LEGISLATURE STUFF - The Same Old and the Very New

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - The old adage about something or someone moving slower than molasses in January cannot be applied to the Greene County Legislature and construction of the new Justice Center.

Mid-winter is traditionally a sluggish news period, legislatively speaking, taking care of routine annual designations and appointments..

Those details are being mundanely but necessarily accomplished including the appointment of Tanya Ernst as Clerk of the Legislature for the remainder of a 3-year term set to expire on December 31, 2027.

Ernst, in November, had been named temporary Acting Clerk following the sudden passing of longtime and highly respected clerk Tammy Sciavillo.

Ernst will continue in her role as confidential assistant to county administrator Shaun Groden.

Lawmakers, upon the recommendation of county treasurer Keith Valentine, designated the official bank depositories and the maximum amounts of money which may be kept on deposit in each as follows:

National Bank of Coxsackie ($25 million), Greene County Commercial Bank, Catskill ($125 million), JP Morgan Chase, Saugerties ($25 million), NBT Bank, Windham ($25 million) and Key Bank, Catskill ($25 million).

“All funds deposited in designated depositories will be in the form of

checking accounts, Money Market accounts or Certificates of Deposit and savings accounts,” the legislative resolution states.

Lawmakers selected the Mountain Eagle, a weekly publication based in Schoharie, and the Times Union, a daily publication headquartered in Albany, as official newspapers for the county. 

The Mountain Eagle was chosen by Republican Party members of the legislature as the official Republican newspaper to publish Election

Notices and the Official Canvass for 2026.

Republicans, who number eleven on the 14-member legislature, also chose the Mountain Eagle to publish Concurrent Resolutions and Laws for 2026.

The Mountain Eagle was named by Democratic Party members of the legislature to publish Concurrent Resolutions and Laws for 2026.

Democrats, numbering 2 on the 14-member legislature, chose The Daily Freeman, based in Kingston, as their official paper to publish Election Notices and the Official Canvass for 2026.

Lawmakers in both parties declared that the Mountain Eagle, Times Union and Daily Freeman are, “fairly representing the principles of the Party to which we belong,” a fine journalistic tribute.

Legislature committee membership is staying the same as 2025, as follows (with the chairperson of the committee listed first):

—COUNTY RESOURCES, Michael Bulich (District 1, Catskill), James Thorington (District 6, Ashland, Jewett, Prattsville & Windham) Sherry True (District 8, Cairo), Jay Lucas (District 1, Catskill), Thomas Hobart (District 2, Coxsackie);

—COUNTY SERVICES, Sherry True, Patty Handel (District 9, Durham), Daryl Legg (District 7, Halcott, Hunter, Lexington), James O’Connell (District 3, Athens) Michael Lanuto (District 1, Catskill) and Lucas;

—ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM, Daryl Legg, Handel, True, Thorington, Bulich, Lanuto;

—FINANCE, Charles Martinez (District 2, Coxsackie), Greg Davis (District 4, Greenville),  Legg, Bulich, True, Lanuto;

—GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, Greg Davis, Martinez, O’Connell, Hobart, Lucas, Legg;

—HEALTH SERVICES, Patty Handel, Davis, True, Hobart, O’Connell, Lanuto;

—PUBLIC SAFETY, James Thorington, Martinez, Handel, Davis, Lanuto, Hobart;

—PUBLIC WORKS, James O’Connell, Thorington, Martinez, Bulich, Handel, Legg.

Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, the Majority Leader Matthew Luvera and the Minority Leader, Harry Lennon, have input on every committee.

All of the above appointments and designations have been approved in committee, earlier this month, awaiting passage by the full board on January 21, which is expected.

Meanwhile, work on the Justice Center is progressing on schedule and well within the original $28.8 million project budget, officials say.

The new wing on the county courthouse was deemed necessary to provide more room for the public defender and district attorney offices that are squeezed for space and still growing.

