New Farmers and Artisan Market to Launch in Seward

SEWARD – The Town of Seward will launch a new bi-weekly Farmers & Artesian Market this summer, featuring local produce, handmade goods, and live music.

The market will kick off on Wednesday, July 2, and run every other Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through October 22. It will be located at 5765 State Route 10, at the corner of Lowe Road.

Scheduled dates for the market are:

July 2, 16, and 30

August 13 and 27

September 10 and 24

October 8 and 22

Organizer Angela Clapper said that the group is looking to do different themes at different markets. At the July 2 market, the Cobleskill Community Library will be there to talk about different programs and offer free books. There will be a food truck for the first three events and there is an effort to bring in local musicians.

There will be at least 11 vendors planned for the first markets.

At the July 16 market there should be a racecar and driver open to the public.

Organizers are currently seeking local vendors, musicians, and volunteers to participate in the new community event. The fee for vendors is $10. Local musicians are invited to perform each market night, and volunteers are needed to assist with tasks such as parking and registration.

For more information, or to sign up as a vendor, musician, or volunteer, contact Angela Clapper at (518) 337-3722 or Angelaclapper@yahoo.com.

 

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Office of Community Services Facing Staffing Shortage

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie County’s Office of Community Services is facing a critical staffing shortage that will force its Chemical Dependency Clinic to move to a waitlist for new admissions, officials announced at the Public Health Committee June meeting.

Sarah Nies, Director of Community Services, reported that the recent resignation of the Chemical Dependency Coordinator has created a critical situation, as she was one of only two staff members holding a caseload.  Nies stated that as a short-term solution, she may have to personally take on the caseload of upwards of 40 clients.  The clinic will triage higher acuity cases while referring partners are notified of the change. 

The committee discussed potential long-term solutions to address workforce retention, including subcontracting services, sharing staff with SUNY, regionalization with neighboring counties, and exploring telehealth options.  The committee also requested salary information for comparable positions in Schenectady and Albany counties. 

In other business, the committee approved sending a contract for Dr. Moise Mamouzette to serve as the new Medical Director for the Department of Public Health to the Finance Committee for final approval. The topic is further discussed in a separate Finance Committee report elsewhere in this week’s edition.

Public Health Director Dr. Nicole Blanchard also received approval for a $275 insurance rider needed to hold the next Community Hub Fair in the Village of Cobleskill.  Partners who attend the fair will be asked to pay $15 per table to help offset the insurance cost. 

Dr. Blanchard updated the committee on an issue at the Oorah Boys Camp.The committee also approved contract renewals with Inovalon for a billing system upgrade and with Highmark Insurance Company.

 

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Sharon Pool Reopens With Summer Program

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Pool is planning on fully reopening this Saturday, June 28th, weather dependent, and the Summer Rec Program will run from July 7th to August 15th, Monday through Friday from 9:00 - 11:45 AM. There are plenty of fun activities planned for children of all ages, whether from here or out of town, all are welcome to register this weekend!

This year there will be two sessions, the first is for Grades K-6 from 9:00 - 11:45 AM and then there will be a second session later in the day for children ages 7-11 and will run the same dates but from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 

Thanks to the Joshua Project, children will be provided with lunch at no cost as well! There is a full menu provided on the Sharon Springs Youth Commission Facebook Page. There are also new vending machines on site this year as well!

Thanks to some local residents the Pool was open early this last week to accommodate the extra hot weather! 

Registration forms were sent home with SSCS students and the last time to register will be this Saturday, June 28th from 1-3 PM. Cost per child varies. Visit the Sharon Springs Youth Commission Facebook Page for more information.

 

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Revolutionary War Veterans With Connections to Summit

By Karen Cuccinello Summit Historian 12-2024

With the 250th anniversary of America taking place in 2026 I decided to look into Summit veterans.

