MIDDLEBURGH - Pajamas, blankets, books and stuffed animals — all packed with care in reusable bags or backpacks — are headed to children who need them most. Middleburgh Central School student volunteers and the district community came together again this year to support Project Night Night, helping brighten the holidays for 45 local children.
Photo courtesy Middleburgh Central School.
SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie School Pantry and Backpack program just received a huge donation of food from Fusion Church in Cobleskill.
The HS Life Skills students helped sort items last week to get them ready for distribution. Thanks so much Fusion Church and Life Skills students.
Photos courtesy Schoharie Central School.
This community of Gilboa was saddened to learn that Joe Cooper passed away Saturday afternoon. During his childhood Joe lived with his mom and siblings here on Spencer Street. Everyone knew Joe with his smiling face, friendliness, and his fantastic basketball skills. While he was going through his health issues, we kept praying for him. Sincere condolences to his loving family.
This past Wednesday the snow kept falling making hazardous driving for some folks. Thursday the wind blew a gale with a bitter temperature. At times I could hardly see out of the front window. With no need to venture out, it felt cozy in the house. I finished up the inside decorating and wrapped the last of the presents for Christmas. Friday I stayed home as well. I had to cancel an event I was invited to as it started to snow around 3pm while the wind kept blowing the snow all over the temperature plummeted. So, instead I made an Apple Crumb pie for the Flat Creek Church ham dinner which took place on Saturday. The church is a very short distance from my home, making it okay to head out.
Town Clerk Linda Wyckoff wanted to extend a very special thank you to Valley View Liquidators for their generous contribution to the Toys for Tots box. Valley View Liquidators is a great store filled with lots of items. It is in Middleburgh. All are welcome to stop by and explore their shop.
The Festival of Trees at Lansing Manor Visitor’s center will be ongoing until December 30. 10am-5pm. The center will be closed December 24,25,31.
The Flat Creek Church ham dinner was attended by twenty-two people on Saturday evening. With the cold, snow, and roads not that great because of the blowing snow, it was debatable for people to come out. Those who were there had a great time of fellowship and delicious food. Along with the Apple pie II made sweet potatoes like my mom always did. They went quickly. The ham, cole slaw, tossed salad, Edith Butlers amazing homemade rolls and so much more brought smiles to everyone’s face as they enjoyed their meal. Then it was dessert time. With a table full of delicious desserts it was hard to decide which one to take. Pastor Paul gave a short talk on the birth of Jesus ending with prayer. The church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24, 6:30pm. The doors will be open for anyone who would like to attend. Loreen Lawrence gave a Missions talk on Sunday. She wanted all of us to know that Samaritans Purse distributed over three million shoe boxes to needy children all over the world. What a gift for those children who struggle each day. To see their smiling faces when they open their boxes is a site to behold. Thanks to everyone for supporting this huge project during the holidays. If you pass by Flat Creek Church, the sign out front is not wrong, you only need to be sure to read both sides. The sign reads: “Christmas without Christ is like an empty present.”
Gilboa Methodist Church Christmas Eve service 5:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
The Gilboa Museum held their bottle auction Saturday afternoon. Supervisor Alicia Terry was the Auctioneer for this event. With twenty-five to thirty bottles being auctioned off it turned out to be a lively fun-filled afternoon. Several were in attendance for this yearly event.
The Conesville Silent Auction was held as well on Saturday. Many wrapped baskets from so many vendors. The historical society is ever so grateful for all those who donated such wonderful items for this event.
Go BILLS! Wow! what a game that was on Sunday. Being behind by twenty-four points at the half, my Bills came out and with quarterback Josh Allen at the helm, the touchdowns began. Every player including Cooke, who was the best, were ready to raise the scoreboard and go for a win. They did just that. As soon as the game was over I had to call fellow columnist Ginny Gurley. The first thing she said was Go Bills, as did I. Yes we are both avid fans as is Ginny’s family. You can just bet if we both ever attended a game, there would be no holding us back with our hollering and cheering them on.
Birthdays: December 25 Karen Karlsen, 26 Connie Ruehl, 28 JoAnn Haskin,30 Jake Laban, 31 Frank Dewell
Prayer Concerns: Patti Haight, Ed and Pat Chatfield, Pastor Bray and all who may be ill at this writing.