They are being joined by the New York State Office of Court Administration, a most welcome partner in terms of their $5 million up front contribution to the initial cost and accompanying $140,000 yearly lease.

Occupancy of the 3-story addition, including a bottom floor parking garage, is still scheduled for early April, marking a year since groundbreaking.

Moving-in could commence prior to April, according to county administrator Shaun Groden, noting furniture and equipment are being purchased.

Construction crews were slated to blast through the walls of the historic courthouse in December, creating a glass-lined, elevated walkway connecting the structures, a task that is now nearly completion.

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Out Lexington Way

By Christine Dwon

There is a free workshop in West Kill/Lexington on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  For information and location call Helle Thorning at 518-255-8657 or hellethorningwine@gmail.com.  These free workshops are designed to give you practical strategies for coping with stress and change; tools to support emotional well being; ways to stay socially connected and access to information about mental health support.  The workshop facilitators are Dr. Helle Thorning, a licensed clinical social worker, author, educator in behavioral health and teaches mental health professionals locally and abroad and Gail Spindell, a Psychotherapist in private practice with individuals, couples and groups.  She specializes in treating anxiety, depression and other emotional states that distract from living fully.  

Saturday, Jan. 17 is National Popcorn Day.  Come to the Hunter Public Library, 7964 Main Street, Hunter, for a free bag of popcorn and make a popcorn craft.

Happy birthday to reporter extraordinaire, Michael Ryan on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Friday, Jan. 16 we wish Jannel Mellott a very happy birthday.

Bridget Osborn Watson’s birthday is Saturday, Jan. 17.

Wednesday, Jan. 21 is Kaitlin Knapp’s birthday.

Helen Kerr’s birthday is Thursday, Jan. 22.

Best wishes to all.

The Greene County Senior Nutrition Program menu for the week of Jan. 19 – Jan. 23 is as follows:  Monday—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Department of Human Services closed; Tuesday—Chicken Parmesan, penne pasta, Italian mixed vegetables, fruit cocktail; Wednesday—Pork chop with gravy, applesauce, green beans, sweet potato, birthday cake; Thursday—Beef barley stew, broccoli, peanut butter swirl brownie; Friday—Chef’s Choice.  All persons 60 and older are invited to attend.  Meals served at noon, suggested $4 donation for each meal.  Congregate reservations are required by noon at least a day in advance.  If you reserve a meal and are unable to attend, please call as soon as you can to cancel.  The number to call for the Senior Service Center at the Jewett Municipal Building, 3547 Route 23C, Jewett is 518-263-4392.

The next Fellowship Lunch at the Kaaterskill UMC will be Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Come and enjoy a free meal and fellowship.  All are invited.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27 a Medicare Representative from Greene County Department of Human Services will be at the Jewett Senior Service Center at 11:45 a.m. to help you stay informed, understand your benefits and make the most of your Medicare Coverage.  If you would like to stay for lunch, please call 518-263-4392 at least a day in advance to reserve your meal.

National Lego Day is Wednesday, Jan. 28.  You are invited to come to the Hunter Public Library and create something with the library’s Lego blocks.  Your creations will be put on display during the month of February and a photo on Facebook.

You can enjoy hot chocolate at the Hunter Public Library to celebrate Hot Chocolate Day on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Nominations are open for 2026 Greene County Senior Citizen Awards.  The Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging (Human Services) announces that nominations are being accepted for the Greene County Senior Citizen Awards.  The two annual awards are Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.  The awards are to recognize the outstanding achievements of senior citizens who have volunteered their time and energy to help other people, their communities and/or to special projects.  The dedication of these volunteers help to make Greene County a better place for all of us.  The individuals chosen on the county level will represent Greene County at New York State Office for the Aging’s (NYSOFA) annual Older New Yorkers Day Luncheon in Albany.  Any Greene County resident age 60 or older can be nominated for these awards.  Achievements must be voluntary in nature, performed in Greene County and not part of paid employment.  Past award winners may be nominated only if seven or more years have passed since last recognized.  If you know someone who deserves this recognition, contact the Greene County Department of Human Services at 518-719-3555 for an official nomination form.  Incomplete forms will not be considered as eligible.  Any inquiries for further information may also be directed to the department.  Deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2026.