Men enlisted for years, months, weeks or days at a time then often reenlisted again after a few months, and they were often hired to substitute for other servicemen. The Continental paper money they occasionally received as pay for service was often next to worthless. Pension Acts- in 1818 for  Continental Line soldiers, commanded by George Washington, could apply for a pension, in 1820 they could apply but had to prove financial need, in 1832 state militiamen could apply if they had served at least six months and in 1836 widows of veterans were eligible. A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services was taken in 1840. Soldiers who fought with a state militia did not receive official discharge papers, so in order to receive a pension they gave declarations of their service at a Court of Record and got testimonial letters from friends or relatives. The federal government decided how much time served they would approve or not.

Brown, James was born April 1755. His second enlistment was for one year in Capt. Curtis's Co./Col. Shepard's Regiment in MA in 1776; discharged in NYS and in the Summit 1820 and 1830 census. His leased land of 97 ½ acres, was sold 1823 due to non-payment. He was living with a wife who was partly lame, age about 56, and her daughter Ginnet Garnsey, age 14, and had little use of one arm when he applied for a pension February 5, 1824.  James was a resident of Summit when he died October 10, 1829 while visiting in Bethlehem, NY. His son Lucas E. and widow Rachel petitioned Schoharie Court to settle Jame's estate, not exceeding $200, in 1831. Burial unknown.

Ives, Levi (1761-1850) was born in Goshen, CT to Benjamin & Rachel (Baldwin) Ives. He enlisted March 1777, as a teamster in Capt. Tibbles Company in Col. Hayes Regiment of CT, served in a different regiment in 1779 and was discharged April 1780. Levi married Caroline Pratt 1784 in CT, had nine children, moved to Summit with three sons about 1806 and in 1821 NYS gave him the authority to build a dam across the outlet of Summit Lake. Levi is listed in the book  “A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services” published in 1841 as a pensioner (person who receives a monetary pension because of their service in the Revolution) of Summit, age 79, living with Isaac Ives. Levi received a pension of $80 per annum/year, for two years service, starting in 1832. He is buried in the Ives Cemetery near 121 Sawyer Hollow Rd., Summit, but stones are gone.

Johnson, James was born 1750 in NJ. He lived in Shrewsbury, NJ through the end of the war then to Albany County, then Summit 1820's where he probably lived with his son John and often lived with his daughter in Jefferson. Received a pension of $23.33 for seven months service in the NJ Militia 1832. James had no living relatives when he died February 25, 1846 in Summit. Harriet Jackson petitioned the Court in April 1846 and was appointed the executor of his estate. She and her mother Anne and sister Polly Ann, of Summit, had been his caretaker for three years and used his pension of $8 per month to provide him care. Burial unknown.

Jump, William was born in North Salem, NY April 20, 1762. His father Joseph died in a battle at Danbury, CT 1777. He served in assorted NY Militia's different amounts of time from 1777-1782. During his service he was in the Sugar House prison in NYC for six months and received a saber wound in 1779. William received a pension of $2 per month due to his injury in 1787 and a regular pension of $30 per year, for nine months service in, 1832. He married Bethiah Paddock (1770-1851) April 1786 and had a few children. They lived in Greenville, NY 1791, Fulton, NY 1831, Summit 1835 and Greenville 1837. William died November 12, 1838 and his wife received his pension. Burial in Proper Cemetery, Jefferson, behind 226 Eminence Rd.

Kelly, Stephen (1755-1846) was born in Gloucester, RI. He served in 10 different regiments in RI usually for a few months at a time from December 1775 to 1780 that totaling 21 months and 22 days. Married Hannah Wells and had at least four children. About 1790 he went to Albany, then Worcester, NY and finally Virgil, Cortland County, NY about 1815 where he applied for and received his pension in 1832 for $72.42 per year. Burial in Dugway Cemetery, Summit.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Wow! The first day of summer, or Summer Solstice, came and went and we tumbled into high temperatures right away! There was a heat advisory for most of Upstate New York on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures jumping into the 90s in some places and the “real feel” being close to or over 100!

Things should resume more normal temperatures with average highs in the 70s with another warmer than expected Monday coming up.