Gilboa/Conesville Central School:
December 22-31 No School
Upcoming Events:
December 19, Sunken City Cider open 3-6pm
December 20, Sunken City Cider Yoga 11:00am-12noon. Live music with The Sun Dogs 3-6pm And the Reservoir Sunken City Eats 1=4pm
December 21 Sunken City Cidery opens 12pm-4pm, The Reservoir Sunken City Eats 1-4pm December 20, 3:00pm. Susan Harwood at the piano will present a program of holiday music performed as a festive community sing-along at Judd Hall 163 Main Street Jefferson. This event is free and open to everyone.
Sunday Worship Services:
Gilboa Methodist: 9:00am located on 990V Gilboa
Flat Creek Baptist: Flat Creek Road, 9:30am Sunday School, 10:30am worship service with coffee and fellowship following the service. Ladies Bible study every Monday 10:00am.
Conesville United Methodist Chapel: First and Third Sunday of the month 4:00pm Route 990V.
Got News? E-mail pickee@midtel.net
By Joshua Walther
SCHOHARIE - On Wednesday evening, the Schoharie Town Board bid an early farewell to retiring Highway Superintendent Les Foland.
Mr. Foland has been serving the Town of Schoharie for more than thirty years, and he’ll continue to act in his role until the end of December.
He’s named the successor of his position as Charles Reed, another long-time employee that’s been dutifully shadowing Mr. Foland to smoothly transition on January 1st.
The department also hired a new member of their crew on December 8th to fill the soon-to-be vacant route, and he’s already been running trucks to combat the recent snowfall, much to the delight of the higher ups.
“He’s a great guy,” said Mr. Reed. “He’ll fit in really well with everyone.”
After hearing Mr. Foland’s report for the final time, the Board gave their congratulations and well wishes, with Supervisor Ben Oevering saying “It’s been a long ride. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
In other news, the Board is planning to begin a draft of a new zoning district in Central Bridge.
Supervisor Oevering relayed to the members that he’s heard complaints of parking and blight within the hamlet, and he believes that making a new district will not only lead to enforcement, but also coincide with the comprehensive plan and the 2018 hamlet plan.
“It’s gotten to the point where it’s hard to plow the snow over there,” he said about the on-street parking. “We have no estimated cost just yet, but I have a few ideas that I’ve been pulling from the comprehensive plan. Once it’s ironed out, we’ll have a better idea of how much it might run.”
With the Board in agreement, they passed a motion to allow Supervisor Oevering to begin talks with their attorney on how to tackle drafting the new district.
Finally, members received an estimate of how much an inspection of the Fox Creek covered bridge might be if it went out to bid.
The estimate was totalled at $10,500, which is just over the limit for the Town’s procurement policy.
“I thought it was closer to $9,000,” Supervisor Oevering said. He suggested that the Board table the matter until January, and asked for copies of the total to be circulated among members so that they can come back more educated on the matter.
Smith Carbine Rifle, 1856-57 Patent
During the Civil War, Carbines were commonly used by Cavalry as they were light and easy to maneuver, and they often came with slings. These single shot percussion cap rifles had an effective range of 300 yards. This example comes to us from the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds.
Rubber bullet casings were common among these rifles. However, the Army soon turned to wrapping bullets in brass as rubber caused the guns to overheat after being fired.
Map of New England from 1757
This map was published in “The Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure,” an English magazine which published works on the arts and sciences. This map was used to show the theater of war during the Seven Years War. It also showed land claimed by the French, British and Native Americans. On the bottom left you can see the beginnings of “Skoheri” Creek.
Last Sunday, the Schoharie Kiwanis dropped off turkeys and gift cards to the Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Schoharie. Christ the Shepherd distributes them to the Schoharie Presbyterian and Schoharie Reformed Churches, which are given to needy families selected by each church.
Kiwanis aids many each year, including this annual tradition. Special thanks to Bob Vedder for the photo.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - The Village of Middleburgh may apply for a state grant that would pay for two electric vehicle charging stations.
The grant from the state Department of Environmental Conservation requires no local match. The grant application is due on February 27, 2026. Village board members agreed at their December meeting to move forward.
The board will hold off on a final decision until Amanda Whalen from MVEDD discusses it in more depth with members in January, Mayor Tim Knight said.
The proposal was discussed by the village grants committee in November before coming to the village board.
