 to acknowledge members who demonstrate unwavering support through their donations. Gary’s consistent annual contributions have significantly aided the foundation’s critical initiatives, including the global eradication of polio and various peace efforts worldwide.

The award, a distinctive three sapphire gold pin, symbolizes not only generosity but also a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. Gary’s dedication reflects the true spirit of Rotary—service above self—and serves as an inspiration to the community.

During the event, a poignant reminder was shared about the impact of polio, a disease that once devastated countless children, including those born between 1945 and 1955. Personal stories, such as that of a family member who battled polio as a child, underscored the importance of Rotary’s mission. Thanks to advances and persistent efforts funded by donors like Gary, polio has been nearly eradicated worldwide.

Gary Williams’ recognition is a testament to how individual contributions can drive monumental change. His generosity not only supports critical health interventions but also fosters global peace, making him a true Rotarian in every sense. The local community celebrates his achievement and the enduring legacy of Rotary’s humanitarian work.

Gary Williams proudly receives the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, a distinguished award from the Rotary Foundation honoring his steadfast commitment through annual donations. His generosity has helped fund vital initiatives like the global eradication of polio and peace efforts worldwide. A true Rotarian dedicated to service and humanitarian causes.  (L) Michael Sandoval, President, Rotary Club of Hobart. (R) Rotarian Gary Williams.

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