Schoharie County’s Businesses - From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs: The Story Behind Stars Auto & Towing in Cobleskill

By Dr. Son Tran, SUNY Cobleskill

COBLESKILL — On a quiet late weekend afternoon in Cobleskill, when most businesses were closed and friends were resting, my car suddenly broke down—a big oil leak, and the car wouldn’t run. My wife and I were stranded and unsure where to turn. I called around, but no one was available. That’s when our friend Larry, who had taken us home, happened to notice a sign just around the corner from our apartment: Stars Auto & Towing, located at 142 MacArthur Avenue. That moment of misfortune turned out to be a stroke of luck—introducing us to an extraordinary young entrepreneur named Kevin Rohit.

Kevin is the founder of Stars Auto & Towing, and his story is one of resilience, curiosity, and quiet leadership. What sets Kevin apart isn’t just that he runs a dependable auto repair and towing service—it’s the way he does it, with care, confidence, and humility.

Kevin doesn’t have a background in business. In fact, the only year he spent in college was devoted to something entirely different: criminal justice. “I like exploring things,” he told me. “And I want justice.” He didn’t pursue the field further, but that experience reflects something fundamental about him. Kevin is driven by a desire to understand the world, to protect what’s right, and to serve others—values that guide him in business today.

While he didn’t follow the traditional business education path, Kevin's journey into entrepreneurship was hands-on. He worked for AAA for several years, gaining experience in roadside assistance—fixing parts, jump-starting engines, and towing vehicles. It was hard work, but it gave him more than just technical skills. It taught him how to listen, how to show up when people needed help, and how to treat every customer with dignity.

Eventually, Kevin decided to branch out and start his own company. He founded Stars Auto & Towing in Schenectady, and after three years of growth, made the bold move to relocate to Cobleskill, where he saw better opportunities to serve a tight-knit community.

One of the most inspiring parts of Kevin’s journey is his decision to invite his former AAA manager to join his new venture. That former manager now works under Kevin’s leadership—a testament to the mutual respect and professional culture Kevin has built.

Kevin comes from a family of immigrants from Guyana. His father also runs a small business, and growing up in that environment, Kevin learned the values of responsibility, independence, and hard work. When my wife and I received help from Stars Auto & Towing that weekend, we experienced not just a service—but genuine care. Kevin was prompt, respectful, and reassuring. 

For me, Stars Auto & Towing stands as more than just a business in Cobleskill. It represents the story of a young man who follows his passions—whether it’s justice or jump-starts—and builds trust one customer at a time. His story is truly one of breakdowns turning into breakthroughs—not only for the cars he repairs, but for the path he has paved for himself, his business, and the community he serves.

  Busy but seemingly restful Kevin in his cozy office.

 

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State Issues Final Permit For Controversial Carlisle/Seward Solar Facility

By Chris English

CARLISLE/SEWARD – The day many residents and officials across Schoharie County have dreaded came Tuesday, April 22 when New York State's Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission issued a final site permit for a 20 MW solar energy facility to be located in the Towns of Carlisle and Seward.

The action comes after years of many residents and officials fighting the facility, saying it represented negative environmental, aesthetic, road use and other impacts that were not being taken seriously enough by ORES and other state officials. At a public hearing several months ago, many officials and residents spoke out against the facility, with not one speaking in favor at the hearing.

"As we expected, it was a rubber stamp by ORES totally ignoring the comments and hundreds of pages of documents that we submitted against the development of the solar project," Carlisle Supervisor John Leavitt wrote in a text message to this newspaper on Wednesday. "We will continue to do all we can for the people of Carlisle and Seward as the courts allow us to do."

Seward Supervisor Earlin Rosa has also spoken out passionately in opposition to the solar facility.

But at a press conference on Tuesday, which was Earth Day, New York Governor Kathy Hocul hailed the issuance of the final permit for the Carlisle/Seward facility, as well as final permits issued for a 40 MW solar facility in Fulton County and 90 MW solar facility in Chautauqua County.

"On Earth Day, New York is proud to announce its latest investment in solar and wind energy, upholding our commitment to build a clean energy economy," Hochul said. "New York is expediting permitting for clean energy projects, all while creating good-paying jobs throughout the state. These projects are a testament to New York's commitment to sustainability and resiliency in the face of a changing climate."

