“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

I’ll take the snow over the ice now that we’re back to more normal winter temperatures but not for long! Get that extra layer out because we’re in for a stretch of negative lows over the weekend. Take the appropriate precautions. Highs will bounce back to the teens by Monday.

There’s been lots of excitement over the aurora photographed from the recent geomagnetic storm a few nights in a row this last week! There were stunning photos all over social media! It was also reported that some were able to see the tinge of colors with the naked eye too! This display has been seen best through photographs.

Big thanks to all our snow removal teams out there making this treacherous season a safer place to be! Drivers, please use caution and patience while near snow removal equipment.

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

The American Hotel in Sharon Springs is closed for the month of January and will be open again on February 6th. Their hours, once open again, will be: Friday through Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM for dinner, 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.

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, February 19th. The Village Mayor is currently Denise Kelly and the new Village Clerk is Hope Bayes. New appointments will be sworn in soon with Paul Novko as Mayor. 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, February 4th. 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.

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.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. The Library is now on their winter hours schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 6:00 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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Summit Welcomes New Board - Board Backs Letter Against Constitution Pipeline

By Karen Cuccinello

A new year began with a few new board members, pledge to the flag and a short prayer by new Supervisor Roger Gural. New Councilpersons are Mark Hearon and David Knight; and Town Clerk Kattie Mahr.

The January 8th organizational meeting minutes were approved.

Clerk Mahr gave an update on the amount of tax monies collected so far.

Allison Wilson was appointed as a clerical worker and a new line item was created, not to exceed $500, for this position. Jason Andra was appointed deputy clerk.

Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble asked to be authorized to view the town hall's security cameras remotely; approved and stated that the sander was installed on the pick-up truck. Councilperson Kearney thanked Jim for working with the highway crew in light of being shorthanded.

Assessor Mike Yorke reported he is lining up his trainings and the senior and agricultural letters have gone out. His office hours are Tuesdays 8:30-11:30am and he is available Thursdays when out on the road. Contact 518-287-1100 for inquiries.

No DCO or Youth reports.

Historian Karen Cuccinello reported her 2026 More Summit Farms Etc. has been published but getting a sample copy first before ordering 200 books for the public with contractual town monies (FYI the books cost about $3.25 per book). Working on the 2027 book about Civil War Veterans with Connections to Summit. Sent in an article on the Mobley Camp, of Charlotteville, for the Maple Festival booklet and sent in the NYS Historians Report. Mentioned paying for drone photos of Summit and Charlotteville for the cover of the 2027 book.

Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox reported he is keeping up with open building permits and trainings, and recently received information about a Schoharie County program that offers replacement of mobile homes; he will look into this further.

Supervisor Gural mentioned that Carol Lavallee was in the audience as a representative of the Times Journal newspaper.

Supervisor Gural read a letter from Planning Board Chair John Meaney asking the Board to re-appoint Paul Turner to the planning board; approved.

Board of Appeals Chair, John Foote mentioned they are still in need of an alternate member. He and the other board members Wayne Stinson Jr. and Chuck Melszer have met their training requirements. Foote asked about putting in for mileage when they need to travel to a training. Supervisor Gural said just submit a voucher for the current mileage rate of 72.5 cents per mile.

Supervisor Gural mentioned receiving a letter from the Schoharie Health Department saying they approved of the repairs to the electrical issues.

Supervisor Gural reviewed information about a Hazard Mitigation Plan that is in cooperation with the Schoharie County Multi Mitigation plan. In order to be eligible for FEMA Grants, in the case of a disaster, the town should adopt this plan. Gural recused himself from voting due to his employment; the plan was adopted.

Before paying the bills Gural questioned a Crime Insurance bill since the last time it was paid was 2022. Councilperson VanValkenburgh believes that insurance is paid every three years; Gural will look into it.

The Summit Cemetery Association sent a thank you letter for the monies from the town.

Floor open to the public.

Wayne Stinson Sr. said that the Constitution Pipeline has submitted a petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to re-issue their 2014 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, hoping to lay a pipeline through Summit as they had looked into years ago. Stinson believes the pipeline is detrimental to Summit in assorted ways and mentioned pipelines have blown up in different parts of the country in the past. He asked if the board would send a letter of disapproval to FERC, noting that it has to be sent in by January 29th. Gural was approved to send a letter in opposition to the pipeline and will mention it at the Schoharie County board meeting too.