If approved, the EV recharging station will probably be placed by the Depot at the corner of Wells and Maple avenues. Officials said the location is close enough for motorists to walk downtown to shop or eat while their vehicle is charging. Other areas were considered but some had to be dismissed because they were in the floodplain.
Village attorney Fred Mauhs noted that when drivers of EV vehicles get off the Thruway onto Route 145 in Catskill, it is "a desert" for charging stations.
The state is providing $5 million for charging stations. Village officials said it would cost about $250,000 to construct them. The stations would be level 3 providing quicker charges. It would cost the village about $800 a year for electricity and other requirements. The village would have to maintain the stations for at least 10 years.
Board members were in favor of applying for the grant.
The stations would be one more thing the village has that other villages do not, Trustee Bob Tinker said. The stations would probably be used a lot, he added.
He also noted there are already surveillance cameras at the Depot.
* * *
In other action, board members:
Heard that there will be a ribbon cutting for the Windswept Farm and Apothecary on Main Street on Saturday at 1pm.
* Heard that an order to remedy was issued by the code officer on Maple Avenue. He also issued permits for two roof-mounted solar arrays.
* Set a year-end meeting for Monday. December 29 at 7pm at the village hall.
MIDDLEBURGH - Aleah represented at the Oratorical Competition at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School this week and claimed first place with a standout nine-minute speech on the Fourth Amendment.
Winning this competition takes amazing skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and memorization, culminating in a powerful delivery. Aleah’s preparation and poise set her apart, and she now advances to the district level.
Photo courtesy Middleburgh Central School.
MIDDLEBURGH - Auld Lang Syne and learning at Middleburgh Central School. The bond with former MCS exchange student Daniel Stenson reminds us that old friendships and traditions grow stronger with time.
First- and second-graders crafted headbands and crowns and learned about Saint Lucia Day and Swedish customs during a virtual visit with Daniel. Four years in, this annual tradition is a highlight of our Holidays Around the World unit.
LIVINGSTONVILLE – For our 5th annual lighting the Broome Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank all those that donated to this year’s Memory Trees. We are illuminating 180 bulbs to remember the memory of passed loved ones. The trees will be lit from dusk to dawn in front of our station until the morning of January 5th. We also thank the Mountain Eagle for their continued support in graciously donating the space for this article. My mother (Susan Baker) still inspires me to carry on this tradition and I would also like to thank all those who contributed. - Dexter Baker
Those remembered this year are:
- In loving memory 75 bulbs for Kenneth Desourdy, Charlotte Carter, Gertrude Sears, Dexter Sears, Jr., Suzie Baker, Alice Pelkey Desourdy, Ervin Desourdy, Marion Loadwick, Alfred Loadwick, Nora Gonyea, Zeb Gonyea, Robert Desourdy, Don Desourdy, Rita Desourdy, Dorothy Desourdy, Joe Desourdy, Betty Smith, Michael Hale, Jerry Carter, William Zundel, Charley Smith, Nancy Marmion, Natalie Clark, Allan Clark, Frank Sears, Betty Sears, Frank Sears, Jr., Shelia Wasson, Candy Rivers, Sandy FoBare, Eddie Baker, Norma Deragon, Dennis Hall, Reed Vassar, Lynda Vassar, Sally Shelton, Lori Vassar, Shirley Carter, Grace Soulia, Hildred Carter, Roger Carter, David Carter, Stephen Beiras, Steve Beiras, Reg Clark, Angela Fitzgerald, Corey Jock, Junior Hence, Steve Perry, John Rodriguez, Mary Clifford, Herry Clifford, Sr., Bernard Carter, Paul Carter, Wilfred Carter, Paulette Carter, Pat Carter, Michael Racette, Larry Brockway, Sr., Sheridan Soulia, Michael Carter, Erika Carter, Elizabeth Lyman, Earl Lyman, Helena Carter, Wilfred Carter, Sr., Lee Carter, Henry Clifford, Jr., Jill Corral, Steve Soulia, Sandy MiHill, Ginny Haselton, Rick Loadwick, Alfred Loadwick, Jr., and Sherri Carter from Amy and Mark Carter;