The state has approved 28 large-scale solar and wind projects since 2021, the press release that contained Hochul's comments added.

"I also find it ironic that on Earth Day that the Governor's office would proudly announce that they were going to destroy hundreds of acres of farmland and risk polluting wells of numerous residents," Leavitt countered in his text message.

The final site permit for the Rock District solar project in the two towns is to "develop, design, construct, operate, maintain and decommission" the facility. "This siting permit will automatically expire if the solar facility does not commence commercial operation within seven years from the date of issuance."

The final site permit adds that the plan for the solar facility "complies with substantive provisions and applicable state laws and regulations" and also "complies with substantive provisions of applicable local laws and ordinances, except those provisions the Office has elected not to apply based on a finding that they are unreasonably burdensome in view of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act targets and the environmental benefits of the facility."

Further, the final site permit states that the plan for the facility "avoids, minimizes or mitigates to the maximum extent practicable, potential significant adverse environmental impacts of the facility."

In her comments at the press conference, Hochul added that the three facilities including the one in Carlisle and Seward will "bolster local economies and bring 150 MW of clean energy to about 40,000 homes."

 

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Summit Hears Complete Streets Presentation

By Karen Cuccinello

Following the pledge to the flag and a moment of silence at the April regular town board meeting, Summit Town Supervisor Harold Vroman mentioned that board member Fern Kovac was absent because she had undergone major surgery and wished her well.

Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble stated that the highway crew collected 220 pounds of garbage along some Summit town roads. The past few weeks, the crew has been performing spring cleaning by sweeping roads and also plowing snow. He would like to replace two vehicles with new. One would end up costing about $39,000 after trade-in, and the other about $77,000 which includes the fees for switching equipment. The Board approved putting them out for bids. The dump truck ordered in October 2022 might get to Summit in March 2026. Dump truck deliveries are backed up everywhere.

The clerk's report was mentioned.

Assessor Dave Jones stated everything is running smoothly, change notices will go out by May 1st, and tax grievance day is May 30th from 4-8 pm at the town hall. If you have questions, call 518-287-1430 or email djones@midtel.net.

Historian Karen Cuccinello mentioned her upcoming Summit Old Farms slide show presentation at the town hall on April 24 at 1 pm, and will get American flags for veterans' gravestones from Superintendent Dibble in May.

Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox is keeping up with open permits, complaints, an order of remedy, training classes and gave out six new permits. His current deputy CEO has resigned and he asked the board about approving a new deputy. He will appoint Dan Minalga, of Jefferson, who is currently a Code Enforcement Officer in Otsego County.

Bills were paid then the meeting was open to the public.

Jen Stinson inquired about getting a Dead End sign placed at the beginning of Davis Road as people sometimes drive in and find out the road ends. GPS maps show the road going through to Sawyer Hollow Road, which it did long ago. Superintendent Dibble will get one installed.

Board member Kearney mentioned a complaint from a resident about the Schoharie County ditch clean-up on Charlotte Valley Rd. It seems they did not clean one area which creates water to back up on the residents' property. Superintendent Dibble suggested that it is best for the resident to call the County DPW about the situation.

Board member Georgia Shafer gave a report on the Revitalization Committee meeting that was held April 3rd. Some of the sub-committees are on hold for now. The Unsafe Building Law is on the Summit website. They are working on a news release about new ideas and will get it to Karen Cuccinello to get the word out.

Charles Feezel, of the Revitalization Committee, gave a presentation about the proposed Complete Streets. The intention is to promote safe access for all users of roadways, install safety indicators to help reduce traffic speed, provide drivers with a chance to appreciate our town, and help establish a pathway to revitalize economic growth. It does not cost anything to establish a Complete Streets policy, and it makes funding for projects more accessible. The Board approved writing up a policy and then, along with the community, will figure out a project that could work for Summit.

Supervisor Vroman mentioned receiving an inquiry from the 607Riders, of Stamford, NY, ATV and UTV riders, about using the town of Summit roads for rides. A representative of their group will speak at the next town board meeting to explain what they are hoping for on May 15th.

 

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Supervisors Move To Put Moratorium On Use of Biosolids

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — Officials in Schoharie County are putting the brakes on the use of biosolids as a fertilizer until more can be learned about their potential harmful effects.