Jen Stinson, of Summit Neighbors, offered well wishes to the new board and mentioned that they brought cookies to share as a welcome gesture.

Revitalization Committee Chair Georgia VanValkenburgh read a review, composed by John Foote, of the committee's activities during 2025. They have been meeting monthly working on the Unsafe Building Law (that was adopted), Site Plan Review Regulations and reviewing the current Land Use Law including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s). The next meeting is February 19 before the Town Board meeting.

Supervisor Gural asked the Board if they were able to audit/review the books yet. Councilperson Kearney asked for more time to review which is fine until the February 19th meeting.

Town clerk office hours: Monday and Wednesday 12-3pm, Thursday 12-3pm and 3rd Thursday 4:30-6:30pm and Saturdays through January 8-10am then 1st Saturday of the month February on 8-10am. For information or to make an appointment contact Clerk Mahr at 518-287-1430 or summitclerk@midtel.net.

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Summit Town Board 2026 photo from left to right- Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble, Councilpersons Mark Hearon, David Kearney, David Knight and Georgia VanValkenburgh; Town Clerk Katie Mahr and Supervisor Roger Gural.

Filling up at Charlotteville FD buffet breakfast

Eee Gads back to the single digits in the morning, burr and then another six inches or so of snow.

Had a yummy breakfast, as usual, at Charlotteville FD last Sunday. It was a little slow getting to Charlotteville with the continual snow, but we made it aok.

Continual spam emails drive me nuts. It is not always easy to tell when an email is spam but I’m pretty sure emails written all in Chinese are spam.

New Summit Town clerk office hours: Monday and Wednesday 12-3pm, Thursday 12-3pm and 3rd Thursday 4:30-6:30pm, Saturdays through January 8-10am then 1st Saturday of the month February on. For information or to make an appointment contact Clerk Mahr at 518-287-1430 or summitclerk@midtel.net.

From Schoharie County Conservation Association (SCCA) newsletter.

Richmondville Fish & Game Club: Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at the club property located on 811 High View Rd. The club hosts an open trap shoot to the public each Tuesday night at 5PM. The club has been sponsoring a Youth School Trap league, CRCS students in grades 7-12. They shoot twice a week in the spring and fall leagues. Questions call Greg Warner @ 518-265-8647.

Summit Conservation Club: Club meetings held on the second Monday @ 6 PM of each month. Starting in January Stuffed Pizza on Saturday Noon to 7PM & Sundays Noon to 4PM. Feb. 21st & 22nd; Mar. 14th & 15th; April 18th & 19th.  Pancake Breakfast Sundays 8Am -11AM: Jan. 4th, Feb.1st, Mar. 1st, No breakfast in April. Phone 518-287-1710, 109 Club Dive Summit. 

SCCA will sponsor a Youth Ice Fishing Derby on February 7th @ Franklin Vlie Pond south of Middleburgh from 8am to 2pm. POC is Dave Wood – 518-944-8926.  Youths who catch the biggest fish will receive a prize or Trophy during the three different time slots for Pickerel, crappie, and also the biggest fish of the day. 

West Fulton Rod & Gun Club will host a Youth Ice Fishing Derby on Feb 14th at the Franklin Vlaie Pond from 8AM to 2PM. Lots of prizes and trophies for winners of each time frame and biggest fish caught. POC will be Jeff Almy 206-550-9933. 

CESRPL Team and High Individual Match Scores 01/16/26  Match XII. Stamford/Richmondville beat Oneonta: 1090-16X to 1060-16X. High Stamford/Richmondville Scores were from: Gus Mueller 283-6X; Jim Hitt 278-4X; Javin Traver 270-4X; and David Ferris 259-2X. Other Stamford/Richmondville Shooters were: Larry VanDeusen, Brian Righi, Pat Mattice, Steve Baker, Stephen Hansen, and Mark Gifford. High Scores for Oneonta were:  Adam Nichols 274-5X; Carl Morganstern 267-7X; Mark Eagle 261-4X; and Al Nichols 258-2X. Other Oneonta Shooters were: Scott May, Ken Soden, Don Fleming, Kevin Lord, and Glenn Sullivan.