Thank you to all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, volunteers, healthcare providers, veterans, actively serving military, farmers, truck drivers and so many more.

Prayers for all who are dealing with loss, illnesses, healing, difficulties, our country, our military and their families, the world.

Until next week take care, be thankful, be safe, be respectful of others and please be kind to one another.  Your act of kindness may change someone’s life.

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Prattsville Looks at Dog Laws, Reorganizes

By Michael Ryan

PRATTSVILLE - It is again the season for organizing local government which seems like the right time to also ponder the possibility of promulgating new dog control regulations in Prattsville.

Town board members, at a meeting on Tuesday night, attended to all the designations and appointments needed to keep the administrative ship sailing smoothly, an annual obligation.

Town clerk Theresa Whitworth was the busiest official on the slate, being chosen to also take care of Vital Statistics and Records Management as well as providing office staff assistance.

Whitworth, too, will serve as Water District Clerk, the secretary for community cemeteries, Inventory Clerk and Fair Housing officer.

In similarly rarified air is Jim Dymond who will continue as planning board chairman, Water District superintendent and Conine Road Water Issue superintendent, having handled the responsibilities for many years.

Longtime town councilwoman Joyce Peckham returns as deputy town supervisor, filling in for town supervisor Greg Cross if and when the necessity arises.

Many familiar names were returned to their posts, a clear demonstration of satisfaction with their efforts including Donald Schoenborn (building inspector) and Deb Dymond (planning board secretary).

Bill Sutton, who recently retired as highway superintendent, will still be available as deputy superintendent, stepping in, if need be, for newly elected roads chief Dewitt Olmstead.

The deputy town clerk will again be Carole Cangelosi (who also works for the town as tax collector) and the dog control officer is Sandy Martin.

Martin is very much part of the conversation about revising the dog rules as is Whitworth, collating the language from existing papers in other towns.

There is legislation on the books here but the wording refers to the town of Stuyvesant rather than Prattsville, indicating the Columbia County municipality was used as a model in drafting the local law.

It further points out that the regulations have probably not been looked at very often, collecting considerable dust since their passage.

Nothing is definite related to enacting changes and if they do come, “this would be months away from being adopted,” Cross says, requiring much discussion by the town board and public hearings.

Meanwhile, a very preliminary, nine-page draft document has been written titled, “licensing, regulating and controlling the activities of dogs.”

In addition, it defines the “Position of Dog Control Officer,” stating, “the purpose of the law shall be to preserve public peace and good order in the Town of Prattsville and to promote the public health, safety and welfare of its people by enforcing regulations and restrictions on the activities of dogs that are consistent with the rights and privileges of dog owners and the rights and privileges of other citizens of the Town of Prattsville. 

“Further it is necessary to enact a local law to address the licensing of dogs in lieu of the State of New York's mandate that dog licensing become a local government function on January 1", 2011,” the draft states.

“All dogs within the Town of Prattsville four (4) months of age or older, unless otherwise exempted, shall be licensed,” the draft states.

“Each license application shall be accompanied by proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies or a statement from a licensed veterinarian that such vaccination would endanger the dog's life in which case vaccination shall not be required,” the draft states.

There is a long list of prohibitions, with the draft stating, in part, that it is unlawful for any animal owner to allow that animal to:

—Become a Dangerous Dog as that term is defined in the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law $123; 

—Engage in habitually loud howling, barking, crying, whining or making such noise or conduct itself in such a manner so as to unreasonably and habitually disturb the comfort or repose of any person other than the owner of such animal;

—Uproot, dig, or otherwise damage any vegetables, lawns, flowers, garden beds, or other property not belonging to the owner of such animal.