At its Friday, April 18 meeting, the county Board of Supervisors authorized Chairman Bill Federice of Conesville to issue an executive order placing a 30-day moratorium on biosolids use in the county. In addition, the BOS set a public hearing for its next meeting on May 16 regarding a new local law that, if approved, would place a six-month moratorium on biosolids use.

Biosolids are the solid organic matter that remains after wastewater (sewage) treatment. These solids are then treated to meet specific standards before being used as a soil amendment or fertilizer, primarily in agriculture.

Supervisor Alicia Terry of Gilboa, Chair of the county Agriculture Committee, said Friday's BOS actions came after several area farmers showed up at the last two committee meetings to express concerns about biosolids. A representative from a company that distributes biosolids was also present and so it was a rather balanced discussion, Terry added.

"The intent is to slow this down and let's review the science and see what the scientific consensus is on the long-term impact of biosolids," she said in a phone conversation after the April 18 BOS meeting. "Unlike animal waste, biosolids can be super concentrated in terms of residual materials like PFOAs or heavy metals."

Terry added that the supervisors wanted to act quicker with an executive order and then the May 16 public hearing because it's spring and growers are getting busy applying fertilizers to their lands. She said many biosolids end up in landfills but that represents a concern as well because they can produce methane.

The topic got quite a bit of discussion at the April 18 BOS meeting. Chairman Bill Federice of Conesville said the executive order was being drafted and he expected to receive it soon for his signature.

Middleburgh farmer Fred Risse attended the meeting to reiterate his concerns about biosolids. "I was the one that brought this all up," he said.

"Remember that things like Agent Orange and Round-Up were thought to be within acceptable limits years ago," said Supervisor John Leavitt of Carlisle. "It's better to err on the side of safety until we know more about it."

Fellow board member Earlin Rosa of Seward had a similar view.

"It only makes sense to do this temporary executive order just to stop it now before a lot of it is applied," he said. "We should stop it now so we can take a look at it."

County Health Department Director Dr. Nicole Blanchard also weighed in on the issue of biosolids at the April 18 county BOS meeting.

"This is not a new issue," she said. "There have been a number of issues where wells have been impacted by biosolids. It's getting into the water table and drinking water sources. Are we posing a danger to our residents? We are making decisions that could forever impact the agricultural community in Schoharie County."

In other Schoharie County news, Federice updated the Mountain Eagle via email on efforts to find a new county administrator to replace Korsah Akumfi, who left Jan. 3 to take the same position in Tompkins County. The supervisors in January hired Livonia-based Pracademic Partners to assist in the search for a new county administrator at a cost of $19,500.

"We have some additional potential candidates which will be screened soon for interview by the full Board of Supervisors," Federice wrote in the email. "They look good on paper but we will see how it goes in face-to-face interviews."

 

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Schoharie Valley Concert Band Spring Concert - Sunday, April 27th at 3PM

COBLESKILL – The Schoharie Valley Concert Band (SVCB) Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, April 27th at 3 PM in the Cobleskill-Richmondville High School (CRHS) Auditorium.   Students are admitted free and the concert is open to the general public.

Conductor Samantha Baldwin selected Robert W. Smith’s energetic “Covenant”.  to begin the concert.  A bold chime entrance is followed by brass and woodwind fanfares and brilliant waves of sound.

“Summer Dances” by  Brian Balmages combines dramatic woodwind flourishes with a beautiful lyrical brass center section and a powerful ending to this dynamic piece.

“Platte River Hoedown” is based on a Western American “hoedown” dance form associated with a jig, reel, or clog dance typically shared amongst friends and neighbors. This good-natured piece has a bright and upbeat folksy style.

 “El Gato Montes (The Wildcat) Concert March” comes from the original 1916  opera by the same name.  It features Michael Panella’s Spanish melodies and a passionate moment when a matador serenades a beloved young gypsy woman.  

“Tower of Power Greatest Hits” is a medley of the hip, rhythm and blues, funk, and soul music of the Oakland band founded in 1968.  Victor Lopez’s medley includes  “What is Hip?”; “You’re Still a Young Man”; and “Down to the Night Club”. 

“Perthshire Majesty” by Samual Hazo is an original 2004 Scottish ballad, which musically portrays the magnificent, lush landscape of County Perthshire in Scotland.         