- In loving memory 26 bulbs for Susan Baker, Gertrude & Dexter C. Sears, Jr., Eddy Baker, Maynard Baker, Kenneth Desourdy, Larry Brockway, Sr., Billy Frye, Agnes & Dexter C. Sears, Sr., Minnie & Reed Vassar, Sr., Margaret & Donald Vassar, Robert Sears, Nan & Herman Para, Rudi Lindhorst, Gretel Spaether, Frieda Lander, Archie Baker, Ruth & Willard Near, Margaret Kanofsky, David Todriff, and Verna Mae Springer from Dexter and Dana Baker;
- In loving memory 20 bulbs for the Darcy Family, Crum Family, Novicki Family, and Sikora Family from Tom Darcy;
- In loving memory 15 bulbs for Mart Shufelt, Jeff Tryon, Charles Bender, Celia Bender, Dick Stevens, Tracy Lord, Duffy Jackson, Mert Jackson, Savana Summer Slater, Bob Patterson, Wanda Myers, Lauren Myers, Cindy Wainwright, Betty Patterson, and Bill Patterson from Star Lawyer;
- In loving memory 11 bulbs for Margaret Shevlin, Thomas Shevlin, Bernice Shevlin, Jean Shevlin, Thomas J. Shevlin, Vinchezo Piraneo, Giuseppa Piraneo, Joseph Insalaco, Louis Benincasa, Alex Benincasa, and Fr. Mark Beard from Vincent Piraneo;
- In loving memory 10 bulbs for Minard Henness, Susie Henness, ClaireBell Papas, William Gates, John Henness, Charles Henness, Patricia Talarico, Gary Becraft, Jacob Talarico, and Douglas Sutton from Dedra Papas;
- In loving memory 9 bulbs for Olive LaBonte, Susan McNulty, Faith MacDonald, Archie MacDonald, Virginia & Christopher Morrissey, Christopher Zolzer, Sam Tritto, and Duwayne Statham from Liz and Scott Statham;
- In loving memory 6 bulbs for George Box, Marie Box, Gaspar Maltese, Celeste Maltese, Warren Freedell, and Clara Freedell from Sam & Dorothy Maltese;
- In loving memory 4 bulbs for Alex, James, Arlene – Snooks, and Gwen from Leah Borst;
- In loving memory 2 bulbs for Sandra Mickle, and Reuben Mickle, Jr. from Reuben Mickle;
- In loving memory 2 bulbs for Richard Moore, and Carol Moore from Holly Moore.
By David Avitabile
MIDDLEBURGH - A clarification in the Middleburgh Central School dress code has banned the
Confederate flag, the swastika, and pictures of marijuana leaves or plants from clothing.
The clarification was announced at the December 10 meeting of the school board. The dress code covers respectful clothing and no promotion of harmful items, but the clarification was needed, Superintendent Mark Place told school board members.
"We’re always trying to stay ahead of concerns so our students feel safe and supported," Mr. Place said. "In this situation, a student came to us with a concern about the Confederate flag being worn in school. Under the Dignity for All Students Act, we’re required to look into and respond to anything that may involve harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.
"The clarifications I shared at the Board meeting were simply our thoughtful response to that student’s concern. They don’t change the dress code itself, but they help everyone better understand expectations that have been in place for a long time."
Recently, there have been questions regarding the enforcement of the dress code and two specific provisions:
* Respectful Clothing – Don’t wear anything with rude or offensive language or images, especially anything that puts down others based on race, religion, gender, or other personal characteristics.
The clarification added is: "This includes symbols that have been historically used to threaten or show hate toward others, such as the Confederate flag or a swastika."
The state, Mr. Place added, said the two items were identified as "symbols of hate" in a 2021 law.
* Promotion of Harmful Items – Clothing should not advertise alcohol, drugs, or anything violent or illegal.
The clarification added is: "This includes images of marijuana leaves or plants."
The issue was that marijuana is now legal in some situations, the Superintendent said.
Since the alterations were clarifications and not changes to the dress code, no public hearing is required, Mr. Place noted.
A letter will be sent home to parents and guardians to explain the clarifications and will be included in future editions of the dress code and student handbook.
By Joshua Walther
MIDDLEBURGH - On December 11th, the Middleburgh Town Board heard comments from Mark Ciafardo, a resident that was interested in the vacant Planning Board secretary position.
As members yielded the floor to Mr. Ciafardo, he took the opportunity to speak about his background serving on boards in the Bethlehem and Delmar areas, noting that he’s worked directly with the supervisors and highway superintendents.