—Run at large, chase, jump upon/at or otherwise harass any person in such a manner as to reasonably cause intimidation or fear or to put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury.

—Habitually chase, rung alongside of or bark at motor vehicles while on a public street or highway or upon public or private property other than property of the owner or harborer of said animal.

—Create a nuisance by defecating, urinating, or digging on public property or private property other than of said owner.

—Destroy, kill or damage any dog, cat, poultry, livestock or domestic pets not belonging to the owner, or wild game unless engaged in legal hunting with the owner.

Dogs used for the sport of hunting shall be allowed to run at large while engaged in the sport of hunting provided said dogs are under the control of their owner or other responsible person and further provided said dogs are on property with the knowledge and consent of the owner of said property.

—Be at large in the hamlet or at recreational areas, town park or on town sidewalks unless said dog is adequately restrained by a leash except in areas that shall be designated by the Town Board of the Town of Prattsville by resolution.

The draft document concludes, “No person shall hinder, resist or oppose the animal control officer and/or peace officer when acting pursuant to his or her special duties, police officer or dog control officer employed by or under contract to the Town or other person(s) authorized to administer or enforce the provisions of the Local Law or in the performance of the officers or other persons duties under this Local Law.

“Any person hindering, resisting or opposing the animal control officer, peace officer when acting pursuant to his or her special duties, police officer or dog control officer employed by or under contract to the Town shall be guilty of a violation of and prosecuted pursuant to Penal Law § 195.05, Obstructing governmental Administration in the second degree,” the draft document states.

A sequence of fines would be established for judged violations, the draft document states, ”not less than fifty ($50) dollars nor more than two hundred and fifty ($250) dollars, except that:

“When the person was found to have violated any part of this section within the preceding five (5) years, the fine may be not less than one hundred ($100) dollars nor more than two hundred and fifty ($250) dollars,” the draft document states.

“Where the person was found to have committed two or more such violations of any part of this section within the preceding five (5) years, the fine may be not less than one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars no more than four hundred ($400) dollars,” the draft document states.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

This past week I experienced something that truly touched my heart.

For those unfamiliar with the VFW, our organization operates at several levels: post, district, state, and national. When I was honored to serve as Commander of District 3 in New York, I worked closely with the District Auxiliary President, Kathleen Hayward.

Kathleen was a woman completely dedicated to helping veterans in every way possible. She worked tirelessly alongside me to ensure our district functioned with veterans’ needs always at the top of the list. Her passion project was the “22 Project,” which focused on raising awareness and support around veteran suicide. Through her leadership and compassion, she made a lasting impact on countless lives.

I learned of Kathleen’s passing this past week and attended her funeral service in Granville, NY. The 2½-hour drive gave me time to reflect on the many memories we shared and the incredible work she did for the VFW and our veterans.

Seven past District 3 Commanders attended the service, three of whom went on to serve as State Commanders. Their presence spoke volumes about the respect Kathleen earned and the legacy she leaves behind.

Rest in peace, sweet lady. You will not be forgotten.

VFW 2026 Priority Goals: The 119th Congress is now in its second session, and there is still much work to be done.

The VFW 2026 Priority Goals include many issues concerning benefits and services for veterans, service members and their families such as the Major Richard Star Act, VA community care reform, ending mental health overprescription harm and exploring alternative treatments for invisible wounds. 

The VFW will continue to advocate diligently to ensure members of Congress and the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Labor provide the resources and care our nation’s veterans have earned and deserve. I will keep you veterans updated as results are posted.

The VA announced that scammers are impersonating its representatives to deceive veterans, surviving spouses and family members into believing their VA benefits have been overpaid and must repay immediately. 

These fraudulent contacts may arrive via letters, emails, text messages or phone calls and include fake VA logos, letterheads and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.