“Highlights from Wicked” is based on the Broadway smash hit music of Stephen Schwartz.  The piece includes “Wicked” themes from “No One Mourns the Wicked”; “I’m Not That Girl”; Defying Gravity”; “No Good Deed”; and “For Good”. 

Robert Buckley’s “Jitterbug”  combines various swing band styles and rhythms in homage to that vibrant and innovative time in American big band music.  This piece should have the audience toe-tapping.

The SVCB is open to area residents plus high school and college students.  Thursday 7-9:15 PM rehearsals are held in the CRHS band room.  To join the band in the fall, contact Conductor Samantha Baldwin at svcbconductor@gmail.com.  

 

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Village of Sharon Springs Budget Public Hearing

By Heather Skinner 

SHARON SPRINGS — The Village of Sharon Springs Board gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting with Budget Public Hearing for about an hour at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 17th.  

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and then the preliminary 2025-2026 budget was discussed. Mayor Denise Kelly updated that both the property tax rate and water and sewer rates remain unchanged. While the water and sewer assessment rates had changed; sewer assessment rates went up from 62 cents per thousand dollars of assessment, to 73 cents per thousand dollars of assessment, and water assessment rate went down by one penny. It was explained that assessment charges are based on property assessment values and that they collect only what they need to pay outstanding debt. Also, as they are still finalizing projects, Kelly said, those numbers are still going up. 

The usual three-minute privilege of the floor started with community member Chip Johnstone, who had asked specifically to be on the agenda to ask for an explanation of the fixed rate of $25 a quarter for those who own vacant lots. 

Kelly said the fixed rate represents a small cost for the potential for infrastructure that exists that the village is obligated to take care of and repair as a community if it breaks. Everyone isn’t paying the fixed rate because those who have water service are paying considerably more for the product and service. Kelly added, “in many cases it is an asset for a property owner who has a service that a next owner would not have to install.”

 Trustee Joyce Slater, who clarified she has a fixed rate, recommended the $1600 a year that is collected on the fixed rates be absorbed by the budget, which prompted discussion and agreement from community members in attendance. Kelly noted the compelling nature of the suggestion by a community member in attendance who said, “we’re subsidizing the water bill for the rest of the village, and, I would take that money, if you get rid of it, I would take that money and donate it to Sharon Springs food bank.” The public hearing was left open as they moved on to the agenda. 

The Mayor’s Report began with the list of positions up for election in November which includes mayor for a 4-year term, two Trustee 4-year terms, and one Trustee 2-year term to fill out the remainder of a 4-year term. Kelly said the period for getting signatures for a petition is now open and closes sometime in May. Anyone interested can reach out to Clerk and Treasurer, Arianna Parsons, who has the paperwork, or to the County Board of Elections.

A request from the new owners of the American Hotel and the organization helping them apply for an on-premises liquor license to serve liquor, wine, beer, and cider in a hotel establishment was passed, which granted them a waiver for the 30-day notification.

The Mayor Report also included updates about the SEEC Small Project Fund, the satisfactory rating from their annual Waste Water Treatment Plant inspection, the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank Adler Project has replaced the wood sheeting and added tarps on parts of the roof that had been rotting to prevent further deterioration while the building is up for sale again, Anjo Construction will be back to work on streets starting Monday, April 21, and the NY Forward grant received for the park which thus far hasn’t gotten a contract will be forthcoming.  

During the Trustee Report, Slater announced that from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 26th, they will be having their third annual tree giveaway in honor of Arbor Day! In the parking lot of The Sharon Community Building, they will be giving away a Silky Dogwood, which is a shrub that can grow up to 8 feet.

Parsons delivered the Clerk/Treasurer Report. The Pro-Housing Recertification is due by the end of this month and will be submitted next week, Charter Communications want their customers notified that SHOP HQ ceased programming on or around April 1st, 2025 without any notice to Spectrum & the channel’s message updates that viewers can watch it live online at shophq.com, and the water and sewer billing system changed its name and software from gWorks. Annual tax map orders will be sent out in PDF form and one paper set for the office can be requested, but any additional paper sets for code zoning or planning board will come with a $25 per set fee. 