For those in Cherry Valley, don’t forget the big 4th of July Parade in Springfield! It starts at 11 am and will be one for the books!

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider and have cider donuts, cider slushies, and more for purchase too! Hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your Spring needs!! Check out their social media for more info and updates! The Outrageous Snack Snack is now open for the season so stop by for delicious fresh donuts! 

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 open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed.  For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

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.

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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SSCS Clay Target Team Dominates States

SSCS Clay Target Team at States on 6/7: (L to R) Benjamin Hoag, Michael Moschetti, Aiden Bowerman, Reed Vanvalkenburg, Elias Clemente, Gavin Knapp, Sebastian Clemente, Levi Knapp, Hunter Tansey, and Sean Shults.

By Alexis Pencar

CICERO — Many of the Sharon Springs Central School Clay Target Team Class 2A Conference 6 Champions had the privilege of qualifying and competing at the state level! These student athletes represented their communities and competed at States on June 7th, which took place in Cicero, NY. The students placed in the Novice, JR Varsity and Varsity levels! 

For the Varsity Level (combining males and females):

The top team member was Senior Aiden Bowerman who shot and hit 97 out of 100 clays! He ended up tying for 3rd place for the entire day shoot out of over 500 shooters!

Levi Knapp shot an incredible 91/100 clays and placed 52nd for the day!

Reed Vanvalkenburg and Sean Shults BOTH shot 81/100 clays on Saturday placing them overall tie-ing for 161st place!

Gavin Knapp shot and hit 77/100 clays placing him 196th for the entire day! 

For Junior Varsity level (combining males and females):

Sebastian Clemente hit 80/100 clays- his BEST shooting yet for the season and this placed him at states on 65th overall out of the JV level. 

Hunter Tansey hit 56/100 clays placing him 211th place at the JV level

For Novice level shooting:

Michael Moschetti shot his best this season and hit 72/100 clays! Placing him 21st at the novice level! 

Elias Clemente hit 66/100 placing him 49th place for the day. 

Benjamin Hoag hit 30/100 clays placing him 145th overall at the novice level.

There were also plenty of student athletes who qualified for Nationals with a 19 plus seasonal average. Their scores ranged from 19.40 to 21.70!

Congratulations to this hardworking team, especially to the Seniors! After this busy and successful season there will be a short two-month break and then in August sign-ups will begin for the Fall Season.

Interested in finding out more about the team or maybe even joining next year? Check them out on Facebook at SSCS Clay Target Team or on Youtube @SSCSclaytaget.

 

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Funding Still Available for Sharon Springs Small Project Fund - SEEC Offering FREE Architectural Consultations for Applicants

SCHOHARIE COUNTY – It’s not too late! The Small Project Fund (SPF) supporting revitalization efforts in the Village of Sharon Springs is still accepting applications. Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The $300,000 Small Project Fund is part of the broader $2.25 million NY Forward grant awarded to Sharon Springs, which will fuel transformative, historically sensitive projects across the downtown district (from Main Street to the iconic Adler Hotel.)

The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is administering the Small Project Fund and encourages business and property owners to apply now. The fund will be used for historically sensitive building renovations, public art installations, upgrading housing in mixed-use commercial buildings and installing energy efficiency measures to better the operational performance and sustainability and elevate the village as a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.

"We are pleased to receive this transformative funding through the NY Forward program,” said Denise Kelly, Mayor of Sharon Springs. “I’m particularly excited about the Small Project Fund, which offers critical support for local businesses and organizations, helping them bridge funding gaps and make meaningful improvements. These investments will have a lasting impact on Sharon Springs for years to come."

Starting in July, SEEC will schedule free architectural consultations to help eligible property owners turn their ideas into strong, competitive project proposals. Each applicant will also be paired with an environmental specialist to assess potential hazardous materials, as well as a design expert to enhance the project’s impact and contribute to the visual appeal of Main Street.

Don’t wait, the application portal is open, and awards will be made on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Construction for approved projects is expected to begin in 2026, with completion by late 2027.