January 31 – Hanford Mills Museum Ice Harvest 10am-3pm, 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith, NY.

February 1- CVCS Board of Education meeting 6:30pm.

February 1 – Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

February 7 – Valentine Family Dinner 5-7pm or until sold out by Summit FD Support Services at the Firehouse. All you can eat Spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, salad, bread and dessert. Adults $12, children $8 and under age 5 free.

February 8 – Super Bowl Sunday

February 14- Valentines Day

February 15 - Charlotteville FD Breakfast Buffet 8-11am at the firehouse. Includes pancakes, french toast, sausage, ham, home fries, eggs, biscuits, sausage gravy, juice hot chocolate & coffee; adults $12 and children $5, plus a 50/50 drawing. Buckshole Sugarshack real maple syrup.

February 18- Ash Wednesday

February 19- Summit Town Board meeting 7pm.

History

January 2, 1908 Jefferson Courier – Eminence News- Mr. Barr, who has managed our skimming station the past year is expected to occupy the P. B. Sweet place, near the station. - Giles E. Mickle has been elected a delegate to the Lay Electoral conference of the M. E. church to be held in New York city, April 1st, 1908. - Albert Boynton has had the misfortune to lose part of the first finger of his right hand by a buzz saw. - Collector Geo. W. Clark of Blenheim and the tax collector of Summit have been in town and relieved our farmers of considerable of their "loose change.” - Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Curtis entertained a faithful few of the scholars and teachers of the M. E. Sabbath school, on Christmas eve and Santa Claus remembered them all. -  Chas. Decker has purchased the Spencer Burnett farm, (recently occupied by Andrew Wilson), of Matthias Burnett and wife, of Cobleskill. Possession given April 1st. 1908.

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Auto Racing News

Austin Beers at 22 years old in 2025 was the youngest driver to win the  NASCAR Whelen modified championship. Beers was presented the Richie Evans Memorial Driver of the Year award on asphalt, at last weekend’s Eastern Motorsports Press Association 53rd. convention in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

By Tom Coughlin

If you were planning to go to Royal Mountain Ski Area for Round 2 of the Snow Drags. They have canceled their program due to the frigid temperatures forecast for this weekend.

 Pro stock driver Jordan Modiano has a vision. in his most recent announcement. "As an Autism Dad, I started Racers 4 Autism to do something real-create actual employment opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse individuals in our community". He goes on to say. "Last year we hired our first employee with special needs. This year, the goal is to keep her employed and hire another person".  An event will be held with a little variance on the standard fundraiser. In an effort to raise funds for Autism Awareness there will be a special night of Community & Impact hosted by Glennpeter Jewelers on Thursday, February 5 from 5:30 until 7:30 pm. The event is a Racers 4 Autism Fundraiser at 1544 Central Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12205 . A $25 entry fee cash/check at the door or online. What to expect: a relaxed, welcoming night~not a stuffy fundraiser, lite hot & cold fare included, dessert, cash bar-wine, beer, soda, coffee, and water (100% of proceeds donated), and one raffle ticket. Raffles & silent auction items, including: A wine tasting Experience for up to 40 people (valued at $1,700) A Princess Party Experience for up to six girls (ages 7+) (valued at $300) A rain/snow date of Thursday, March 5. Enjoy an evening of food, connection, raffles, and silent auctions-all in support of Racers 4 Autism and our mission to create meaningful opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Additional raffle items will also be available throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit Racers 4 Autism. RSVP by Wednesday, January 28 at www.eventbrite.com./e/racers-4-autism-charity-event-registration-1979867955351. 

 On a different need, the people that provide emergency services at many of our area speedway facilities, the Teal Suit Team, team leader recently sent me the following note. The Teal Suit Team is looking for help in securing donations for some Specialized Race Track safety training provided by the SFI Organization. I have personally attended the training and currently hold a certification for this training. This specialized training is recognized in both the U.S.A. and Canada. My goal is to bring this training to my team that covers Fonda Speedway, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, and Brookfield Speedway. As you can imagine the training will cost us to bring it local. I currently have a little over 20 members on the team. If you are interested in helping us meet our goal please let me know and be kind enough to provide your mailing address so that we may properly thank you. Wishing you a safe and successful 2026 racing season. From Terri Mohrman TEAL Suit safety team leader. Terri can be contacted through messenger or by telephone at 518-774-8528.