Veterans can protect themselves by only using official VA channels to resolve any real overpayments, never sharing sensitive information like VA login information, and being cautious of urgent demands for quick payment. Veterans who believe they have been targeted should contact the VA at 

1-800-827-1000 and can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or at VSAFE.gov.

Our post, as I have mentioned many times, holds Bingo. We have bingo starting up again in 2026 starting this Thursday (January 15) at 6pm. The dates for bingo moving forward are January 29th, February 5th, February 19th and March 5th. Come and enjoy a night of bingo with us and you will also be able to have a bite to eat. 

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. James H. Calfee, 36, of Boling, Texas, who was killed during the Vietnam War, was accounted for Aug. 8, 2025. 

In 1968, Calfee and 18 other men were assigned to Lima Site 85, a tactical air navigation radar site on a remote, 5,600-foot mountain peak known as Phou Pha Thi in Houaphan Province, Laos. In the early morning of March 11, the site was overrun by Vietnamese commandos, causing the Americans to seek safety on a narrow ledge of the steep mountain. A few hours later, under the protective cover of A-1 Skyraider aircraft, U.S. helicopters were able to rescue eight of the men. Calfee and 10 other Americans were killed in action and unable to be recovered.

To identify Calfee’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism DNA analysis.

Today, Calfee is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, and on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., (Panel 44E, Line 17). A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Calfee will be buried at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, Texas, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2026. Let us take a moment and remember all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Please keep all of our service men and women in your thoughts and prayers. Also, all of our first responders who protect and keep us safe. God Bless America. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC ~ VFW Post 1545 Commander

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Cameras Coming to Municipal Building

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - Security could be increased with the installation of external and internal cameras at the Windham municipal building.

Town officials, at a meeting last week, continued the process toward buying the devices, emphasizing there have been no breaches.

Concerns have arisen, however, related to incidents that should be and are being addressed, according to town supervisor Thomas Hoyt.

“We haven’t had any issues but there have been almost-issues. We found somebody wandering around downstairs in the building,” Hoyt said.

“They said they just got lost looking for somebody but we have put up signs. People have also been using [trash receptacles] behind the building,” Hoyt said.

No exact cost has been set, as yet, while negotiations take place with Mid-Hudson Cable about undertaking the job.

“Their proposal is a little higher than we were thinking,” Hoyt said. “On the other hand, there might be a lot of advantages, going with them.”

Mid-Hudson Cable would own the equipment and keep it updated, financial and technical responsibilities sparing the town countless headaches.

The company would handle all I-Cloud storage. “If we need to access the system, it will be much easier because this is what they do,” Hoyt said.

“If we bought our own system, the warranty would wear off and the support system would be gone,” Hoyt said, a scenario that would not occur with Mid-Hudson Cable maintaining proprietorship.

Cameras have already been installed at the local highway garage, visually monitoring the onsite fueling station used by multiple departments.

“Mid-Hudson didn’t have [their current capability] when we put in that system. They have totally updated with fiber optics,” Hoyt said.

“Technology is changing so fast, it might be more reasonable for us to go this way,” Hoyt said, noting highway superintendent Bj Murray will be comparing prices and all the gizmos, reporting back to the board.

The so-called fisheye lens is capable of capturing much greater detail than in the past, Hoyt noted, saying, “it used to be that you would look at the  video or whatever and ask, ‘Is that a cow or a horse?’

“Now, because the lens can move in different directions, if somebody is wearing a ring you can ask, ‘Is that one or two diamonds?’” Hoyt said.

Cameras, if installed, will not be placed in employee work spaces, such as the town clerk’s office or bookkeeping, billing, etc.

“They will be in public areas, like hallways, the room where we have town meetings and outside the building,” Hoyt said. 

“We’re doing this for basic security, to protect our staff and our town investments. It’s the way the world works now,” Hoyt said.