Submit your project description and initial cost estimate today at seecny.org/small-project-fund.

For more information about the NY Forward Small Project Fund contact Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator at admin@seecny.org, call 518-517-1700 or visit www.SEECNY.org.

###

About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp (SEEC): Founded by private sector leaders, SEEC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Schoharie County by fostering economic growth.

About NY Forward: NY Forward (NYF) is a state-funded program launched by New York State to support the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns. Building on the success of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), NY Forward provides strategic investments that advance local economic development, enhance public spaces, and strengthen community assets. The program empowers communities to create a more vibrant, walkable, and sustainable future through targeted project funding and technical assistance.

Press Contact 

Emily Smith, Marketing Coordinator 

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation 

Marketing@seecny.org

(518) 517-1700

 

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Summit Appoints New Deputy Town Clerk

By Karen Cuccinello

SUMMIT – The Summit Town Board appointed a new deputy town clerk and approved a three-year agreement to lock in workers' compensation rates during its recent monthly meeting.

The board approved the appointment of Katie Mohr as the new Deputy Town Clerk, following the resignation of Barbara VanValkenburg. Town Clerk Allison Wilson also reported receiving fees for three dog licenses, four building permits, and a planning board fee in her monthly report.

Following a review by Supervisor Harold Vroman, the board voted to approve an agreement with the Worker’s Compensation. Alliance that will lock in the town's current rates for three years. Vroman also noted that the clerk's office floor has been resurfaced.

In his report, Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox stated that he issued five building permits, conducted one research request, and has begun fire inspections. Town Historian Karen Cuccinello reported acquiring new donations, including a framed photo of Major General John Frank Morrison, compiling biographies of Summit's War of 1812 veterans, and completing the placement of flags at veterans' gravestones.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident inquired about placing sand at the Summit Lake swimming area and boat launch. Vroman said he would contact the county regarding the request. In response to another query, the supervisor noted the town has not been contacted by the Land Bank regarding the status of the house at 1618 Charlotte Valley Rd.

Vroman also shared a response he received from the NYS Department of Transportation about the safety of insecticides sprayed along roadways. According to the supervisor, the DOT stated that spraying is the safest way to control invasive species and that the agency tries to notify residents beforehand.

The next town board meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 7 p.m.

 

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SUNY Student-Athletes Earn NAC Winter/Spring All-Academic Honors

COBLESKILL — Thirty-one SUNY Cobleskill student-athletes have been recognized for their outstanding academic performance by earning spots on the 2024–25 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Winter and Spring All-Academic Team, as announced by the conference on Monday.

The NAC Winter/Spring All-Academic Team honors student-athletes from championship sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s track & field, and men’s and women’s lacrosse. To qualify, student-athletes must be active members of their respective teams and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Across the NAC, 405 student-athletes representing 47 teams earned All-Academic recognition. Baseball led all sports with 75 honorees, followed by softball (66), women’s basketball (64), men’s basketball (55), women’s lacrosse (48), women’s track & field (41), men’s track & field (30), and men’s lacrosse (26).

The 2024–25 All-Academic Team includes 108 first-year students, 106 sophomores, 83 juniors, 78 seniors, and 29 graduate students—demonstrating academic achievement across every class year.

Leading the way for SUNY Cobleskill was the women’s basketball team with 10 selections, including seven repeat honorees. Baseball followed with eight selections and three repeat recipients. Men’s basketball and softball each earned six honorees, with three softball selections returning from previous All-Academic teams. Men’s lacrosse rounded out Cobleskill’s representation with one honoree.