 Another racing team seeking  help with sponsorship and in the garage is Montgomery Tremont. They are looking for onboard sponsors to support their race program and new crew members to optimize their performance. If interested you can contact the following through facebook. Montgomery Tremont Racing page, Montgomery Tremont, or Kaylee Dangleis.

  If you would be interested in being a track official. The Accord Speedway a.k.a. The Ulster County Bullring is in need of a flagger for the 2026 season. You can contact the track through messenger or by email at accordspeedway@outlook.com

 The 10th. edition of the Shaffer Racing Bowling Tournament & Party is scheduled to kickoff the 2026 racing season on Sunday, March 15, 2026.  Come join Happy Harry Shaffer and Shaffer Racing at Kelly’s Imperial Bowling Center 249 Wallins Corners Road, Amsterdam. The format will be 8-pin no tap, Registration will begin at 1:00 pm. with bowling at 2:00 pm. Bowling, prizes, giveaways, raffles, music, pizza, drinks, and more. $100 per team ($20 per bowler) non-bowling tickets also are available. Reserve your tickets today by texting or calling Shelly Shaffer at 518-366-2628. This event has sold out every year, so don't wait to get your tickets.

 Saturday, April 25 is planned to be the 60th. season opener for the Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vermont. The DIRTcar 358 modified Series will be the headliner when they compete in the King of the Clay.

 On Saturday night Emerson Axsom won his first Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the 40th. annual Chili Bowl Nationals in the 55-lap feature in a car prepared by Kevin Swindell.

Glen Ridge Motorsports Park is asking for driver input. There apparently has been interest shown in adding the winged mini-sprints to the weekly program up on the hill. In my opinion "The Ridge" is the perfect size for this division. To show your interest contact Glen Ridge Motorsports Park or Alicia Hughes through facebook.

 The Dirt Modified Nostalgia Tour has released their new schedule for the 2026 racing season. They will run a smaller version of their previous tour, opening in the north country on Friday, June 19 at the half-mile clay oval Can-Am Speedway in LaFargeville near Watertown. Then a Friday night at the one-third mile D-shaped Dirt Demon-Brewerton Speedway on June 26 and the next night Saturday, June 27 on the high banks of the three-eighths mile Fulton Speedway. Saturday, July 11 will see the DMNT race above the border at the one-third mile Brighton Speedway in Ontario, Canada. Saturday, August 22 the DMNT will change surfaces and visit the three-eighths mile asphalt track at Evans Mills Speedway. On  Sunday, September 6 the tour will return to Canada with another stop at Brighton Speedway. This schedule is subject to change.

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[History at the Old Stone Fort] Axe & Mason Jar

Axe Head

This was found in Bemis Heights near US General Horatio Gates’ Head Quarters. The Battle of Bemis Heights from the Saratoga Campaign in 1777 resulted in the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. Burgoyne’s surrender was said to have been the turning point of the Revolutionary War as it showed nations like France and Spain that the US stood a chance against Great Britain. It was also where British General Simon Fraser was purportedly killed by American Sniper and future Schoharie County resident Timothy Murphy.

Ball Ideal Mason Jar

In 1884 the Ball Corporation began manufacturing glass jars for home use canning. Canning (sealing food in air-tight containers) was a common method of preserving food during the 19th and 20th centuries. The use of canning accelerated in the United States during the two World Wars yet decreased afterwards due to the rise of refrigeration.

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Healthy Snacking for Seniors in 2026

Seniors learn more about healthy snacking at the January Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club Meeting.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Senior participants at the January Senior Luncheon at the Spa Rita learned more about making healthy snack choices in the new year! This monthly gathering of the Sharon Silver and Gold Senior Club is held at Schoharie County’s Office for the Aging’s congregate meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse.

Sara Ereio, RD (Registered Dietitian) came for a visit and shared some tips for healthy snacking with seniors participating during the last luncheon meeting.