In other matters:

—Council members held their annual reorganization meeting, making all the designations and appointments needed to keep town government functioning like a finely-tuned instrument.

There were very few if any changes, indicating satisfaction with the people performing public services on behalf of local taxpayers, as follows:

—POLICE DEPARTMENT (offered by police chief Richard Selner), special patrol officer Michael Harte, patrolman/sergeant David Sherman Jr.;

Patrolmen James Scarey III, William Scarey, David Sherman, Peter Varelas, James Fitzmaurice, Greg Thorp and Stephen Bence;

Councilman Stephen Walker will again serve as liaison between the police department and the local court. The police chaplains are Pastor Ryan Dempsey and Pastor Cliff Cool;

Deputy town supervisor (councilman Wayne Van Valin, to serve in the absence of the town supervisor), working foreman for the highway department (Troy Aplin);

Town attorney (Tal Rappleyea), town historian (Patricia Morrow),  health officer (Dr. Nikolay Samedov), medical director (Dr. Craig Stanger).

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Lexington Workshop to Address Winter Isolation in Rural Communities

WEST KILL — A new workshop series designed to combat the unique psychological challenges of rural winter living will launch this weekend in the town of Lexington.

The session, titled "Tools for Wellbeing & Connection," is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in West Kill. The inaugural event focuses specifically on the challenges of maintaining social connections during the colder months, a time when the peacefulness of rural life can often transition into a sense of isolation.

The free community workshops aim to provide residents with:

Practical strategies for managing stress and navigating life changes.

Actionable tools to support long-term emotional wellbeing.

Effective methods for maintaining social ties despite geographic and seasonal barriers.

Direct access to information regarding local and regional mental health support services.

The series is led by two veteran mental health professionals with deep ties to the local community. Dr. Helle Thorning, a West Kill resident and licensed clinical social worker, brings extensive experience as an author and educator in behavioral health. In addition to her local practice, Thorning teaches mental health professionals both in New York City and abroad, specializing in fostering resilience for individuals and families.

Co-facilitator Gail Spindell, a psychotherapist based in Jewett and New York City, specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Spindell is a familiar face to mountaintop residents, having facilitated the "Skillful Aging Workshop" at the Hunter Library for the past four years.

Organizers are encouraging residents to share the information with neighbors who may benefit from the support.

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New Bookstore Opening in Cairo

By Jesse Angelino

CAIRO―This spring, Better Days Books will open its doors at 515 Main Street, bringing a full-service independent bookstore to the heart of town.

The project is the vision of Erik Price and Maya Prohovnik of Purling. In collaboration with local architect Kevin Conklin of Conklin Architecture, they will transform the former tanning salon into a 1,644-square-foot bookstore designed as a welcoming retail space.

The shop will sell new books and offer reading buffs several ways to linger―from relaxing on a rear deck overlooking Angelo Canna Town Park and the Catskill Mountains, to stepping inside to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine while browsing the shelves.

Opening a bookstore has been a lifelong dream, Prohovnik said.

“It was the first job I ever had and will always be my favorite,” she said. “Who doesn’t love walking into a place like this to find their next good read?”

A key part of the project focuses on honoring Cairo’s past. The building once housed the town’s A&P grocery store and will be redesigned to resemble the original façade, restoring a familiar look to MainStreet while giving it new purpose.

Conklin emphasized the importance of preservation and revitalization in the project.

“We love the opportunity to preserve our historic MainStreet and breathe life into a new business,” Conklin said. “This project respects the building’s past while adapting it for how people want to gather today.”

Prohovnik also addressed skepticism about whether a book store can thrive in a small town, pointing to recent successes nearby.

“We’ve heard concerns about how we’re going to pull this off but just look at other local businesses like the Art Hub, Red Star, Julia’s Local or See and Be, who have transformed Cairo for the better,” she said. “It’s a clear change in this town, and we want to invest in the crossroads of the Catskills.”