A resolution to lower flat/fixed rate was reached as a compromise from their last meeting. The passed motion (with only one trustee who abstained) was read aloud as, “the village of Sharon Springs Board of Trustees has reviewed the current existing flat, also known as fixed rate and hereby sets the new flat fixed rate at $20 per quarter. This change amends local law one of 2014 filed with the department of state on June 24th, 2014, which established the original fixed quarterly rate for water service charges, including those for additional curb stop valves. It shall take effect immediately for the next billing quarter and shall remain in effect unless otherwise amended by resolution or local law.” 

Before the sound of scribbling filled the silence while bills were signed off on, minutes edits from 3/20/2025 were approved. All motions received 2nds and in-favor ayes; Sewer Capital $4,021.00, General Fund $12,629.75, Water Fund $13,161.66, Sewer Fund $3,204.53, and Trust & Agency $1,004.97.

It was noted that copies of tax and assessment rates are available in the office for anyone who needs one. If you would like to watch this budget public hearing for yourself, and hear more discussions from the meeting like The Public Works Superintendent Report about the MacFadden Inc Auction delivered by Public Works Super, Vladimir Jones, and the Code Enforcement Officer Report, a representative from SCHOPEG recorded this meeting in its entirety. On Demand videos can be found on their website, which is www.schopeg.com, by clicking the “Videos” tab in VIDEOS ON DEMAND. 

Sharon Springs Village Board Meetings take place every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM. The Sharon Community Building is connected to the Sharon Springs Free Library and is located at 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. For more information you can call the Village Office at (518) 284-2625. 

 

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2nd Annual David S. Svahn Humanities in Medicine Memorial Lecture To Be Held Friday, May 16

                                                                                   COOPERSTOWN – The 2nd Annual David S. Svahn Humanities in Medicine Memorial Lecture will be held on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 a.m. at Bassett Medical Center. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s guest lecturer, Dr. Lisa Wong, will present a talk entitled “Embracing the Art of Medicine in Uncertain Times.” She plans to play her viola and discuss how music and other art forms help physicians become better at their craft. Dr. Wong is Co-Founder and Associate Co-Director of the Arts and Humanities Initiative at Harvard Medical School. She is a pediatrician at Milton Pediatric Associates and an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wong is a past president and current violinist in the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, the ensemble of Boston’s medical community. 

 

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Brief Meeting for Margaretville: Electronic Clock In, Attorney Fees, & 150th Anniversary Discussed

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE—The Margaretville Village Board briefly met for its regular meeting on April 15. The top subjects discussed included the system's electronic clocking-in, increased attorney fees, and the upcoming 150th anniversary.

150th Anniversary

Margaretville will turn 150 on May 8, 2025. The village was officially incorporated in 1875. In honor of the singing, trustees have moved the regular meeting to Thursday, May 8, at 5 p.m. A small celebration will commence just prior to the meeting at 4 p.m. Cake from Café Marguerite is expected.

Trustees are collaborating with the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown to plan further celebratory events.

A historical presentation and talk is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at the Middletown History Center. Visitors will explore the impact of railroads, wars, floods, and technology on Margaretville and its people.

If you prefer to celebrate with music, a block dance is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. along Main Street. Folks are invited to take place in a community portrait during the event, mimicking ones taken in 1979 and 2000.

For more information, visit villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org.

Electronic Clock

After a one-month trial period, trustees approved the use of an electronic clocking-in system for up to one year at a $17 monthly fee. The system is used by the village Department of Public Works staff. Employees can clock in on their phones or municipal computers. The system replaced paper punch cards. Vacation and sick time is tracked using the application.

Attorney Fees

Mayor John Hubbell announced the attorney fees had increased - partners $295, special council $270, associates $240, and paralegals $165. Hubbell said the fees did not change much and have been "pretty reasonable for everything we have used."

In another announcement, Hubbell expects street sweeping to take place in early May.

 

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Folk Artists Spotlighted in HSM Exhibit

MIDDLETOWN — The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will shine a light on two folk artists whose work will be exhibited at the Middletown History Center this year.

Basket maker Karl Amor (1906-1992) and metal sculptor Joseph Schoell (1907-1993) practiced their crafts just a couple miles from each other in Dunraven. Both had escaped oppression and upheaval in their home countries of Estonia and Hungary, and both found peace and inspiration in the Catskills.