“I’m not new to the Board setting,” he said, explaining how he wouldn’t need any adjustment time to fit into his role.
He also elaborated on why he wants to switch to Middleburgh, saying that he and his family have called the town home for just shy of twenty years.
“As I get older, I want to be more involved with what’s going on in my backyard, and I think I can use my experience to make a positive impact,” he noted.
When asked if he could fulfill the duties of a Planning Board secretary, with member Susan Makely warning him that it could become quite intense, Mr. Ciafardo was confident in his abilities.
“I had my own secretary to draft up Board minutes, but I’ve also done them myself when they weren’t present, so I’m not a stranger to that,” he said. “I’m fully dedicated to taking on whatever tasks are given to me.”
As Mr. Ciafardo’s brief overview drew to a close, members found no reason to not offer him the position, with Mrs. Makely saying “I think it’ll be a smooth transition if you follow the current secretary’s footsteps. She’s great, and she’ll teach you a lot.”
After little further discussion, the Board wasted no time in approving Mr. Ciafardo as the Planning Board secretary pending being sworn into office, with an official start date of the turn of the new year.
By Joshua Walther
SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie Town Board heard an overview of the Schoharie Business Park engineering project from Mike Harrington of Lamont Engineers last Wednesday evening.
According to Supervisor Ben Oevering, the Town successfully secured approximately 3.3 million dollars in county and grant funding to make improvements to the water and sewer plant located at the far end of the business park.
For over a year, Mr. Harrington has coordinated the project’s progress with the Town, including the introduction of a third sand filter bed to the plant and two test production wells as part of the first phase.
However, he elaborated that their steady momentum has been halted due to recent archaeological conflicts with the areas they’re attempting to modify.
Both the sand filter bed and the furthest well from the plant must be looked into more closely, as archaeological discoveries may be unearthed before the Town begins more extensive work, but the second well is ready to be connected to the plant at any time.
Member James Schultz asked what would happen to the project in the event that relics are uncovered, to which Mr. Harrington explained that it’s unlikely anything would be halted entirely.
“If they discover something, they’d most likely document it and move on,” he said. “It’s very rare that it would stop construction, and even if it does, there’s procedures for everything.”
“None of this is a deal-breaker, it’ll just take a bit of time and money for the work to be done,” he concluded.
Mr. Harrington said that this first phase will be delayed until they’re contacted with permission to keep moving, and when asked about the next step, he said that they’ve drafted a conceptual idea for the wellhouse and have charted out an appropriate area for a water storage tank, with a capacity of 60,000 to 75,000 gallons.
In other news, Supervisor Oevering told the Board that the Town has secured another grant from the county ARPA fund for $70,000.
The money is expressly earmarked for a study to determine if the Town can extend water and sewer from the business park, run it underneath I-88, and bring it to the other side by Zicha Road.
The idea didn’t sit well with member Marion Jaqueway, who thought that the Town would be playing favorites by connecting the properties across the highway and raising their property values.
“We’re just concentrating on one section,” she noted. “We might not be able to get that interest back in any real way.”
Before discussion could arise, Supervisor Oevering explained that the Town already has the grant, and the study is purely to see if the idea is feasible or not, so they could still decide on whether they should actually do it in the future.
With everyone’s hesitation quelled, the Board passed a motion to allow Mr. Harrington and Lamont Engineers to begin the proceedings.
SCHOHARIE - Students from Mrs. Langan’s and Mrs. Hannan’s classes at Schoharie Central School worked together last week to run a fully functioning shop—complete with a delivery service—right out of Mrs. Hannan’s classroom.
Throughout the morning, students practiced valuable real-world skills like taking orders, handling money, making change, and providing great customer service.
A huge thank-you goes out to Middleburgh Coffee Company for generously donating all the beverages, fixings, and their time to come in and serve SCS staff. They are so grateful for their partnership and support. An additional thank-you to The Carrot Barn for donating delicious donuts—what a perfect addition to their menu.
They also recognized the Youth Bureau for their continued support in making special events like this possible. Your time, encouragement, and dedication make such a meaningful difference.
While the day was already pretty amazing, the best part is that all proceeds went directly to the Backpack Program. Thanks to everyone who participated in any way, they are proud to share that they raised $251 to help support this essential program that does so much for SCS students.
Photos courtesy Schoharie Central School.
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