SUNY Cobleskill NAC Winter/Spring All-Academic Honorees

Men’s Basketball

Adrian Beato (Beacon, NY)

Chrischen Chung (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Quanire Greene (Albany, NY)

Ryan Nadje (Harlem, NY)

Brady Whipple (Fonda, NY)

Andrew Wright (Berne, NY)

Women’s Basketball

***Annie Canales (North Adams, Mass.)

*Tryhnati Donato (Stamford, NY)

Sierra Goodson (Amsterdam, NY)

Audriana Hollister (Mooers Forks, NY)

*Amber MacNeil (Hoosick Falls, NY)

*Alyssa Martin (Castleton, NY)

***Taylor Meacham (Berne, NY)

*Kyra Pence (Randolph, NY)

*Mady Victorin (Menands, NY)

Cara Walker (Phelps, NY)

Men’s Lacrosse

*Rob Staubitz (East Rockaway, NY)

Baseball

*Jared Ainsworth (Troupsburg, NY)

Evan Balbera (Patchogue, NY)

Adam Champlin (South Kortright, NY)

Troy Enamait (Vernon, CT)

*Logan Firment (Andes, NY)

Korin Laurilla (East Greenbush, NY)

*Zach Papanikolatos (Patchogue, NY)

Dylan Schwam (Cooper City, FL)

Softball

Hannah Dean (Ripley, ME)

*Kailee DiGiacco (Spencerport, NY)

Aliyah Neeser (Forest Lake, Minn.)

*Madelynn Orosz (Seymour, CT)

Gabriella Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY)

**Mackenzie Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY) 

*** Four-time NAC Fall All-Academic selection

** Three-time NAC Fall All-Academic selection

* Two-time NAC Fall All-Academic selection

 

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Tree Committee Spared Until Next Month

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - The tree committee has long been a staple within the Cobleskill community, however, an amendment proposed at the Cobleskill Village Board last Tuesday would’ve seen the group gutted of its authority.

As an entity completely made of volunteers, the committee is focused on their mission to beautify the Village by extension of the municipally owned trees, and it has enough pull to maintain existing trees while planting new ones.

However, the Village’s code enforcement department has had concerns about their lack of activity these past few years, leading to the change in local law.

The amendment, as stated by Mayor Rebecca Stanton-Terk on Tuesday, would have transferred the authority to make tree-related choices to the code enforcement and groundskeeping employees, thereby removing the need for the volunteers.

The public hearing opened with a resident standing in opposition to the change, who argued that it would only increase Village costs related to trees.

“The DEC and other environmental agencies see tree committees as a net positive,” said the resident. “The loss of this will not gain anything, but we stand to lose a lot.”

These remarks were immediately followed by Mike Piccolo, the Cobleskill Zoning Officer, who gave an idea of how inactive the volunteers have been.

He began by stating that he has not received a report from the committee in over five years, and went further to state that they do not follow rules in relation to planting in the right spots, citing trees planted under gridlines.

“We are very capable of handling the trees,” said Mr. Piccolo, and noted that Village employees can handle low maintenance while the Board can contract for larger jobs.

After he concluded his statement, the Board heard from John DiCesare, co-chair of the committee, who said that the zoning officer “mischaracterized” the team.

Mr. DiCesare claimed that any trees planted under gridlines were done so with the permission and advice of National Grid, who was paying the Village for such additions.

He also brought up that the committee is dedicated to the idea of “proactive managing,” which sees them collaborate with ongoing Village projects before they happen, and said that the code enforcement department would only be interested in maintenance.

“Codes has very little interest in the trees,” he said. “It is cost effective to have a tree committee.”

Discussing among the Board, members Ruth Van Deusen and Michael Lent advocated for the committee, believing in the power of volunteer work.

“I like the idea of a volunteer committee,” said Mrs. Van Deusen, although she recognized the troubling lack of reports or documentation.

However, Mayor Stanton-Terk and Lance Rotolo were decidedly in favor of the amendment, believing that more would get done under the authority of the code enforcement officers.

“If we rely on volunteers instead of our paid employees, we are not doing our job,” said Mayor Stanton-Terk. “Volunteers should not be the end-all-be-all. The authority should be with codes.”

Due to this split, the Board ruled that the issue will be tabled until next month’s meeting, and suggested that the committee meet with the department to see if another solution can be found.

 

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