Their lives and art will be on display at the History Center, 778 Cemetery Road, Margaretville on the first Friday and Saturday of each month May through November from 10 to 2, as well as afternoons of scheduled programs. 

The first opportunity to see the exhibit, and to visit the Nicholas J. Juried Archives, will be May 2 and 3 from 10 to 2, as well as during the Kids Kingdom reunion Sunday, May 4 from 2 to 4.

Karl Amor baskets, woven from willow shoots, grapevines and spruce roots gathered by the artist along roadsides and streambanks, have been highly sought by local residents as well as folk art collectors. The HSM display features baskets recently donated to the historical society by folklorist Mary Zwolinski. A selection of these baskets will be sold at silent auction in October.

Joseph Schoell, once a sheet metal worker in Hungary, is remembered for his dynamic creations in metal. A castle, a knight, a space shuttle and a striking Statue of Liberty were among the works that went from being traffic-stopping lawn ornaments to museum pieces in the 1990s. 

HSM is planning spring and summer programs and events that include the May 4 Kids Kingdom Reunion, a talk on the Delaware & Northern Railroad by John Duda on June 8 and a program on the history of Margaretville July 13, part of Village Sesquicentennial festivities. An “Armchair” version of HSM’s popular Living History Cemetery Tour will be held August 23 and 24 at Open Eye Theater.

For more information on these and other HSM activities, visit mtownhistory.org.

To make an appointment for a research visit to the archives, call 845-586-2400.

 

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HSM Hosts Reunion for 35th Anniversary of Kids Kingdom

MIDDLETOWN — A special event for all those who helped create a remarkable community play space called Kids Kingdom 35 years ago will be held Sunday, May 4 at the Middletown History Center, 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville. The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will host the gathering from 2 to 4 p.m.

Hundreds of children explored, romped, and let their imaginations soar at the Kingdom which existed from 1990 to 2001 and resembled a multi-dimensional castle on the grounds of Margaretville Central School. Former students, now approaching middle age, are especially welcome to share their favorite things about the playground: Rings and ladders? Tunnel slides? Suspension bridge? Swinging horse? 

A video of construction of the sprawling, kid-inspired playground will be screened at the reunion. Photos, memorabilia, T-shirts, student letters and other material will be on display. Attendees are encouraged to bring their memories and enjoy socializing over light refreshments. Those who cannot attend are invited to send their memories to historicalsocietyofmiddletown@gmail.com, or record them at 845-586-2400.

The project to build an improved playground at the school was proposed by the MCS PTA following its reactivation in 1987. A research committee visited other regional playgrounds before recommending that architect Robert Leathers and company of Ithaca be engaged to design a play space. Company representatives met with students and teachers in their classrooms to determine their visions for the playground. Their wish lists went far beyond swings, slides and monkey bars. Think wooden dragons, mirrored mazes, a tire tunnel, a kids sized “telephone system” and a puppet theater.

What followed was a spate of fundraisers over two years, the most memorable of which was the Pennies from Heaven event March 9 and 10, 1990, when nearly 273,000 pennies collected by students, senior citizens, businesses, school officials and others were spread across the gym floor, a sight many remember to this day.

Funds in hand, construction of the playground began May 30, 1990 and ran for five days, when more than 50 volunteers and contractors donated their time to build it. Countless other volunteers arranged meals for the workers and activities for their kids. Even older students got involved in raking stone, cleaning tires and carrying materials.  Opening ceremonies were held June 3, 1990.

“It was the best five days of my life,” said Playground Committee Chairman Mike Finberg. “It was this generation’s version of an old-fashioned barn raising where everyone contributed something, everyone had a role to play.”

Sadly, the playground was removed in 2001 to make way for a school addition. Nevertheless, Kids Kingdom is remembered as a transformational event in the life of the community, which is warmly invited to the reunion May 4.

HSM Hosts Reunion for 35th Anniversary of Kids Kingdom 

MIDDLETOWN — A special event for all those who helped create a remarkable community play space called Kids Kingdom 35 years ago will be held Sunday, May 4 at the Middletown History Center, 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville. The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) will host the gathering from 2 to 4 p.m.

Hundreds of children explored, romped, and let their imaginations soar at the Kingdom which existed from 1990 to 2001 and resembled a multi-dimensional castle on the grounds of Margaretville Central School. Former students, now approaching middle age, are especially welcome to share their favorite things about the playground: Rings and ladders? Tunnel slides? Suspension bridge? Swinging horse? 