Price echoed that commitment and described the atmosphere they hope to create.

“We want to walk the walk, and we have the ability to pursue this,” he said. “We’re aiming for something that’s brightly lit, yet cozy, where everything, from books to the drinks in the cooler, feels thoughtfully curated. We hope we can provide a fun and inspiring experience for people who love books and culture.”

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Scheibe Brings Experience, Leadership to CMF

By Matthew Avitabile

HUNTER — The Catskill Mountain Foundation (CMF) recently appointed Amy Scheibe as its new Executive Director January 1st, and she spoke with us this week about the great plans for the organization. 

Scheibe is also the Board Chair of the Hunter Foundation, a role she took on when she moved to the area full time in 2017. After speaking to Peter and Sarah Finn about the Catskill Mountain Foundation and its immense impact on arts in the community, she became increasingly impressed with their dedication to the Mountaintop, and volunteered whenever she had the time.

Their efforts working together led to the Maude Adams Theater Hub (MATH), a fully-local enterprise that engages with community members to create theatrical performances. The summer of 2021, MATH staged Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, the first CMF live performance post-shut down. Math has expanded significantly to eight to ten performances annually.

“Each year it grows more and more solid,” Scheibe said.

“Being tasked with creating a hub of performers and creatives has allowed me to get more involved in community building, and also to learn the inner workings of CMF. The amazing work that Peter and Sarah Finn have put into building the organization with the deeply-rooted help and guidance of a team of extraordinary people became apparent immediately, and left a huge impression.” 

After recognizing the need for an Executive Director, the Finns approached Scheibe about possibly taking the role last fall, leading to a series of discussions, and ultimately an agreement. 

“It’s a long-time and short-time coming,” Scheibe said.

“Catskill Mountain Foundation has such amazing people working within the organization. Knowing that the structure is well situated allows for me to take on this leadership role with an eye towards service both within the building and outside in the community. With a team like CMF has put together, it was easy to say yes.” 

“Now we need to tell people all the wonderful things we do,” Scheibe said. “This is our time to really engage the community about the many great performing arts programs, the Mountain Cinema, Sugar Maples Center for the Creative Arts and the Natural Agriculture Farm in Maplecrest, the Orpheum Dance Program, the Piano Performance Museum, The Catskill Regional Guide Magazine, and of course, Maude Adams Theater Hub. CMF has been essential in developing and underwriting a number of local in-school and after school educational projects as well as creative arts in the summer, and we’re currently working on developing on site music instruction.”

“Coming to work and knowing that CMF is going to make a difference in people’s lives centers me every day,” Scheibe continued. “What joy it is to spread the word about cultural opportunities for the Mountaintop.”

Scheibe would like to amplify the Mountain Cinema brand, and develop a fresh approach to concessions and comfort. The theater shows three films per week. This week is the Golden Globe winning films Marty Supreme and Hamnet, and film festival favorite, Eternity. Scheibe also mentioned that every year the Mountain Cinema screens the shorts that are nominated for Oscars.

Another area destined for growth is CMF’s partnerships with cultural brands like their current involvement with The Joyce Theater, the Works and Process at the Guggenheim, and Victoria Rinaldi’s work bringing Joffrey Ballet School New York and The Ballet Hispanico School to dance with her young students on and off stage. 

“Art is what gets you through,” Scheibe said. “No matter the circumstances, art allows us to find our way through the good and bad times.” Her mission is tightly aligned with that of CMF: to bring joy through performance and artistic endeavor to the Mountaintop. 

“I’ve worked in a lot of places,” Scheibe said, “and the opportunity to use that experience to help a local arts center is a true gift. Putting joy out there is something I try to do every day.” She cited those involved with recent performances, including 50 local actors on stage for Disney’s The Little Mermaid in July. “It’s not easy work,” she said, “but it’s so rewarding. How cool is that?”

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