It was shared that: older adults need to eat healthy foods, but need fewer calories. For seniors, healthy snacking should include foods full of nutrients, but limited in added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. 

Ms. Ereio created some vibrant and tasty snack plates for each person to try including whole grain crackers, guacamole, hummus, cooked lentils, and Sumo citrus mandarin orange segments. The Sumo citrus segments were a real hit with the seniors because they’re sweet, easy-to-peel, seedless, less acidic and an excellent source of vitamin C.

This was another positive social gathering that left those in attendance full of nourishment and knowledge. Thanks to all those that make these special gatherings possible. 

Area seniors interested in more information about the Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club, located at the Office for the Aging’s Congregate Meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse, please contact President Anne Lennebacker, at (607) 547-9055. 

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SUNY Cobleskill President Announces Awards for County Projects

SUNY Cobleskill President Marion Terenzio announced some awards at the Jan. 16 Schoharie County Board of Supervisors meeting. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — SUNY Cobleskill President Marion Terenzio stopped by the Friday, Jan. 16 Schoharie County Board of Supervisors meeting and delivered some good news.

During Privilege of the Floor, Terenzio announced that a total of $18.3 million had been awarded to two Schoharie County Projects from Governor Kathy Hochul's ACHIEVE competition. That total is part of the $32 million awarded to projects in the six-county Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council area.

The Schoharie County awards are $11.1 million for the $59 million Hoshino Mineral Spa Resort project in the Village of Sharon Springs and Town of Sharon, and $7.2 million for the $403.35 million Empire State Greenhouses project on the SUNY Cobleskill campus.

Terenzio described the SUNY Cobleskill project as something to benefit start-ups and to serve "the next generation of agriculture. The county is ready to be known nationally." She added the Hoshino project would be the first of its kind in the country.

The SUNY Cobleskill project is described on the Empire State Greenhouses website as something that "through a start-up NY relationship with SUNY Cobleskill, Empire State Greenhouses plans to build and operate net-zero-energy controlled environment vegetable and mushroom grow facilities as well as biogas digester.

"Once completed, the 300,000 square-foot facility will host three separate greenhouses and support growth of out-of-season produce on a rotational basis. The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill is working in close collaboration with ESG."

Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Federice thanked Terenzio for her work on getting the awards and asked what funding might be possible to benefit additional housing in the county.

"We need projects for housing," Terenzio said. "It's a problem across the state. If we can work together to push that, it would be critically important."

Federice said he has asked BOS Vice-Chair Don Airey to facilitate putting together a list of what housing projects are in the works in the county and what might be coming and bring it to next month's BOS meeting.

Supervisor Alicia Terry thanked Terenzio for SUNY Cobleskill's many contributions to Schoharie County over the years.

"What a tremendous resource SUNY Cobleskill has been for decades," Terry said. "We're so fortunate to have you here."

Federice added "we owe a great deal to all the efforts of SUNY Cobleskill. We're truly thankful we have SUNY Cobleskill as one of our key partners for economic development."

In other news from the Jan. 16 BOS meeting, there was discussion of a proposed increase in the county's occupancy tax from 4 to 6 percent. It's a tax on hotel, motel and other short-term rentals and is generally factored into those bills paid by guests, county Economic Development Coordinator John Crescimanno explained. The increase would be a way for the county to raise more much-needed revenue, he added.

A motion to move forward with the increase by Supervisor Alex Luniewski was eventually approved. However, the increase needs legislative action from the state and also a public hearing and another vote from the county BOS before it's officially approved and put into effect, county officials said. Those steps could take awhile, Crescimanno added.

Supervisor Ben Oevering and some others expressed some concerns with the proposed increase.

"I feel like we lack a lot of information," Oevering said.

"There's been debate about it, and a lot of concerns.....(but) we don't want to be left behind," said Airey, noting that some other nearby counties have increased their occupancy tax.

"I support 6 percent. It is a tax and we might as well use it for economic development," board member Earl VanWormer III said.

In other news from the Jan. 16 meeting, Airey reported that a proposal to replace the former county jail in the Village of Schoharie with housing is making good progress. He said an informational meeting to discuss the proposal will be held 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Schoharie Central School.