A video of construction of the sprawling, kid-inspired playground will be screened at the reunion. Photos, memorabilia, T-shirts, student letters and other material will be on display. Attendees are encouraged to bring their memories and enjoy socializing over light refreshments. Those who cannot attend are invited to send their memories to historicalsocietyofmiddletown@gmail.com, or record them at 845-586-2400.

The project to build an improved playground at the school was proposed by the MCS PTA following its reactivation in 1987. A research committee visited other regional playgrounds before recommending that architect Robert Leathers and company of Ithaca be engaged to design a play space. Company representatives met with students and teachers in their classrooms to determine their visions for the playground. Their wish lists went far beyond swings, slides and monkey bars. Think wooden dragons, mirrored mazes, a tire tunnel, a kids sized “telephone system” and a puppet theater.

What followed was a spate of fundraisers over two years, the most memorable of which was the Pennies from Heaven event March 9 and 10, 1990, when nearly 273,000 pennies collected by students, senior citizens, businesses, school officials and others were spread across the gym floor, a sight many remember to this day.

Funds in hand, construction of the playground began May 30, 1990 and ran for five days, when more than 50 volunteers and contractors donated their time to build it. Countless other volunteers arranged meals for the workers and activities for their kids. Even older students got involved in raking stone, cleaning tires and carrying materials.  Opening ceremonies were held June 3, 1990.

“It was the best five days of my life,” said Playground Committee Chairman Mike Finberg. “It was this generation’s version of an old-fashioned barn raising where everyone contributed something, everyone had a role to play.”

Sadly, the playground was removed in 2001 to make way for a school addition. Nevertheless, Kids Kingdom is remembered as a transformational event in the life of the community, which is warmly invited to the reunion May 4.

 

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Kabat Launching Nightshining: A Memoir in Four Floods at Andes Hotel May 3

ANDES — On May 3rd Jennifer Kabat is launching Nightshining: A Memoir in Four Floods with Diamond Hollow Books at the Andes Hotel. The event is free and open to all. The second part of her diptych tied to local histories, Nightshining follows floods Kabat experienced after moving to Margaretville, the first in 2006 then Hurricane Irene, eventually leading her to search for one historic deluge, the 1950 Rainmakers Flood. Before New York City built the Pepacton Reservoir, the city faced a catastrophic drought. To end it, the city used a Cold War weapon General Electric developed. Created by two scientists, one Kurt Vonnegut’s big brother Bernard and the other Vince Schaefer who never finished high school, that weapon—cloud-seeding, rainmaking—was meant to make mud to mire troops in Eastern Europe. Their technology spirals up through Kurt Vonnegut’s novel Cat’s Cradle, the Vietnam War, banning leaded fuel, Reagan’s Star Wars, and now as geoengineering, a fix for climate change. The 1950 flood devastated the region, and the story is set in the community with research including oral histories and interviews with those who survived the flood like Len Utter, Gary Atkin, Steve Miller, and Betty Baker. In talking about the process, Kabat says, “Getting to write two books set here, about here, about community here, has been hugely meaningful for me.”

Nightshining is a propulsive, layered examination of the conflict between the course of nature and human legacies of resistance and control. The first of Kabat’s acclaimed paired memoirs, The Eighth Moon, follows the 1840s Anti-Rent War, layering that story with her move to the Catskills and the rise of the 2009 housing crisis. Nightshining is already receiving early pre-publication praise. Publisher’s Weekly writes, “Kabat examines grief, government secrets, and meteorological manipulation in this elegant and layered account.” Foreword Reviews says, “Jennifer Kabat’s pensive, poetic memoir Nightshining explores the connections between local waterways and stories of family, community, and climate change.” 

Diamond Hollow Books invites you to celebrate the release of Jennifer  Kabat's Nightshining: A Memoir in Four Floods (Milkweed Editions) on Saturday, May 3, 2024 from 5-7 pm. Jennifer will be in conversation with Iris Cushing, who also appears in the book. Location: The Andes Hotel Ballroom, 110 Main Street, Andes, NY. Information 347-262-4187 or miles@diamondhollowbooks.com. Admission is Free

 

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