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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Great Overtime Win for Bulldogs

Simon O" Neil #10 with a 2-point shot.

Tyler France #5 doesn't get the 2 points with this lay-up. He would make a 3 pointer shortly. Photos by Robert Duso.

Nate Jone #0 was on fire, scoring 14 points in this game. It was hard to keep up with him. A Game to Remember! Bulldogs win in overtime. This game was neck and neck to the very end. Both teams didn't let the whole game. Bulldogs with 8 points in the first period, 17 in the second, 9 in the third, and 6 in overtime. Sir Bills 12 in the first, 10 in the second, 15 in the third, 9 in the fourth, and 3 in overtime. This game was a nail biter to the end.

Tyler France #5 working hard to make the pass against the Sir Bills Camden Jones #10.

Cam Jackson #3 has his shot blocked by Camdon Jones #10. Both teams put up a strong defense, holding the score at a tie 46 to 46 at the end of regular play forcing overtime. The Bulldogs would be victorious with a score of 52 to 49.

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Around the Neighborhood - Fleischmanns

By Rebecca DeVito

Hello everyone! Keeping nice and warm, I hope. Writing this from my kitchen, staring at an icicle that is over 3 feet long. Yes, I measured it. 

Thursday evening we had an incredibly well attended kick off for The Frog. I got to meet Patricia Wadsley (very briefly as I was slinging drinks), who has written a piece on the event. Thank you for coming and for sharing, and thank you to Katherine Wandersee for all of her efforts in making the event a success. It was nice to switch it up a bit from the regular music focused programming we have at The Print House. 

Some of you might have caught Jeff Entin telling a story at The Frog, a lot of you might have gone to Open Mic at Arkbowl, and some of you might know him from past musical performances in our space. Following the loss of The beloved Arkbowl, Jeff approached us about giving Open Mic some new life. All our best to the owners of Arkbowl on their future endeavors. You’ll be missed. We are excited to share that together with Jeff, The Print House will host Musician’s Open Mic every other Thursday, signups at 6:30pm and performances start at 7pm. The first Open Mic will be February 5th. 

Despite absolutely Baltic temperatures, our little village was bustling for Martin Luther King weekend. Lines for Belleayre and Plattekill were bonkers! We opened the kitchen at The Print House at 3pm all weekend to accommodate the influx of people- and will be doing so weekends only, moving forward. 

There’s a (maybe?) full weekend of music at The Print House again this weekend! Friday 8pm with The Classics, Saturday 4pm Apres Ski with Marji Zintz…. Its not looking good for Sunday due to the threat of over a foot of snow but we will tentatively have Too Lazy Boys at 5pm. We want our staff, patrons, and musicians to be safe, so depending on how the snow falls, we might be closed altogether. 

Sunday February 1st Fleischmanns First will be meeting to further discuss planning for the 2026 Memorial Day Street Fair. All are welcome to attend! All are welcome and encouraged to volunteer! Special thanks to Christine Creter & her family for their generous donation to the organization. Fleischmanns is happy to have you! 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! The holiday will fall on a Saturday so I implore you to make reservations if you hope to go out! Goatie Whites and The Print House will both be open, and taking reservations. TPH reservations will open up on 2/1 @ 12am via Resy. The holiday falling on a Saturday also means that it's a perfect opportunity to stock up on some delicious baked goods from Two Stones, gifts at Doolittle’s, and flowers from the long awaited Wax & Wild. Wax and Wild, owned by Cassandra Murphy & myself, will be open as a pop-up for the holiday ahead of our opening later in 2026. The location is 1084 Main Street, once home to Community Bank. More info can be found at www.waxandwild.com, Instagram at @waxandwild_, or Facebook. 

A huge thank you to the MARK Project and all of those who put their efforts into the New York Main Street program! It's going to be a wonderful summer in Fleischmanns! 

If you hear of any fun local events or Valentine’s Day happenings in the area, feel free to let me know! rebeccamariefreehill@gmail.com

Rebecca DeVito 

Wax & Wild 

@waxandwild_

Flowers. Events. Experiences. Vinyl. 

Coming soon to Main Street Fleischmanns!

M. (929) 393-3729 

The Print House 

@printhouseny

1070 Main Street 

Fleischmanns, NY 12430 

P. (845) 254-3444

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Catskill Center Receives Grant to Enhance Interpretation and Accessibility

ARKVILLE — The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development was awarded a $31,033 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program to improve accessibility and visitor experience at the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center. The project will update and replace aging signage with a new entrance kiosk, enhanced interpretive signage along trail systems, an outdoor television providing orientation, stewardship, and safety information, and Adirondack chairs that invite the community to gather and enjoy the landscape outside of regular hours. The Catskill Center will contribute an additional $4,486 in matching funds to reach a total of $35,519 for the project.

The grant is one of 27 awards totaling $2.25 million for organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York’s state parks and historic sites, trails, and public lands. The grants will be matched with private and local funding and will support projects to strengthen Friends groups and enhance public access and recreational opportunities. 

Friends groups—nonprofit organizations often made up entirely of volunteers—are essential to the stewardship and promotion of our state park system. These dedicated groups raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance tasks, provide educational programming, and promote public use through hosting special events. 

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is administered by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit organization, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “New Yorkers statewide are experiencing the benefits of restored trails, enhanced visitor centers, and engaging programs that foster a deeper connection with the outdoors. For the past decade, Park and Trail Partnership Grants have been instrumental in making these experiences possible by supporting the dedicated local organizations that steward our public lands. This year's record-breaking awards will ensure that these vital sites continue to educate, inspire, and warmly welcome all who visit.”

This project addresses a critical first point of contact for visitors and residents entering at the Catskills Visitor Center, ensuring they receive clear, accurate, and welcoming information from the moment they arrive. Updating outdated and damaged signage will eliminate confusion, guide visitors to the full range of resources available, and provide essential orientation and safety information for recreating responsibly in the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, where wilderness conditions and limited cell service can pose challenges. New interpretive panels will deepen understanding of the region’s natural and cultural history, while improved accessibility features such as multilingual and audio content will expand who can benefit from these resources. Together, these improvements strengthen the Catskills Visitor Center’s role as a trusted, inclusive gateway that connects people to nature, to the Catskills community, and to the knowledge needed to protect both visitors and the landscape.

Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center, said, “By improving how information is shared at the Catskills Visitor Center, we’re helping people start their experience in the Catskills informed, prepared, and connected to the landscape. This investment supports safer recreation, a deeper sense of place, and a stronger relationship between the community and the region we’re working to protect.”

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