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Seward Around the Neighborhood

By Angela Clapper

Welcome back readers! The temps are low, and looks like they may get lower next week! I hope everyone is staying warm. We are in the heart of Winter, with many looking ahead to Spring. 

     If you missed the news last week, two local people who have been working hard for the past six years, finally saw their hard work make their dreams come true! Duane Spaulding and Ann Diefendorf have spent countless hours educating the public,  driving to events,  picking up milk, making phone calls, amongst many other things. Whole milk has not been in schools in years, and they made it their mission to get it back, as an option.  President Donald Trump signed the bill last week, and these two could not be happier! Congratulations to you both! Thank you for your hard work and passion. 

     This week I would like to spotlight a small business  run by Nicole Nesenger.  Her business is called Sunny Valley Farms LLC. They offer yarn from sheep raised on her farm and other local fiber farms. Sheepmilk soaps and lotions.Wool pellets, soy candles, beeswax lotion bars and lip balm. I can personally say I love her lotion and it works great! Nicole is on Facebook and goes to many events, if you would like to purchase from her.

    Brenda Southworth has given me the list of our local town officials so that we can keep it for when we need it. Thank you Brenda! Brenda Southworth is our town clerk (518)-231-5242. Email: Town.seward.Clerk@sewardtown-ny.gov

Cliff Dorrough is  Code Enforcement. He has office hours on Fridays  12:30-3:00, if he has to make changes, they will be on the door. (518)-234-2292. Town Assessor  Charlene Ruszkowski Monday office hours 8:30-12:30, Tuesday 8:00-12:00. (518)-285-2212 email Sharonassessor@gmail.com. Chad Evans, Town Highway Superintendent  (518)-234-2292 email Town.seward.Superintendent@sewardtown-ny.gov. Mark Fletcher,  Supervisor Town.seward.Supervisor@sewardtown-ny.gov.

I hope this helps. 

     Homeschooling kids and families, the local group, run by Kimberly Buck,  is having a show at tell this week as a group. Please reach out to Kimberly if you would like to join, it is at the Fusion Church on Friday January 23, 2026. Kimberly  began this group five years ago now, she works on having the kids meet monthly. They go on field trips, have parties, and are currently working on a book! Congratulations Kimberly, you make a difference!

     Tickets are on sale for the Frozen play  that will be held at the CRCS High School. The play is March 13, 14 and 15. Tickets range from $10-$12 each. If you would like to make a donation to the theater club you may as well. They are seeking businesses ads for the playbill, this is to help with the cost of the play, and promote community.  I will share the QR code below, or email: Theater@crcsd.org 

     Last week our community lost an amazing young man, Benjamin.  He was a young life who had lived more than many others much older than him. Benjamin was raised in a large family  full of love and faith.  I went to college with his mom, Cathy. Each time I would see one of her kids, I would send her a message on how amazing she was doing, as a mom  and how great her kids were!  Sitting in his service,  I learned so much about him. I cried, as I looked around, I saw all the lives he touched. Benjamin had a smile that would light up a room. You will be missed but never forgotten ♡

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Sharon Springs Secures Overtime Win Against Schenectady

Jan. 15th - Sharon Springs Girls Varsity Team (coached by Randi Korona) won in a nonleague game that lasted into overtime against the Schenectady High School Girls Varsity Team (Head Coach David Bush, Assistant Coach Erica Knolhoff). Both teams conducted a well-played game with a final score of 44-41. (Far left Sharon Springs player #11) Isabella Cornwell caught 10 rebounds and scored 3 points. Peyton Barbic (#10) scored 10 or more in 2 of the 5 major statistical categories, which is called achieving a double-double; 13 rebounds & 15 points. Payton Rullman (#2) scored 7 points. Kaylee Crewell (#12) started the game by reading a Sportsmanship Statement written by Superintendent/Principal Thomas Yorke, which included a beautiful sentiment that your game attendance and support means so much to them all. Photos by Heather Skinner.

Zarie Barbic (#1) contributed 14 points and 6 steals.

Maya Korona (#13) accomplished 4 steals, 9 rebounds, and scored 5 points.

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